Fragrance feuds on flights reach new heights as passengers clash over strong scents in confined cabins, raising questions about proper airplane etiquette and personal space.
At a Glance
- A Reddit post about a passenger spraying perfume during a transatlantic flight received over 13,000 upvotes
- Strong fragrances in confined airplane spaces can trigger allergies, migraines, and respiratory problems
- Etiquette experts suggest avoiding perfume use on planes and addressing issues calmly
- Travel experts recommend consideration for fellow passengers regarding both fragrance and food odors
- Passengers are divided on whether fragrance use constitutes a breach of airplane etiquette
Viral Complaints Spark Debate on Airplane Fragrance Use
Two recent viral social media posts have ignited intense debate about fragrance use during air travel. In one incident, a woman vented her frustration on Reddit after a fellow passenger sprayed perfume during a transatlantic flight. Her post on the subreddit “mildly infuriating” garnered over 13,000 upvotes as she described being sensitive to fragrances and worried about potential headaches and discomfort. The middle-seat passenger not only sprayed herself but also offered the perfume to her partner, much to the original poster’s dismay.
In another incident, a passenger’s complaint about “nasty cologne” on a Delta flight similarly sparked widespread discussion. Posted in the “r/delta” forum on Reddit with the title “Dudes and their nasty cologne,” the user criticized the use of strong scents on flights, specifically mentioning allergies and the inconsiderate nature of such behavior in cramped quarters. Both posts drew hundreds of comments from travelers sharing similar experiences and strong opinions on proper airplane etiquette.
“For some, even sitting next to someone wearing a strong fragrance can be enough to give them a migraine, set off an asthma attack, or even give them a severe allergic reaction.”, said Ant Robinson.
Health Concerns and Confined Spaces
The health implications of fragrance use in confined spaces like airplane cabins have emerged as a central concern in this debate. Fragrance expert Ant Robinson highlighted the real risks that strong scents pose to fellow passengers, particularly those with sensitivities. Many Reddit users shared their own experiences with asthma attacks, migraines, and allergic reactions triggered by others’ perfumes or colognes during flights. The airplane cabin’s limited space and recirculated air mean that fragrances don’t simply dissipate but rather spread throughout the cabin.
Some Reddit commenters noted that duty-free shops and cologne retailers at airports might be contributing to the problem, as passengers often test or apply multiple scent samples before boarding. Travel expert Gary Leff explained that the airplane’s air filtration system, while effective against pathogens, doesn’t necessarily prevent scents from spreading. The confined nature of airplane cabins means that personal choices like fragrance use can have widespread effects on other passengers, making consideration particularly important.
“Passengers have a zone of personal space on the plane that roughly corresponds to the area of their seat.”, said Gary Leff.
Expert Advice on Airplane Etiquette
Etiquette experts are divided on the specific rules regarding fragrance use during flights. Jo Hayes, an etiquette expert quoted in the Newsweek article, took a firm stance against in-flight perfume application, calling it “a major air travel faux pas.” She advised addressing issues calmly with either the passenger involved or flight attendants. However, cabin crew trainer Paula S. Adams offered a somewhat different perspective, stating that “spraying perfume on yourself doesn’t have anything to do with plane etiquette” while still emphasizing the importance of common sense and consideration in enclosed spaces.
Travel expert Gary Leff broadened the conversation to include other potentially disruptive scents, noting that strong-smelling foods can be equally problematic on flights. “Don’t bring stinky foods on the plane, either!” Leff advised. He emphasized that while passengers have their own personal space corresponding to their seat area, actions that affect the shared air quality impact everyone. Reddit users offered practical solutions, such as using peppermint oil to combat unpleasant smells or requesting assistance from flight attendants to mediate difficult situations.
“Passengers should not spray perfumes on planes. Perfumes can be very strong, and in a confined environment with many people in close proximity, it’s a major air travel faux pas.”, said Jo Hayes.
Finding Common Ground in the Air
The viral nature of these complaints highlights how airplane etiquette continues to evolve as passengers navigate the challenges of sharing confined spaces. While opinions differ on the severity of fragrance use as an etiquette breach, most commenters agreed that consideration for others should be the guiding principle when flying. In the first Reddit incident, the perfume-spraying passenger eventually apologized for her actions, recognizing her mistake – a small moment of resolution that demonstrates how awareness can lead to better behavior.
For travelers concerned about scent sensitivities, experts recommend politely addressing the issue directly with fellow passengers or seeking assistance from flight attendants who are trained to handle such situations diplomatically. Some airlines have considered implementing fragrance-free policies, though enforcement remains challenging. As air travel continues to bring strangers into close proximity, these discussions about personal space and consideration serve as important reminders that respectful behavior makes flying more comfortable for everyone.
