Commercial Fixed Wing
Flight Attendant Current
Communication Breakdown
Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Other / Unknown
General None Reported / Taken
Human Factors; Procedure
I asked the Ops agent in BWI; if she minded if I went downstairs outside on the ramp to smoke; as many ops agents allow pilots and flight attendants to do so; providing they stay hidden. She replied she had never let an attendant down before. I told her I knew some ops agents allowed it; and if it was ok with her; I'd like to do so. She looked at me strangely and said 'whatever' and proceeded up the jetway. She never replied no; so I went outside; but after feeling strange due to her behavior; I returned up the jetway and onto the aircraft. I cleaned the plane and we were waiting to board when 2 supervisors from BWI entered the aircraft and asked to speak to me. They asked if I had gone down the ramp and I replied yes; but after consideration; didn't think it was a good idea and returned. One sup informed me that it was against the law in MD to smoke on the ramp. I apologized and replied I wasn't aware of that; had I been; I never would've gone down in the first place. I explained I had asked the ops agent first and she didn't tell me no; I have never disobeyed a fellow employee. She simply said 'whatever' and walked away. The supervisors recommended I write [a report.] We shook hands and began boarding.I feel there needs to be a complete understanding and consistency with all employees regarding smoking on the ramp. As I mentioned; many ops agents allow it and many employees from [another company] do it. If there is a rule; everyone should be on the same page. I never would've gone down without asking. I did ask. When the ops agent says 'whatever' and walks away; that doesn't convey breaking a law. For myself; I can say smoking in general has become a nuisance and affecting my health and have decided to quit; for many reasons. I've got the tools to quit; now I just need to put them to use. I understand now the severity and the importance of this rule now and have no intention of ever breaking it again.
Flight Attendant reported a communications breakdown with Gate Agent during preflight regarding local ramp access procedural policy.