Why pilots avoid wearing perfume or using hand sanitisers right before a flight

Hint: Many perfumes, colognes and sanitisers are alcohol-based

New Delhi | Updated: June 25, 2025 07:26 PM IST

3 min read

Here's what you should consider (Photo: Freepik)

Would you have ever thought that pilots are advised against wearing perfume right before a flight? Yes, turns out, smelling good can cost them a lot. That is because, as per India’s aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) guidelines, before every flight, pilots undergo a mandatory breathalyzer test to ensure that they are not under the influence of alcohol.

Notably, alcohol-based products (sanitisers, mouthwash, perfumes) contain ethyl alcohol, the same compound measured in breathalyzers. “If a pilot uses hand sanitiser or sprays perfume just before a test, and there’s alcohol vapour in the air or mouth, it may cause a false positive or elevated reading,” said Capt Anil Rao, general secretary, ALPA India.

Since many perfumes and colognes are alcohol-based, they can interfere with the results, experts suggest. “The breathalyzer device is so sensitive that it can detect 0.0001 per cent of alcohol. So if pilots have applied perfume, it may detect alcohol from perfume and show a false positive result, even if no alcohol has been consumed,” added Capt Tomar Awdhesh, director, Golden Epaulettes Aviation.

Such results may delay the flights, and pilots might have to face disciplinary action regardless of their intent, Capt Awdhesh continued.

Pilots are expected to take the breathalyzer test before being cleared to fly (Photo: Freepik)

Capt Rao said aviation breathalyzers (used by DGCA or airline authorities) are often calibrated and require deep lung air, not just mouth vapours. “In most airlines, pilots are asked not to use alcohol-based products immediately before a test. If a high reading is detected, retesting is done after a short wait for a repeat test,” said Capt Rao.

Therefore, pilots wait until the test. “Once the breathalyzer test is done, they use perfume as per their requirement. It’s simply a matter of safety and compliance with DGCA guidelines,” said Capt Awdhesh.

Also Read | Revealed: The reason tray tables are stowed on flights during takeoff and landing

Here’s what pilots keep in mind

Story continues below this ad

*Avoid using sprays or alcohol sanitisers on hands or near the mouth just before testing.
*If wrongly flagged, insist on a retest after a 5-minute gap in fresh air, said Capt Rao.

DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to.

From the homepage