JAL to Offer Alternative to Smoking

Coffee, tea or cigarette substitute? Beginning today, Tokyo-based Japan Airlines will ban smoking on all international flights--but it will offer passengers an alternative. Those who find smoke-free flying troublesome will receive a little plastic tube in the shape of a cigarette to put in their mouths to help suppress the urge. “It’s for oral gratification,” airline spokeswoman Irene Jackson said. Japan’s biggest airline decided on the ban after a passenger poll last year found that 80% supported it. Smoking is already banned on JAL’s domestic flights.