Cigars All Around For Airline Debut

CHICAGO — “Please extinguish all smoking materials” will not be broadcast on this flight.

Freedom Air, a charter airline for smokers only, is launching an initial round-trip flight Sept. 28 between Chicago and Los Angeles. Two more smoky round trips are set for October.

So far, there are only a few reservations for the first flight, a spokeswoman for Freedom Air said. But flyers everywhere are itching to light up, the company said.

American Trans Air, a charter airline, will fly the wide-body L-1011, allowing Freedom Air to bypass current legislation banning smoking on all U.S. domestic flights.

The round-trip fare begins at $446. All passengers must be 21 years old and members of the Freedom Air smokers club, which costs $20 for a lifetime membership.