A Flight Attendant's Guide to Handling Smelly Passengers on a Plane

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Flying can be an adventure all on its own, but finding yourself seated next to a smelly passenger can quickly turn it into an unforgettable ordeal. Fear not, though—Court, an experienced flight attendant and social media influencer, shares valuable tips to help you navigate through this less-than-ideal situation. From discreetly alerting flight attendants to what actions the crew can take mid-flight, you’ll discover that you don’t have to suffer in silence. Whether it’s using onboard sprays or, in extreme cases, removing the offending passenger from the plane, there are ways to make your trip more pleasant. So next time your nose is in distress, remember these handy tips and let the flight attendants come to your rescue. Have you ever found yourself seated next to someone a bit on the smelly side during a long flight, and wondered what you can do about it? You’re not alone! Whether it’s due to a strong fragrance, poor hygiene, or a medical condition, unpleasant odors can make an already cramped cabin feel even more intolerable. Luckily, there are helpful tips and expert advice on how to handle these situations with grace and effectiveness.

A Flight Attendant’s Guide to Handling Smelly Passengers on a Plane

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The Importance of Addressing the Issue

When you pass someone smelly in a store or on the street, it’s usually easy to move away to get some fresh air. On a plane? Not so much. You’re stuck in a cramped cabin with no way out, only left hoping that the recirculated plane air will carry the stench away. Being forced to inhale strong odors for hours can make a flight feel unbearable. One country even hopes to ban perfume for pilots and flight attendants — pleasant smells, too, can become stomach-churning in tight quarters.

You Don’t Have to Suffer in Silence

Thankfully, you aren’t forced to suffer in silence when seated next to a stinky passenger. Explore spoke exclusively with Court, a flight attendant and content creator known as @CourtTooFly on Instagram and YouTube. The expert, who’s been working the skies for six years and counting, says that flight attendants can help sweeten a smelly situation.

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Addressing the Issue Before the Flight Takes Off

“As an airplane passenger, if you’re alerted to the issue before the boarding door has been closed, you can alert the flight attendants, and they can handle the issue from there,” Court revealed. “It’s a touchy subject, but you must be fit to fly, and strong [odors] are part of that.”

Let the Flight Attendants Handle the Smelly Situation

Assuming you don’t want your seatmate to give you the stink eye (no pun intended) throughout the flight, asking for help from a flight attendant is the easiest and least confrontational way to handle another passenger’s bad B.O. Keep in mind, however, that flight attendants may have to tread lightly when solving the problem.

Mid-Flight Solutions

“What flight attendants can do mid-flight is limited, but some things can be done,” Court explained to Explore. “Once you alert the flight attendants, there are sprays onboard that can help. The smell could be due to a medical condition, so flight attendants must be delicate in their approach.”

How to Discreetly Alert the Crew

On that note, be mindful of how you report the issue to the cabin crew. Voicing your concerns loudly and in front of your seatmate could humiliate them. Instead, try quietly telling a flight attendant in the galley once the seatbelt sign has been turned off, or pass a note to an attendant as they’re coming down the aisle.

When Things Get Serious: Potential for Removal

Smelly passengers can sometimes be kicked off a flight. In the worst cases, a flier who smells bad could actually get kicked off the plane, says Court. “The odor could be due to a medical condition or, simply, someone could be wearing a strong fragrance. Either way, if the odor causes airline staff and passengers to become ill, other arrangements must be made.”

Preventative Measures for Yourself

While this could bring some relief to fellow fliers, you might worry if this could ever happen to you. Generally, as long as you practice good hygiene, you shouldn’t have to worry about smelling too funky to fly. Here are some preventative measures you can take:

Personal Hygiene Checklist

To ensure you are part of the solution and not the problem, follow these simple steps:

Shower Before Your Trip: A proper shower can help eliminate most body odors.
Wear Deodorant: Applying deodorant can help manage sweat and reduce odors.
Keep Your Shoes On: Removing shoes can sometimes release unpleasant odors.
Avoid Strong Fragrances: This includes perfumes and colognes. Save them for when you reach your destination.

Special Considerations for Medical Conditions

If you have a medical condition that causes body odor, like bromhidrosis or trimethylaminuria, it’s essential to tackle this beforehand. Talk to your doctor about treatment options ahead of your vacation. The right medication or diet plan can help ease symptoms before you fly.

What to Expect from Your Flight Attendants

Flight attendants are trained to handle numerous in-flight issues, including odor concerns. Here’s what you can generally expect if you report a smelly passenger:

Discreet Communication

Flight attendants will likely use discreet, non-confrontational methods to address the issue, such as:

Offering Air Fresheners or Sprays: They may have odor-neutralizing sprays available to use in the vicinity of the smelly passenger.
Relocating Passengers: If seats are available, they might move you or the passenger in question to a different part of the plane.

Preparing Emotionally and Logistically

Being prepared emotionally and logistically can significantly impact your experience. Knowing how to react calmly and logically will make the journey more pleasant.

Emotional Preparedness

Understand that bringing up someone’s body odor is a sensitive issue. Here are some tips for emotional readiness:

Stay Calm: Being annoyed or confrontational will only escalate the situation.
Be Understanding: Sometimes, the smell can be due to factors beyond one’s control, such as medical conditions.

Logistical Readiness

Plan ahead so you can handle these situations smoothly:

Know Where to Report: Identify the nearest flight attendant or the galley location.
Have a Plan B: Be ready to use items like face masks or essential oils on a handkerchief to manage the discomfort temporarily.

Conclusion: Compromise and Consideration

Handling a smelly situation on a plane involves a mix of personal responsibility and knowing how to utilize the support available to you. By taking preventive measures and understanding how to address issues discreetly with the help of flight attendants, you can make your journey more enjoyable for everyone.

Air travel is already taxing; don’t let the issue of unpleasant odors add unnecessary stress. Use these tips and expert advice to navigate your next flight more smoothly, ensuring a more pleasant experience for everyone on board. Safe travels!

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