Originally Posted by
SAPriorityTag
From the picture this looks like the pmUA 772 High Density. I can confirm that this aircraft has stickers over what I presume used to be "No Smoking" lights at the individual rows in both cabins. The main light bar/information center at the fronts and backs of each cabin, however, does still have the "No Smoking" light (also "Fasten Seat Belt" and "Lavatory Occupied"). Considering UA's focus on cost cutting and just how much they can cheapen the flight experience I'm sure some bean counter realized that one-time stickers were cheaper than all the potential light bulbs needing replacement.
I believe the PSU change from lights to placards being done as part of the interior retrofits and new aircraft delivery -- a recent PremPlus 772 and 787-10 both had this style indication.
Given that the no smoking sign hasn't been turned off in +/-30 years I'm surprised it's taken this long to realize the savings in maintenance, weight, electricity, heat dissipation [may not actually be a problem in flight], idiot conflict when lamp burns out ("but the sign above my seat was off! I thought it was OK to light up!"), etc.