Here’s What That Strange Smell Right Before Takeoff Is—And If You Should Be Worried

Jan 14, 2026

Screenshot of an article about a strange smell before takeoff

The first time I experienced this phenomenon, it was the noise that got me. It was a loud whooshing sound that felt vaguely apocalyptic—if the apocalypse was happening in a car wash. I fly out of Denver, so this is a regular occurrence for me, but that first time felt otherworldly, almost claustrophobic, especially since I was watching workers outside the plane do things I’d never seen them do before. But for many passengers, it’s the smell that hits them first.

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