To answer the title question from an historical prespective, you need to get the straight info from a pilot that has extensive experience...when smoking was allowed in the vast majority of passenger aircraft....like yours truly
Rule one:
No smoking when the No Smoking light is illuminated.
Rule two:
Smoking is allowed (yes, even in the lavatories) when the No Smoking light is not illuminated.
Exceptions to Rule one:
The Captain is allowed to smoke any time he wants...light or no light.
If in doubt, as the Captain.
Type of aircraft, Douglas DC-6B/Lockheed Electra/Convair 440...and yes, even a B707 (where I was a Captain for quite awhile) on the last type.
Now, as a Commander on an L1011, smoking is allowed on the FD, for those who wish.
Now, where the heck did I put my Havana....?
