Why you should wear sunscreen on flights: UV rays on planes are even more intense than on land, putting window seat passengers at risk of skin ageing and skin cancer while travelling, studies show

Sep 20 , 2023

According to a 2015 study, frequent flying without sunscreen can lead to the development of skin cancer. Photo: Shutterstock

In a TikTok video with millions of views, dermatologist Dr. Joyce Park recommends that flight passengers, pilots and attendants put on sunscreen or close the window blinds during flights

An hour in the cockpit exposes pilots to UVA rays equivalent to a 20-minute tanning-bed session, while experienced flight attendants recommend hydrating sheet masks and SPF products

Whether it’s a flight attendant or a dermatologist, experts agree that travellers 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.

Don’t just slather on sunscreen when at the beach – wearing it while on flights is important too, say experts. Photo: Shutterstock

Dermatologist Dr. Joyce Park recommends all travellers – regardless of whether they’re a passenger, pilot or flight attendant – lather on sunscreen before a flight.

“You should absolutely wear sunscreen on aeroplanes or keep windows shut,” Park said in a TikTok video that has over 2.7 million views, citing research that found frequent, unprotected flying puts people at risk for developing skin cancer.

Planes can expose people to damaging UV rays

You might be ready and packed for your next holiday – but did you remember skincare for your flight? Photo: Shutterstock

In her TikTok, Park referenced a 2015 study published in Jama Dermatology that looked at the skin cancer risks for pilots and cabin crew.

According to the study, aeroplane windows and windscreens are typically made of polycarbonate plastic or multilayer composite glass that blocks UVB transmission but not UVA. UVB rays can cause sunburn while UVA rays are associated with skin ageing. However, both are linked to skin cancer.

Aeroplane windows might block UVB rays, but not UVA rays, which are associated with skin ageing and skin cancer. Photo: Shutterstock

For pilots, the study found that flying in a cockpit for about an hour at around 9,100 metres (30,000ft) exposes them to the same amount of UVA radiation as a 20-minute tanning-bed session.

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