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