You're comparing things that are totally different. Skin cancer is a whole different topic and wont cause a heart attack and other things I mentioned. Skin cancer is something that happens over a longer period of time. 1000's of People have had heart attacks within 6 months of their initial smoking habit. 1000's of people develop serious asthma symptoms from smoking. 1000's of people develop COPD from smoking within a few months.

I still stand on no medical for smokers; I hope it happens one day! A cigar once in a while is totally different and doesn't pose nearly the health risk that cigarettes do. Although, you might lose your low lip, tongue or even the esophagus from cigars. There are approx. 300 chemical compounds in cigarettes and a good cigar might have 2 or 3. You dont run the risk of CHF, COPD, MI or emphysema with cigars nearly as much as you do with cigarettes. I'm not promoting to go and smoke cigars. All habitual smoking/drug use (yes, cigarettes are a drug) poses serious health risks. Coplusive, indugence, moderate...Whatever. That doesn't negate the fact that smoking is cancerous and inconsiderate to those around you. Smoke all you want if you like but be considerate of others and don't fly a plane full of people. If you have a deathwish (violent one at that) than go ahead and smoke but do it in a closed room away from others. I can't fathom defending such a disgusting habit. What's in it for those who smoke? Please give me all the pros about smoking. After your done listing one or two pros, list the cons. I guarantee that you'll have several pages of cons.

You're missing a BIG point too. No smoking will save everyone money, including the company, and that could potentially be more money in your paycheck. It will save taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars as well.

I'm not sure if Alaska follows the ACSM standards but you are considered a current smoker by most companies if you have had a cigarette within 6 months. If Alaska does follow these guidelines, why would anyone start smoking again after they quit to get the job? Is it about "catch me smoking if you can" or "I want to keep my job at Alaska so I will stop smoking". I don't know, what happens if you're caught smoking at Alaska Airlines? Throw me a bone here.