People are just learning why airplanes have ashtrays – despite the ban on cigarettes

We all know smoking is banned on flights these days.

So why do you still find ashtrays on modern airplanes? It’s a question that tourists have been asking themselves a lot recently.

Curiosity was piqued by Phil Stringer, known on social media as @phil.stringer, who shared his confusion after spotting an ashtray right under a no-smoking sign on board his recent flight. He posted a video on social media showing the small metal flap in the wall of the aircraft’s toilet.

READ MORE:

READ MORE: Airport passengers ‘confused’ after hand luggage ‘rejected’ at security

The clip, which has attracted more than 1,100 views, was captioned: “No smoking on the plane… but we’ll give you an ashtray if you do.”

The post sparked a flurry of comments on TikTok, with users debating the reason behind the ashtrays’ presence. Some suggested it could reveal the age of the plane, with one commenting: “How old is the plane.”

Another user chimed in, saying: “It costs money to take them out and think of all the planes they have.” This led to another agreement: “Kind of true.”

However, the seemingly humorous observation in Phil’s video is actually spot on.

The Federal Aviation Administration requires aircraft to have ashtrays located on or near the toilet door by law. This regulation exists because there are still passengers trying to sneak a smoke on board.

The FAA website states, “Installing an ashtray on or near the lavatory door will ensure that uninformed persons who find themselves with lit smoking materials on the airplane will have an obvious location to dispose of the smoking materials before entering the lavatory.”