Fremont Street

Question

Has anyone had a problem with allergic reactions to the scents pumped out onto Fremont Street in Las Vegas at night? I'm not normally so scent sensitive that I have an actual reaction but once it got dark and the strong perfume scents started, I sneezed at minimum, every 5 minutes, had to take a total of 6 Benadryl that evening followed by 4 the next morning for the flight home, and now have a pretty bad chest cold as a result that I'm struggling to get loosened up.

Answer

It sounds like your experience on Fremont Street was quite uncomfortable, and I’m sorry to hear about the allergic reaction you had. While Fremont Street doesn’t officially advertise scenting as a common practice, there have been reports of strong smells being pumped into the air in certain areas, particularly at night, when the area is most crowded. These scents can range from floral perfumes to fruity and sweet fragrances, which are designed to enhance the atmosphere and attract visitors. However, some people, like yourself, may have a sensitivity to these smells, leading to sneezing or even more severe allergic reactions.

While it’s not something that’s frequently discussed, you are not alone in experiencing sensitivities to the fragrances on Fremont Street. Here are a few possible ways to manage or avoid it:

Stay in less scented areas: If possible, try to stay further from the main clusters of scent machines. The perfume tends to be stronger near certain stores and entertainment venues, so you might find it helpful to stay away from those areas.
Bring allergy medication: Even if you’re not normally sensitive to fragrances, it might help to bring allergy medication such as antihistamines before heading to Fremont Street. That way, you can prevent a reaction before it begins.
Ventilate your surroundings: If you’re staying somewhere nearby, keeping windows open (if possible) or using a fan might help clear the air of any lingering scents that can exacerbate reactions.
Speak with a manager: Some people have contacted local businesses or security personnel about their sensitivity to scents and asked them to reduce or adjust the intensity of fragrance diffusion. While it’s not guaranteed, there’s always a chance they may be able to accommodate your request.
Consider wearing a mask: For those with sensitivities, wearing a mask while walking along Fremont Street could provide relief, especially if you find that the smells are overwhelming.

It’s certainly not uncommon for sensitive individuals to experience adverse reactions to strong artificial scents. In the future, you may want to consider these precautions, or possibly explore other parts of Las Vegas that are less likely to have fragrance diffusion systems. For example, the Strip, while still crowded, tends to have less intense perfume scents compared to Fremont Street.

I hope you recover quickly from your cold, and hopefully, you’ll be able to enjoy your next trip to Vegas without further issues!