Pop icon Britney Spears, 43, has publicly addressed an incident aboard a JSX charter flight from Cabo San Lucas to Los Angeles on May 22, 2025, during which she smoked a cigarette and consumed alcohol mid-flight. The episode prompted flight attendants to alert authorities, who met the aircraft upon landing and issued Spears a warning for violating federal aviation regulations.
In a candid Instagram post, Spears explained that a friend had lit the cigarette for her, leading her to believe that smoking was permitted on the aircraft. She expressed regret to anyone offended by her actions and described the situation as a misunderstanding.
Spears also mentioned that it was her first time drinking vodka, which contributed to her confusion during the flight. She recounted feeling “clear and smart” after consuming the alcohol, which led to her desire to smoke.
Flight attendants reported that Spears was “difficult” during the flight, though she complied when asked to extinguish the cigarette. Upon landing at Los Angeles International Airport, authorities issued her a warning, and no further action was taken.
This incident has sparked discussions about Spears’ well-being, especially considering her past struggles and the termination of her 13-year conservatorship in November 2021. While some express concern, others argue that the media scrutiny may be excessive.