2.23.15 – (LAA/LUS) 25 Years of No Smoking On Board

February 23, 2015

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In recognition of the 25th anniversary of the smoke-free cabin, Flight Attendants gathered this morning at ORD for a press conference hosted by Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL). APFA union reps Susan Wroble (IOR President), Todd Cesa (ORD VP), and IOR Flight Attendants Jena Olson and Lisa Casale, along with several active and retired Flight Attendants from American and United joined Illinois’ senior Senator to mark the occasion. Then-Congressman Durbin, along with the late Senator Lautenberg (D-NJ), were champions of federal legislation to ban smoking on board US domestic flights. The law went into effect on February 25, 1990 and eventually led to smoking bans on all flights to or from the US.

“It’s hard to believe it has been 25 years since a passenger last smoked on board,” Susan said. “Speaking for all of the flight attendants in attendance this morning, it was our pleasure to be on hand to celebrate and to thank Senator Durbin for his work to make the cabin a healthier place for flight crews and passengers.”

“Anniversaries like these remind us of how far our profession has come,” said APFA National President Laura Glading. “But it doesn’t happen by accident. All of the gains we have made can be traced back to the dedication and unity of Flight Attendants. Twenty-five years ago it was smoking, but there are always battles to be fought and when we fight them together, we will win.”

To learn more about APFA’s government relations team and ongoing lobbying efforts, contact Julie Frederick at [email protected].