Passenger’s ‘Nasty Cologne’ Sparks Heated Airplane Etiquette Debate

A recent flight from Albuquerque to Atlanta turned into a fragrant fiasco when a passenger’s overpowering cologne sparked a heated online debate about airplane etiquette. The Reddit user, venting on the "r/delta" forum, didn’t mince words: "GUYS … You do not need to wear buckets of cologne before boarding a plane. The preferred amount would be zero." The complaint highlighted a growing frustration with strong scents in the tight confines of an airplane cabin, where personal space is already at a premium.

The post ignited a firestorm of comments from fellow travelers. One user quipped that perfume should be a subtle discovery, not a public announcement, while another revealed they carry an inhaler to counter allergic reactions triggered by heavy fragrances. "I’ve given up a first-class seat to escape a perfume-induced asthma attack," one Redditor confessed, underscoring the real health concerns some face. Others pointed fingers at airport cologne shops, where pre-flight spritzing sessions turn passengers into walking scent bombs.

Travel expert Gary Leff, author of View From the Wing, weighed in, urging passengers to respect the shared space of a plane. "Your personal space is roughly the size of your seat—act accordingly," he advised. Leff also noted that cabin airflow can amplify odors, spreading everything from cologne to the aroma of takeout ribs or Chinese food, which he diplomatically suggested might be best left at the gate.

The debate raises a broader question: in a world where personal expression meets public spaces, where’s the line? Should travelers dial back the scents, or is it just part of the chaotic charm of air travel? One thing’s clear—next time you’re tempted to douse yourself in fragrance before boarding, you might want to think twice.