How to Handle Flying with Smelly Seatmates

by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger

29 Apr 2006 08:12 PM

Admit it. It's happened to me and I'm sure that at one time or another it's happened to you too. You are crammed like a sardine on an overbooked flight, your seatmate has commandeered the armrest and your "15-minute delay" is going into its second hour. Then, it hits you. (No, not the fact that you forgot to pack your toothbrush.) A smell so strong it makes the hairs on the back of your head stand straight up. You may think there is no solution to this "odor problem", but you do have recourse - if you time it right.

Most U.S. carriers have a little-known clause in their ticket rules (under safety and comfort) that says they can refuse to fly a malodorous passenger. American Airline's policy states that if someone has an offensive odor that's not caused by a disability or illness set procedures will be taken. American established the policy in 1999 after it tried to deplane a family when passengers complained of a "noxious odor." The family sued the airline and settled out of court. Soon afterward, the carrier wrote a body-odor policy into its customer-service contract. Other domestic airlines followed suit. (Foreign carriers don't have official body-odor policies, but they do have procedures for dealing with offensive fliers.)

Most airlines deal with the sensitive subject on a case-by-case basis. In the majority of cases, if the complaint is found to be legitimate and the plane is not full, you will be allowed to change seats, even if it means an upgrade to first class.

Often, international carriers will cover up the problem with air freshener. On U.S. carriers, you have the right to get off and be rebooked on a later flight, even if takeoff is delayed to remove your checked bags.

But, timing is everything. If you aren't bothered by the odor until well into the flight, your options are limited. Flight attendants suggest carrying lavender or peppermint to dab under your nose when odor strikes. But, when all else fails you might have to grin and bear it.

Learn more about Michele Cheplic

Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism.

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