to think you should take a bloody shower before a longhaul flight?

[Lilylo]

So I just got off a 13 hours flight. It was awful, mainly because the man sitting next to me had a very strong body hodour. To put it mildly, he smelled like a mix of rancid sweat and urine.

When he was perfectly still it was bad but bearable, but as soon as he moved his arms even the tiniest bit I got waves of the most disgusting hodour.

The plane was completely full so I couldn't move to a different seat (I discreetly asked the hostess). I spent 13 hours holding my breath and just feeling like I wanted to vomit really.

Needless tonsay, I was very very annoyed.

Now, I don't know whether this person had some condition that caused such a terrible smell or just did not take proper care of his hygiene. I just know he made my flight a hell.

AIBU to think people should be a bit more selfware about their BO when they are restricted in small spaces with hundreds of strangers? Shouldn't it be a matter of respect?

carabos omg that sounds horrendous. I am sorry

To be fair, Mr. Smelly's BO was not THAT strong. I don't think people could smell him from across the aisle. But then again, who knows...

Hodor

"Theres also a huge difference between "fresh" sweat and smelling like old stale biscuits"

This. It must take days (weeks..?) of not touching the water to reach that level of BO. Fresh sweat is just sweat.

Bil is like this. He showers every day but thinks shirts/tshirts can be worn for a week before they need a wash!

The problem is that people can't smell their own odour so are completely oblivious until someone says something.

I was once seated next to the world's smelliest man on a long-haul flight. Without my saying anything, a flight attendant moved me to another seat "where I think you'll be more comfortable". I nearly snogged her with gratitude.

Not washing before a flight is U.

Can I say that spraying yourself in strong perfume before or on a flight is also VVU. Last time I flew I was sitting next to a woman who smelt like a tart's boudoir. It felt like I was choking to death on a florist's shop. And spraying perfume while on a flight, so it fills up the confined closed space is definitely off.

It should be more socially acceptable to tell strangers about their BO.

How would you phrase it politely?

I learned the hard way to take a change of top and travel sized toiletries with me as hand luggage on flights. Last year my flight was diverted and I spent a night in a hotel minus suitcase (airline wouldn't return it to me). I was humiated to travel the next day in same clothes and despite a shower felt grubby. I apologised to the passenger next to me who was lovely and assured me I didn't smell. I was in a toilet changing as soon as got my things back.

Humiliated!

Lilylo

With the trend for low temperature washing of clothes, some fabrics can take on the sweaty odours from a person, which don't really get washed out the clothes, so when they get washed and then worn again, that sweaty odour is still in the clothes and starts to pong again when the clothes get warmed up by body heat.

Sometimes a hot wash for clothes is needed!

I'm a runner so get sweaty. So does my kit. I'm aware lots of us have the clothing issue.... Both us and our clothes start off clean.... But once I get hot the bo smell returns as the bacteria smells

There's 'sports wash' washing liquid to combat this, but it IMO clothing gets to a point it can't be rescued

I read it here lots... MNers ironing husbands shirts. The smell returns when the hot iron goes near armpit area

Sat in Oslo airport recently and a young very smart man sat beside me, not only did he have the most over powering aftershave on but he also stank of shit! I moved.
OP it is horrid to be trapped with over powering awful smells and now as part of my 'travel kit' I take a small bottle of olbas oil, a tissue and if the smells are bad I inhale that all the way... which means I also stink but lots of people don't like that smell selfish.

Yuck. It's unnecessary and inconsiderate.

Not sure about changing/washing in the plane loo though. If everyone did that, it would mean the loo was constantly engaged.

I have been on long haul flights & not stunk. Have a shower, apply 48 hour revolting concept as I have at least one shower a day antiperspirant (not just deodorant), wear clean clothes before leaving home. Always carry a toothbrush & toothpaste in my hand luggage. I also tend not to eat a load of garlicky stuff the night before.

I do all that cat and still smell sometimes.

"I do all that cat and still smell sometimes."

Hi garstaff, just out of curiosity: do you have a medical condition that makes your BO stronger? Otherwise do you have any idea what the cause could be?

Please don't take offence, I am just trying to understand!

You poor thing I'd be going beyond mad

garstaff I think anyone could be forgiven smelling sweaty & unfresh - it's the weeks days' worth of dirt & unwashed clothing that causes a problem for most people, plus cigarettes & fried food smells sticking to clothes & hair. I'm sorry you have a problem but if you make an effort, as you clearly do, then you won't be that smelly, really

It's horrible I know and it does embarrass me a lot. But for example on Friday I showered and out on deodorant after work at about 5, then I had to drive 2 hours and I had noticeable body odour by the time I arrived.

Gar - do you where natural or synthetic clothing? They can have a huge impact of smell for those who sweat easily

Wearing base layers of merino wool, silk or similar really help many not to sweat in the first place

I was on a 5 hour flight recently and someone in the cabin was breaking wind constantly. It was awful. And because there were only 3 of us in the small cabin I knew who was doing it. I put up with it for a while but his attitude to it all got to me and it was very much a case of - oh well this happens at 37,000 feet so I'll just get on with it. Well no bloody way was it going to because what he really needed to to was go to the bathroom and not sit there making me ill. I fanned my menu card around a bit but he still kept at it and after one especially awful offering I stood up and asked the Stewardess, the next time she came into the cabin, if she had any air freshener because someone in the cabin had a problem with their bottom and enough was enough. She looked at me as if to say - I can't believe you've just stood up and said that but thank god you did cos we've nearly been sick as well.

So it was sorted, the cabin was sprayed with something and after about 15 minutes the bloke went to the bathroom. It wasn't before time.

My lot are cabin crew and flight deck crew. I know what flying does to your tummy so I usually dont bother if there is the odd smell . But that experience really was over the top and there's no way I was putting up with it. The guy was just being sheer lazy. He'd settled down to sleep just after take off and it was a case of I can't be bothered getting up to go to the loo so I'll just lie here and fart away for hours on end because its easier for me.

Yep, BO is disgusting and inconsiderate.

Having said that, they may have already flown 12 hours before joining your flight. Regularly (8pa) fly S.E. Asia to the UK and I'm never too fresh when I arrive at either end.

He may also have been terrified.

Yuck, I hate dirty people.

I shower 2-3 times s day, everyone should!