From Sanitizer to Perfume: Uncovering the Strange Ban on Pilots

 Pilots' profession means flying with the lives of thousands of passengers in the sky with perfect concentration, physical and mental fitness, and maximum safety. And for this reason, there are several strict rules imposed on their daily lives. India's civil aviation regulator DGCA has issued an important guideline stating that pilots cannot use certain products before flying. Surprisingly, this list includes some things that are very common in our daily lives—like sanitizer, perfume, mouthwash, and even toothpaste.

Although it may seem surprising at first, there is a very practical and scientific reason behind this ban. Every pilot is required to take a breathalyzer test to check for the presence of alcohol in their body before boarding a flight. And various alcohol-based ingredients, such as perfume, sanitizer, or mouthwash, can affect the results of this test. The ethyl alcohol in them can sometimes cause a 'false positive' on a breathalyzer, meaning the test incorrectly shows evidence of alcohol. This can even result in the pilot being suspended from duty.

Additionally, strong scents in sensitive areas like the cockpit can be distracting. Sometimes, during long flights, the smell of perfume or mouthwash can make colleagues uncomfortable or cause allergies in some people. Physical reactions to pressure variations at altitude can be more complex.

According to the DGCA guidelines, pilots and cabin crew should refrain from using these products at least a few minutes before boarding a flight. If someone uses mouthwash or gel for specific medical reasons, then they must have written medical permission.

This ban is not just for the sake of rules—it is essential to maintain flight safety, vigilance, and professional integrity. Just as pilots are prohibited from smoking during flights, it is mandatory to impose controls on certain things in their daily lives as well. Because even a moment of carelessness can lead to serious danger in the air.

While such restrictions may sound harsh, they are actually what maintain the safety and reliability of the air transport system. And so, this initiative by the DGCA is a reminder that even small things like a perfume or sanitizer can sometimes lead to big incidents.