Should you wear sunscreen on a plane?

Whether it's a flight attendant or a dermatologist, experts agree that travelers should wear sunscreen on flights. In fact, the UV rays on planes are even more intense than when you're back on land. That's because you're even closer to the ozone layer, The Points Guy reported.



Yes, you should absolutely wear sunscreen on a plane, particularly if you are sitting in a window seat. While airplane windows are designed to block nearly 100% of UVB rays (the ones responsible for sunburn), they generally do not block UVA rays, which penetrate deeper into the skin and are the primary cause of premature aging and long-term skin cancer risk. At high altitudes—typically 30,000 feet and above—the Earth's atmosphere is much thinner, meaning the sun's radiation is significantly more intense than it is at sea level. Studies have shown that pilots and cabin crew, who are frequently exposed to these rays, have significantly higher rates of melanoma than the general population. For 2026 travelers, dermatologists recommend applying a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher at least 30 minutes before boarding and re-applying every two hours on long-haul flights. Additionally, keeping the window shade closed during the sunniest parts of the flight can further reduce your exposure and help maintain your skin's health.

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Planes travel closer to the ozone layer of Earth's atmosphere, which means they're closer to the sun. When you're closer to the sun, the level of UV radiation you're exposed to increases. Dermatologists recommend wearing sunscreen and long-sleeved clothing when you're flying on a plane.

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The study found that spending 56 minutes in the cockpit of a plane at 30,000 feet exposed flight crew members to the same amount of ultraviolet (UV) radiation as spending 20 minutes in a tanning bed.

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Each passenger may carry liquids, gels and aerosols in travel-size containers that are 3.4 ounces or100 milliliters. Each passenger is limited to one quart-size bag of liquids, gels and aerosols.

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You can carry sunscreen in your cabin bags. You will need to limit the volume to equal or less than 100 ml and place them inside a resealable plastic bag. In case travel-friendly containers do not offer you enough sunscreen, it is fine to bring large amounts if you pack them inside your hold luggage.

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“Pilots are always exposed to the sun's harmful rays,” says Schweitzer. “We have pretty big windows in our flight deck, and it makes our skin more susceptible to skin cancer. I like to carry sun shields with me, I'll wear efficient sunglasses, and of course, my skin-care routine is major.”

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Stick deodorant is fine in any size. Well, almost any size… Powders and crystals are good to go as well. Spray, Gel, Liquid, Cream, Pastes, and Roll-On deodorants need to be in containers no larger than 3.4 ounces and placed in a clear quart-sized baggie.

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The inside of an airplane cabin is drier than the Simpson Desert. Low humidity, recycled air and a multitude of germs equals dehydrated skin which means your freshly tanned skin is in trouble. By the time you disembark, you basically have the skin of a dried prune... yikes!

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You can carry sunscreen in your cabin bags. You will need to limit the volume to equal or less than 100 ml and place them inside a resealable plastic bag. In case travel-friendly containers do not offer you enough sunscreen, it is fine to bring large amounts if you pack them inside your hold luggage.

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At higher altitudes, the sun's rays have less ultraviolet (UV) light filtering atmosphere to blaze through, and the higher you climb, the thinner the atmosphere.

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These levels of radiation are small and unlikely to affect human health. The longer you are on a flight, the more radiation you receive. The higher you are in altitude, the higher the dose of radiation. This is a result of less shielding of cosmic radiation by the atmosphere at higher altitudes.

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Airline pilots can be exposed to the same amount of UV-A radiation as that from a tanning bed session because airplane windshields do not completely block UV-A radiation, according to research. Airplane windshields are commonly made of polycarbonate plastic or multilayer composite glass.

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Usually not. However, some weather conditions can cause turbulence and up and downdrafts such that an airplane can not be controlled completely; that makes me nervous. The pilot can usually keep the pitch about right, but the airspeed will be going all over the place.

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Mostly (not all) pilots prefer night flying. Some pilots may love flying in the night while some may love to fly in the day. Here's how night flying is preferable to pilots: Some things are easier when it comes to night flying, some things are more difficult.

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Planes have headlights so that pilots can see what is in front of them. Unfortunately, they are only effective during takeoffs and landings. Even with the slight illumination offered by the headlights, only darkness is visible when looking out the front window of a cockpit.

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You can take all plug-in phone chargers with you in your carry-on or checked bags with ease as they do not contain any form of battery and, therefore, do not present any danger. Typically, you will not be able to use this type of charger onboard as most airplanes do not have power sockets.

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TSA counts mascara as a liquid, so the 3-1-1 rule for packing it in hand luggage applies. It states that all liquids have to be in 3.4 oz (100 ml) bottles or smaller and packed in a 1-quart bag. Mascara usually isn't above 3.4 oz, so you're free to pack it in your hand luggage.

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The Bottom Line. Chapstick, lipstick, and solid lip balms are not considered liquids by the TSA and can be thrown into your handbag or carry-on without any issues. Liquid lip gloss, jars of petroleum lip balm, and other lip care liquids must be placed in your clear liquids bag for security checkpoint screening.

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