Tips for Bathing on a Plane

Long, overnight flights with multiple stops come with a wide array of problems that make them both uncomfortable and headache inducing. One of the biggest issues is dealing with your own ripe odors after having to go without a shower for long periods of time. While you can’t full-out shower on a plane, there are some tricks to keeping yourself smelling fresh and clean.

Use Baby Wipes

They might not be the ideal solution, but a handful of baby wipes will do in a pinch. They’re perfect for cleansing your, uh, delicate areas, but you don’t want to douse yourself with them or you’ll end up feeling sticky and a different kind of smelly by the end of the flight. Just stick to the pertinent areas like underarms and maybe down below.

Bring an Absorbent Towel

If you’re going to freshen up in the bathroom you’ll need something to dry yourself off with after your sink wash. Bring a towel that absorbs water well instead of using the towels in the room.

Embrace Dry Shampoo

Believe it or not, there are shampoos that don’t require water. You probably can’t get the whole can past the TSA, but a small bit of powder in a tube should be okay. Either apply it in the bathroom on while waiting between flights.

Change Your Clothes

Once you reach the 12-hour mark, it’s probably time to change into a new pair of undies; they’re likely smelling a little ripe at that point. Pack a change of clothes to change into after your quick wash so you’ll look and feel refreshed.