Professional air freshening at airports: Increased well-being, orientation and willingness to consume for travelers

Airports are much more than mere transportation hubs – they are places of encounter, farewell, anticipation, and experience. Thousands of people from all over the world stream through the terminals every day, spend hours in waiting areas, shops, or lounges, and are exposed to a wide range of emotions. Especially in an environment often associated with stress, hecticness, and long waiting times, professional room fragrance can play a crucial role in making the atmosphere more pleasant, emotionally influencing travelers, and positively influencing consumer behavior.

In this article, we demonstrate the benefits of scent marketing at airports, how it can be used specifically in various areas, and why scents can sustainably improve the travel experience.

Why is scent marketing so effective at airports?

Studies show that scents directly affect the limbic system in the brain—the area responsible for emotions, memories, and decisions. In stressful environments like airports, targeted scents can reduce anxiety, create a relaxed atmosphere, and put travelers in a positive mood.

A study from Rockefeller University found that people remember 35% of the smells they perceive, compared to only 5% for visual stimuli. This demonstrates how strongly scents are linked to memories and emotions.

Further research from the Journal of Retailing shows that customers stay up to 20% longer in pleasantly scented areas and are more likely to purchase—a critical advantage for the many shops, lounges, and duty-free stores at airports.

Through the targeted use of pleasant, relaxing or activating scents, airports can not only increase the well-being of passengers, but also facilitate their orientation and positively influence consumer behavior.

Targeted use of fragrances in different areas of an airport

1. Check-in & security check – reduce stress

Check-in and security check are the most stressful moments of their trip for many travelers. Long lines, security procedures, and time pressure often lead to restlessness and nervousness. A gentle, calming fragrance can help reduce tension and create a more pleasant atmosphere.

Recommended fragrances:

• Lavender & sandalwood: Have a calming effect and reduce stress levels.

• Cedarwood & chamomile: Promote serenity and have a relaxing effect.

• Citrus fragrances (bergamot, orange): Provide a fresh, uplifting effect.

2. Waiting areas & gates – Relaxation & a feel-good atmosphere

Travelers often spend a long time in the waiting areas before boarding their plane. Targeted room fragrance can help make the waiting time more pleasant and create a relaxed atmosphere.

Recommended fragrances:

• Cotton & linen aromas: Create a clean, calming feeling.

• Green tea scents & white jasmine: Have an elegant and balancing effect.

• Vanilla & tonka bean: Create a warm, soothing ambiance.

3. Duty-free shops & retail – positively influence purchasing behavior

Duty-free areas are an important revenue driver for airports. Scent marketing can be used specifically here to extend the length of stay and increase the incentive to shop.

Recommended fragrances:

• Luxurious perfume notes (musk, amber, sandalwood): Create exclusivity and elegance.

• Fruity citrus aromas: Awaken freshness and energy, increasing attention.

• Sweet vanilla & caramel scents: Create a sense of indulgence and encourage impulse purchases.

Why it works:

• A high-quality, subtle scent in a perfume or fashion section can create a luxurious atmosphere that encourages purchases.

• Sweet, warm aromas in a confectionery section increase the desire for indulgent products.

• Refreshing citrus scents in technology or lifestyle shops have an activating and attention-grabbing effect.

4. Airport Lounges – Increase Peace & Comfort

Lounges offer frequent travelers an exclusive respite from the hectic airport hustle and bustle. Here, high-quality room fragrance can enhance the relaxation experience and underscore the premium feel.

Recommended scents:

• Sandalwood & Vetiver: Promote relaxation and a sense of seriousness.

• Green Tea & Eucalyptus: Invigorating and refreshing.

• Lavender & Patchouli: Support a pleasant, quiet zone.

5. Restaurants & Cafés – Stimulating the Appetite with Scents

Airports have a variety of restaurants, cafés, and snack bars. Targeted scenting can help stimulate travelers' appetites and encourage them to linger.

Recommended scents:

• "Coffee & Cake" – The scent of freshly brewed coffee: Increases the desire for a short break.

• "Hot Bread" – The smell of freshly baked bread: Ideal for bakeries and cafés.

• Vanilla & Cinnamon: Stimulates the desire for sweet treats.

Why it works:

• The scent of coffee has been proven to attract people to cafés and increase sales.

• Bakery scents create a feel-good atmosphere and encourage impulse purchases.

• Warm, sweet aromas extend the time spent in dining areas.

Tips for the optimal use of scent marketing at airports

1. Subtle dosage – less is more

Especially in high-traffic areas, the scent shouldn't be too intense. A light, even scent ensures a pleasant experience without being intrusive.

2. Combination with other sensory impressions

The effect of scents is enhanced by the right lighting, music, and visual design. A harmonious combination ensures a consistent brand experience.

Conclusion: Increased well-being and sales through professional room scenting

Professional scent concepts at airports can significantly improve the travel experience. They reduce stress, extend the length of stay, increase retail sales, and ensure a positive brand perception.

By specifically adapting scents to different airport areas, an inviting, pleasant atmosphere is created that relaxes travelers and encourages them to spend.

Airports that rely on scent marketing not only create a better ambiance but also a distinctive travel experience that passengers associate with positive emotions in the long term.