Smoking on Garuda

Smoking on Garuda

Having recently taken a return flight to Jeddah on Garuda (GA
980/1) I was most surprised to discover that smoking was
permitted on board the aircraft, needless to say, to the
considerable discomfort of myself and the vast majority of other
passengers, most of whom were fasting at the time.

I enquired of the stewardess, who confirmed that smoking was
indeed allowed on the flight, albeit in designated seating areas
(although, of course, this failed to prevent foul-smelling clove
clouds from permeating the entire length of the cabin).

Furthermore, there was no announcement on the public address
system requesting that passengers extinguish their cigarettes
prior to landing.

Two points here: First, if Garuda wishes to be regarded as a
modern international airline, then surely it should follow
industry conventions on smoking? Second, may I suggest that it
makes public its policy in this regard so that consumers can make
the appropriate choice prior to purchasing tickets.

YULI YANTI
Ciputat, Banten