Free Cigarette Samples on Flights

Although smoking was not initially permitted on airplanes, cigarette companies provided cigarettes and later sample packs to customers.

Cigarettes were very popular during the second world war. Advertisements and posters from this time often depicted flying and smoking together.^[2]Blum A. Smoking aloft: an illustrated history. Tobacco Control 2004;13:i4-i7 In addition, cigarette companies provided sample packs to customers, some with aviation themes.

By the 1950s, virtually all of the world’s airlines permitted smoking and distributed complimentary cigarettes.^[3]Blum A. Smoking aloft: an illustrated history. Tobacco Control 2004;13:i4-i7 Cigarette sampling usually consisted of small packs of 4 to 5 cigarettes that included cigarette brand and airline labeling.

In 1957, American Tobacco Company attempted to sample its Hit Parade Cigarettes through United Airlines. However, popular competitive brands kept their brand off of United Flights.

“R.J. Reynolds is supplying a huge quantity of Winston samples each year for this one airline. This, along with their other sampling endeavors using Winston samples, makes our sampling very weak by comparison.”^[4]Mooney-EF, ATCO. Sampling. 1957 June 26. American Tobacco Records; Master Settlement Agreement. Unknown. https://www.industrydocuments.ucsf.edu/docs/gzpw0141

The second US airline, aside from Pan AM, to fly the 707-300 jet, was TWA, which marketed their new 707-331B fanjets as the “StarStream” Intercontinental. To commemorate, TWA offered StarStream branded Winston cigarettes.

According to R.J. Reynolds, Dallas Fort Worth Airport was the most sampled airport in the US. While free samples on airplanes were standard, sampling was also conducted in exclusive flight clubs and duty-free shops.

A 1963 R.J Reynolds Tobacco Company marketing document, Distribution of 4’s (4pack) With In-Flight Lunches At Military Bases And Commercial Airlines, proposes providing free samples at 50 military bases and on 15 airlines.^[5]RJR. DISTRIBUTION OF 4’S WITH IN-FLIGHT LUNCHES AT MILITARY BASES AND COMMERCIAL AIR LINES.. 1963 March 28. RJ Reynolds Records; Master Settlement Agreement. Unknown. … Continue reading

 

Led by Surgeon General Luther Terry with the help of an advisory committee, the 1964 landmark report linked smoking cigarettes with dangerous health effects, including lung cancer and heart disease. After consulting more than 7,000 articles about cigarette smoking, the committee concluded smoking was a cause of lung and laryngeal cancer in men, a probable cause of lung cancer in women, and the most important cause of chronic bronchitis.

It is common for cigarette makers to monitor their competitors. For example, a 1965 marketing document, outlines major tobacco company marketing and sales efforts. The report also Includes sampling information. While this report does not specify airline sampling, they list the sampled brands. Note: Most Samples contain 4-5 cigarettes. On occasion, makers would sample full packs of 20 cigarettes.

American Tobacco: Lucky Strike Filter 4’s, Montclair 5’s, Tareyton Filter 5’s, Pall Mall Filter 20’s

Brown & Williamson Tobacco Co.: Viceroy 4’s and Belair 4’s

Liggett & Myers Tobacco Co.: L&M 4’s and Lark 4’s

P . Lorillard Company: Newport. 4’s, Kent 4’s, Old Gold 4’s, Old Gold Filter 4’s, Spring 4’s, Kent 20’s

Philip Morris: Galaxy 4’s and 20’s, Philip Morris Filter 4’s and 20’s, Paxton 20’s

R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co.: Camel 4’s, Winston 4’s, Salem 4’s, Tempo 4’s, P . A . 4’s and 20’s^[6]Unknown. COMPETITIVE ACTIVITIES REPORT 1965 SEPTEMBER (650900). AMERICAN TOBACCO COMPANY SEPTEMBER, 1965 (650900).. 1965 September. RJ Reynolds Records; Master Settlement Agreement. Unknown. … Continue reading

Brown & Williamson’s marketing and promotions budget place airline sampling at $85,000 less than the previous year. Market research studies on the effectiveness of airline sampling will be used to determine whether to pursue this activity to a greater or lesser extent.

Airlines currently sampling Viceroys will be retained, except American Airlines will operate on a six-month basis, alternating with a competitive cigarette.^[7]Unknown. BROWN & WILLIAMSON TOBACCO CORPORATION 660000 ADVERTISING & SALES PROMOTION PLANS. 1966. Brown & Williamson Records; Master Settlement Agreement. Unknown. … Continue reading

In 1966, the National Interagency Council on Smoking and Health (a voluntary organization of government agencies, NGOs, businesses, and individuals, formed after the 1964 Report of the Surgeon General on Smoking and Health) sent letters to presidents of 37 commercial airlines in the U.S.–all members of the Air Transport Association—concerning the practice of dispensing free cigarettes with meals on flights. The letter expressed interest in knowing the policy of airlines distributing a product known to be a health hazard and what may be anticipated if any change in this policy. Twenty-six airlines responded with the following results:

• Thirteen airlines that do not distribute cigarettes have discontinued distributing cigarettes: Aloha, Bonanza, Frontier, Hawaiian, Mohawk, National, North Central, Northeast, Ozark, Southern, Trans-Texas, Western, Wein Air, and Alaska.
• Two airlines have modified their distribution procedure, that is, cigarettes are offered or are made available on request: Caribair and Eastern.
• Allegheny Airlines plans to stop distributing cigarettes.
• Six airlines will review their policy: American, Braniff, Continental, Delta, Reeve Aleutian, and TWA.
• Four airlines distribute cigarettes–no change is indicated: Central, Pan-American Grace, Pan American World, and United.^[8]Unknown. AIRLINE POLICIES ON FREE CIGARETTES.. 1967 October 23. RJ Reynolds Records; Master Settlement Agreement. Unknown. https://www.industrydocuments.ucsf.edu/docs/zsck0094

After testing Viceroy cigarettes and Winston 4-pack sampling on airlines, due to Viceroy’s diminished market share and brand allegiance, Brown and Williamson (B&W) marketing suggested pulling the plug on in-flight cigarette sampling. In 1965 49% of passengers were smokers. However, B&W’s study showed a low conversion rate from competing brands to Viceroy.

“In 1965, Viceroy’s spending for airline sampling was about $930,000 – Equivalent spending against all smokers would be $20,000,000 and in either case would be an excessive amount unless such promotional spending resulted in a doubling or tripling of Viceroy’s share in the promoted group.”^[9]Burgard, J. (February 4, 1966), Final Report – 4’s Airline Sampling (Project #1965-45), Bates no. 670654508 “Recommendation: In view of the above conclusions, it is recommended that we discontinue airline sampling as soon as possible.”^[10]Burgard, J. (February 4, 1966), Final Report – 4’s Airline Sampling (Project #1965-45), Bates no. 670654508

 

Due to complaints from nonsmokers, some physicians, and members of congress, some airlines (TWA) stop providing free cigarettes when current supplies run out. Eastern decides to provide them on request only. American Airlines says that it will make a decision later, and others will offer them as sales items.

Once Airline Assistant Division Managers deliver sample 4’s to airlines, the airlines then handled the distribution of the samples on the plane. Samples were given with each dinner or snack.

This was discontinued because of abuse, i.e., airline employees were smoking too much of the product.^[11]RJR. MARKETING RESEARCH REPORT. CAMEL LIGHTS SAMPLING 2’S VERSUS 4’S.. 1978 October 13. RJ Reynolds Records; Master Settlement Agreement. Unknown. … Continue reading

During the period of December 22, 1980, thru January 31, 1981,
Brown & Williamson participated in an onboard sampling program
with American Airlines. The test was confined to transcontinental
flights between Los Angeles and New York The products used were KOOL Super Lights and VICEROY Rich Lights. The sampling was to be done on a request-only basis from passengers. During the 41-day test, approximately 104 packs in total were distributed. According to American Airlines’ representative, the low response was caused by:

 – low passenger load rates during January down 25% in first-class;

– very low initial request rate for cigarettes;

– reticence on the part of flight crews to give any publicity to the fact that cigarettes were available for fear of incurring the wrath of the non-smoking passengers.

Recommendation: Terminate the program of airline sampling.

Philip Morris document expressing regret that they did not establish a contract with United Airlines to offer Marlboro Cigarettes. R.J. Reynolds offered to supply United gratis Sample 12’s (12-pack), a total of 3 million cigarettes of Winston King Size, Salem King Size, and Yves Saint Laurent. R. J. Reynolds agreed to participate in United’s in-flight magazine. They contributed to the printing of menus, the production of in-flight videos, and supplying United Airlines with packaging material; such as plastic bags.

“United Airlines did not show any concern with regards to a possible loss of sales, nor were they concerned with increasing their profit potential on in-flight sales by neglecting the worlds number 1 selling cigarette (Marlboro).”^[12]PM, PHILIP MORRIS; RIMAKIS,M. UNITED AIRLINES (IN-FLIGHT SALES) 860221 MEETING. 1986 February 25. Philip Morris Records; Master Settlement Agreement. Unknown. … Continue reading

At the federal level, the major confrontation will involve Congressional efforts to increase the excise tax on cigarettes, perhaps as much as an additional 160 per pack. Congress will also seek legislation to ban/limit advertising, promotion, and sampling of cigarettes and pursue other activities such as a ban on smoking on airlines, cigarette fires, safety standards, requests for cigarette additive information, and regulations to increase oversight of tobacco manufacturers.^[13]R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company. (1987), Situation Analysis. Bates # 50678-4912. https://www.industrydocuments.ucsf.edu/tobacco/docs/#id=nyyp0089

Congress passed legislation banning smoking on US domestic flights of less than two hours, which became effective in 1988. ^[14]Holm AL, Davis RM. Clearing the airways: advocacy and regulation for smoke-free airlines. Tobacco Control 2004;13:i30-i36.

On February 25, 1990, the “no-smoking” sign was permanently lit on U.S. domestic airline flights – for the health of flight attendants and passengers. This eventually led to smoke-free air on all flights to and from the U.S. and to smoke-free policies for airlines worldwide.

 

Smokers Express Airlines was a promotion undertaken by two Florida businessmen, Mickey Richardson and William Watts, in 1993 as a way to get around the FAA’s ban on smoking on domestic airline flights. Smokers Express Airline was created exclusively for smokers. It was to be a “membership only” airline. It would cost $25 to join, and you had to be at least 21 years old (so there would be no crying babies on board). The airline would offer free cigarettes, “real ash trays,” VIP lounges, a Smokers Express Gold Travel Card, free headphones and movies in flight, complimentary newspapers, “real food for real people” (steak, burgers, subs and pizza), free Lotto tickets for each passenger, free destination maps for passengers, and they generously decided to include a non-smoking section at the back of the plane for companion travelers.^[15]Unknown. Unknown. 1993 November. Philip Morris Records; Master Settlement Agreement. Unknown. https://www.industrydocuments.ucsf.edu/docs/rxpy0130 The company never received enough funding to begin operations.

The U.S. Department of Transportation amends its smoking rule to implement a ban on smoking aboard aircraft in scheduled passenger interstate, intrastate and foreign air transportation.^[16]“The Federal Register.” Federal Register :: Request Access, https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2000/06/09/00-14480/smoking-aboard-aircraft.

On March 19, 2010, FDA published its final regulations, “Regulations Restricting the Sale and Distribution of Cigarettes and Smokeless Tobacco to Protect Children and Adolescents,” at 21 CFR Part 1140. This rule contains a number of provisions restricting the marketing, sale, and distribution of tobacco products aimed at limiting youth access to tobacco products. Among other requirements, the regulations prohibit:

• The distribution of free samples of tobacco products, except for smokeless tobacco distributed in “qualified adult-only facilities” in accordance with the regulations;
• The sale of cigarettes and smokeless tobacco to individuals under 18 years of age; and
• The sale of cigarettes and smokeless tobacco to individuals under 27 years of age without verifying by means of photographic identification that the purchaser is at least 18 years of age.

The U. S. Department of Transportation (DOT) issued a final rule on March 2, 2016, banning the use and charging of e-cigarettes on all domestic and foreign airlines during domestic and international flights flying to, from, or within the United States. The rule applies to all passengers and crew members.

The free sample ban prohibits the distribution of free samples of cigarettes, smokeless tobacco, or other tobacco products as defined in section 201 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.^[17]21 CFR § 1140.16(d)1 The free sample ban automatically applies to all tobacco products subject to FDA’s tobacco product authority, including components and parts of tobacco products, except smokeless tobacco product samples distributed in “qualified adult-only facilities” in accordance with 21 CFR § 1140.^[18]16 d 21 CFR § 1140.14 b