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It can be second nature to spritz with perfume before boarding a plane, but it can also be harmful to fellow passengers if it’s an offensive scent.
More frequent flyers are wearing strong scents that can be distracting or even allergy-inducing on flights – with some people comparing these smells to farting on a plane or having bad body odor.
Cult classic Baccarat Rouge 540, Ariana Grande Cloud, and Burberry Her all blew up on TikTok and have legions of devoted followers, but they can disrupt other travelers.
Overly sweet scents can be headache-inducing when in small, enclosed spaces.
One massive no-no is applying perfume mid-flight. While a travel bottle might seem like the best way to get through TSA, avoid temptation to spritz yourself while at the airport. What’s a delectable scent to you could be quite cloying to your travel partners.
To scent or not to scent has become a massive hot topic on social media, where passengers are often complaining about all kinds of wild airplane etiquette.
One frequent flyer took to Reddit to question the etiquette behind wearing perfume while flying, writing that they were ‘flying back home from vacation’ when it was brought to their attention ‘that wearing fragrance on an airplane is not considerate due to it being an in closed space and might not smell nice for others’ along with causing headaches.
‘In a plane where there is no escape I think it’s an asthma/allergy/migraine trigger and it’s best practice not to use fragrance intentionally,’ one Reddit user warned – however other people were quick to say they refused to be shamed for their traveling perfume use.
To find out the correct etiquette behind loading up on a scent before boarding, FEMAIL reached out to a fragrance expert.
It can be second nature to spritz with perfume before boarding a plane, but it can also be harmful to fellow passengers if it’s an offensive scent (stock photo)
More frequent flyers are wearing strong scents that can be distracting or even allergy-inducing on flights (stock photo)
Reddit users shared the fragrances they can’t stand in the air, including Mugler’s Alien ($150), which they thought was simply too strong and lasted too long
Commenters were quick to share the fragrances they can’t stand in the air, including Mugler’s Alien, which they thought was simply too strong and lasted too long, and Penhaligon’s, is a longtime favorite of the royal family.
Some said they’d prefer a fragrance to other airplane odors, with one writing, ‘I prefer any perfume over stinky feet, sweaty armpits and flatulence.’
‘I think it’s best to be considerate and err on the side of caution when wearing fragrances on a plane,’ Dossier’s Head of the Creative Lab, Ines Guien, advised.
Inspired by Tom Ford’s beloved Oud Wood but for a mere fraction of the price, this unisex scent commands attention with its natural, warm, and woody medley of rosewood, tobacco, pink pepper, coriander, oud, patchouli, and tonka bean, among others.
It’s no wonder it’s been dubbed the ‘caviar of fragrances.’
Bright and uplifting, Fruity Honey is modeled after Jo Malone’s famed Nectarine Blossom and Honey scent.
It brings those vivacious peachy notes to the mix coupled with the warmth of honey and a bit of zesty blackcurrant and vetiver to shake things up. The result is a gorgeous scent that’s as good (and long-lasting) as the real thing.
All the magnetic appeal of Creed — for massively less! Formulated after the legendary brand’s equally iconic Silver Mountain Water, this scent is crisp and compelling.
The unisex melange of green tea, neroli, petitgrain, and blackcurrant come together seamlessly, yielding an absolutely refreshing scent that is inoffensive and flight-friendly.
‘When flying I would avoid anything too strong like Oud that may irritate those around you,’ Ines, who’s based in New York, continued, referencing the polarizing fragrance often used for incense.
Oud is a resinous wood from the Aquilaria tree that becomes infected with a specific mold and results in a dark, aromatic wood known for its unique scent.
While the scent is wildly popular and found in perfumes including Dossier’s Fougere Oud, Tom Ford’s Oud Wood, and Kayali’s Ougasm Vanilla, it can still be divisive.
‘Try to stick to lighter, fresher scents as these tend to be universally liked. Ultimately wear what makes you comfortable and stay true to yourself, while being considerate of your fellow flyers,’ the VP of Operations added. Dossier’s Fruit Honey and Musky Green Tea are known for being softer.
‘Musks, or skin scents are great for situations like these where you want to add a touch of perfume without it being overwhelming,’ Ines said, since they won’t typically disturb other travelers.
‘Try to stick to lighter, fresher scents as these tend to be universally liked. Ultimately wear what makes you comfortable and stay true to yourself, while being considerate of your fellow flyers,’ Dossier’s Head of the Creative Lab, Ines Guien, advised
Beauty brand Ceremonia makes a light guava hair mist that has been a massive hit with shoppers
The expert also suggested trying a lightly scented hair perfume or lotion instead.
Beauty brand Ceremonia makes a light guava hair mist that has been a massive hit with shoppers and sold out on Sephora.
Ceremonia Perfume Mist de Guava
People are so obsessed with this juicy scent that it keeps selling out! And for good reason, as it hits all the right notes and wraps you up in tropical goodness.
With notes of guava, lemon, peach, jasmine petals, and brown sugar, it’s truly addictive from the first spritz and so lovely you’ll want to wear it nonstop.
This Works Deep Sleep Body Cocoon
Napping on the plane? This will help you drift off with its gentle scent that won’t disturb anyone in your vicinity.
Notes of lavender and chamomile are relaxing, working their aromatherapeutic powers while drenching skin in a nourishing and super-hydrating blend of shea butter and oils of camelia and sativa.
For those who want a body lotion that does double duty, This Works offers a lavender and chamomile deep sleep night cream that will send wearers into a slumber during a red eye flight.
It might be tempting to try a spritz of a high-end perfume while in a duty-free store, but wash it off after if you don’t want to offend your delicately-nosed neighbors.
‘Given the close quarters on a plane, I would also advise against spraying while you’re on the plane,’ Ines said.
‘If you must wear fragrance while traveling, make sure to spritz your perfume before boarding while at home or in the airport bathroom.’