Recycled air has all sorts of drawbacks: germs, dryness, and especially smells. From b.o., bad breath, stinky feet, and even ahem, gas, there’s a rancid mixture of odors onboard. You can do your part to make sure you aren’t adding to it by bringing along these 9 items the next time you fly.
How to Not Smell Bad When You Fly
Deodorant
We’ve all been there. You’re sitting on your flight, you put your headphones on, lean back in your chair, take a deep breathe in, and realize, that mad dash to the gate has caught up with you. You’re smelly. Just pack some travel deodorant and you’ll be good to go.
La Fresh Travel Lite Antiperspirant Wipes for Men and Women
Easy and discrete, these will be your new favorite carry-on item. They control your sweat, leave no white residue behind, and are biodegradable.
User Review: “These wipes are great for travel. They eliminate the need for a liquid or gel and, most importantly, they really work well!”
Price: $19.99 for 50 on Amazon
Average Star Rating: 4
Dove Advanced Care Antiperspirant & Deodorant Stick
These come in an 8 pack, so you’ll be able to throw one in your carry-on, plus any other bags you may be bringing. You’re run-of-the-mill regular deodorant, only in travel size, so it doesn’t take up much room.
User Review: “Ordered these for travel packs. I like the size for travel. As there are many it's a perfect size and I like that one tube doesn't get funky after so long. Scent is nice too. Also came with a sterile seal.”
Price: $10.48 on Amazon
Average Star Rating: 4
Related Article:7 Best Solid Toiletries for Your Next Trip
Body Wipes
Once again, for those days where you have to catch an early flight and you don’t have time to shower, or if your flight is later in the day, and you spend the day doing last minute sightseeing, you may need to freshen up a bit. Body wipes are a great way to give yourself a quick, easy cleaning.
Care Touch Body Wet Wipes with Cleansing & Deodorizing Solution
These great wipes are hypoallergenic, latex free and enriched with aloe vera. Throw a pack of these in your carry-on, and you’ll be able to quickly and easily give yourself a refreshing sponge bath of sorts.
User Review: “Love them for long airplane trips! Bought these for a trip to Europe. They work great! They are super thick and don't have an overpowering scent. Really pleased!”
Price: $18.99 on Amazon
Average Star Rating: 4.5
Bliss - Lemon & Sage Refreshing Body Wipes
Neutralize your body odor with these vegan, cruelty-free wipes. A pleasant yet not overpowering lemon and sage sent will make you the talk of the airplane but for good reason.
User Review: The scent is pleasant and refreshing (not to quote too directly from the product title), but not overpowering. Left and mild, almost neutral smell after use. Great for travel. Would purchase again.
Price: $5.99 on Amazon
Average Star Rating: 4
Breath Fresheners
Overload on garlic the night before? Or perhaps you had a salad loaded with onions at the airport. Whatever the reason, bad breath can leave your seat mates reaching for a nose pincher. Try a breath spray, mints, or just throw a pack of gum in your bag (which can also help with your ears popping, so it’s a win-win).
The Dirt Breath Spray, All Natural
Be the envy of everyone on the plane when you spritz your mouth with this. Alcohol-free and flavored with essential oils.
User Review: I really like this breath spray. It uses natural cinnamon oil, which I think is tasty. If you've used artificial cinnamon products in the past, this may take a few to get used to. There is also no burn on the tongue either as it's alcohol free. The bottle is small enough to travel, too.
Price: $6.99 on Amazon
Average Star Rating: 3.5
EXTRA Polar Ice Sugarfree Gum
Long lasting flavor is key when it comes to gum, and Extra Polar Ice delivers. Get 3 packs of 15 sticks of gum, and your breath will never be better.
User Review: “I am so glad I got this pack. I distributed gum into different places like my hiking pack, my car, my purse, in the bathroom for after brushing teeth, my desk at work and it’s easy to grab another pack if I run out. I know the other people in my life always enjoy grabbing a piece as well. I’m only halfway through the box but I wouldn’t hesitate to get another. It’s nice to refresh your mouth, or for after eating food, or to curb snacking.”
Price: $2.69 on Target.com
Average Star Rating: 4.5
Dry Shampoo
There is a theme here, and it is not having time to shower. If you didn’t have time to wash your hair, and it’s starting to get a bit rank, having a dry shampoo handy will do wonders.
Living Proof Dry Shampoo Perfect Hair Day
This dry shampoo will actually clean your hair, neutralize the odor, and keep you fresh and clean for days you don’t have time to wash. It’s ideal for those long travel days.
User Review: “I've been washing my hair every single day since I was younger but wanted to preserve my blonde highlights, so I decided to try dry shampoo. I bought the travel size to see if I would like it, and it did not disappoint! It smells amazing and makes my hair feel and smell clean. The initial white residue is a little off-putting but does go away. I'm sold!”
Price: $14.00 on ulta.com
Average Star Rating: 4.5
Detox Dry Shampoo
Fell clean and refreshed with this dry shampoo. Made with Micro-fine rice powders that will absorb excess oils and odors.
User Review: “This is the absolute best dry shampoo I have ever used for my blonde hair! I do not think it would work well for other hair colors as it does tend to slightly lighten the color of the hair. However, that is exactly why I love it so much!!”
Price: $13.00 on ulta.com
Average Star Rating: 4
Foot Fresheners
Were you walking around with no socks? Did you not pack enough socks? Whatever the reason, foot odor is a cause for concern we don’t always think about. You may not realize that your feet are smelly, and that other people notice.
Tea Tree Oil Foot Spray
Not only will this tea tree oil foot spray from Earth Therapeutics make your feet smell good, it’s cooling, and enhances circulation – both helpful while flying.
User Review: “Love this stuff, after being on my feet all day, it helps cool my feet down and they feel refreshed.”
Price: $10.00 on ulta.com
Average Star Rating: 4.5
Arm & Hammer Foot Odor Control Powder
While you won’t be able to carry this on, it’s definitely something you should pack in your checked luggage and use before flying. Throw some of this on your feet before putting your socks on, and your feet will stay fresh your entire trip.
User Review: “This powder makes my feet feel fresh & cool, especially now that the warm weather is here! I love the way it comes out of the bottle, just squeeze and it comes right out without making a mess. Awesome product, can't wait to see what's next!”
Price: $4.69 on target.com
Average Star Rating: 4.5
Clothing Freshener
There are several reasons your clothes may start to get a little smelly: you spill something, you forgot to throw your favorite sweatshirt in the washing machine before your trip. Whatever the reason, it’s good to have a spray for freshening up your clothes.
Febreze Fabric Refresher
The name synonymous with freshening up. This Febreze travel sized refresher is a necessity for staying pleasantly scented while on an airplane.
User Review: “I'm going to Italy on a tour and I needed to be able to wear some things that I'm packing a couple of times. I already tried this out by taking a top that I had worn already and spraying the armholes. Works perfectly. The top was fresh as a daisy and I got through another whole day feeling clean.”
Price: $2.19 on target.com
Average Star Rating: 4
Love Home and Planet Re-Wer Dry Wash Spray
Ok, this won’t be able to go in your carry-on, but it’s a great add in to your checked luggage, especially if you are planning on re-wearing your travel outfit on the way back, without washing it. Spray this on before you go to the airport, and the rest of the flight will thank you.
User Review: “I love this re wear wash spray . I love its lovely fragrance as it is refreshing and clothes smell very nice. I did not have to wash my cloth after one time wear.”
Price: $6.99 on target.com
Average Star Rating: 4.5
Perfume/Cologne
While you don’t want to overwhelm the other passengers with your scent, a nice, fresh perfume or aftershave will do wonders.
Clean Reserve – Shower Fresh
The name says it all. Carry this with you in your purse, and you’ll smell shower fresh. Cruelty free, vegan, and non-toxic, this scent won’t choke the person sitting next to you.
User Review: “Finally, a perfume that is the perfect mood lifter. I love everything about this scent. It really is a "clean" scent that smells pretty, fresh, and alive. Started with a free sample then bought the full bottle. Great stuff!”
Price: $44.00 on Sephora.com
Average Star Rating: 4
Jimmy Choo- Man
With top notes of mandarin, lavender, and honeydew melon, you’ll have people closing their eyes and taking a deep breath in. Light and not overly powerful, this cologne is perfect to take along on any flight.
User Review: “I received a sample of this cologne with an earlier Nordstrom order and fell in love! I had to buy the full size. People have complimented me on the scent. It's heavenly.”
Price: $55.00 on Nordstrom.com
Average Star Rating: 4.5
Air Freshener
While we all wish we could just light a candle to hide odors, that is not an option. It’s a bold move, but if you loaded up on chili the night before a flight, I think your fellow passengers will appreciate a little spritz of air freshener.
Fresh Wave Odor Removing Spray
Made of natural ingredients, this non-toxic, non-GMO and non-hazardous spray is a light and airy scent that people will welcome on the flight.
User Review: “I am a flight attendant and always keep one of these in my bag while working to spray my uniform and keep it fresh throughout a trip. I love that the ingredients are safe and an alternative to febreze!”
Price: $9.99 on Amazon
Average Star Rating: 4.5
Grow Fragrance Air & Fabric Freshener
This is a twofer, you’ll be able to spray this on your fabric if you need to, but also use it as an air freshener. 100% plant-based, made with natural deodorizers, the air will be neutralized in seconds, making any less-than-pleasant scents you may produce bearable.
User Review: “Great product. Nice clean scent and nothing toxic.”
Price: $18.00 on Amazon
Average Star Rating: 4.5
Finally, if it’s not you who smells, but another passenger who didn’t read this story, you might want to invest in some nose pinchers.
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