Air travel has turned into a stressful part of daily life for many worldwide. Recent data from the International Air Transport Association and the International Civil Aviation Organization shows that commercial aircraft carried 9.5 billion passengers in 2024, a number expected to nearly double to 19.5 billion by 2042.
With so many people flying, paying close attention to travel tips and precautions has never been more important. Experts highlight the vital role of sunscreen to protect your skin from harmful rays during flights—and also warn about the risks of using heavy perfumes while flying.
Why sunscreen is a travel essential at 30,000 feet
The medicinal spice that produces collagen soothes knee and joint pain
Dr. Penny N.G., a board-certified dermatologist in California, emphasizes that sunscreen should be the first thing in your travel bag before you step on the plane. Flying exposes your skin to several hazards that make applying and reapplying sunscreen during your journey essential.
Planes usually fly around 30,000 feet high, where the atmosphere is thinner and the ozone layer is less able to filter out damaging ultraviolet rays. A 2015 study published in JAMA found that pilots flying one hour at this altitude receive the same amount of cancer-causing UVA radiation as a 20-minute beach tanning session without sunscreen.
These UVA rays penetrate deeply, damaging DNA, accelerating aging, and raising the risk of skin cancer. Those sitting by the window are at even greater risk since airplane windows block only about 47% of UVA rays, letting over half through.
This is why Dr. N.G. calls sunscreen an easy and effective way to protect your skin from invisible but harsh UV radiation during flights.
How dry cabin air and reflections increase skin damage risk
Scientists studied remote work for 4 years and found working from home makes us happier
Inside an airplane cabin, humidity often falls to around 20%, far below the 40 to 60% range where skin stays comfortable and hydrated. This dry air strips your skin’s natural oils, making it vulnerable to damage.
Combined with UV exposure, the dry atmosphere creates an environment perfect for dry, aging skin. Moisturizing sunscreen during your flight not only offers protection from UV rays but also helps keep your skin hydrated and soft.
Another surprise is that UV rays can be amplified when flying over clouds or snowy mountains. Research shows radiation can increase by as much as 85% in such conditions.
Even on a cloudy day, a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 50 offers protection from these unexpected sources of UV rays.
Why heavy perfume can cause trouble on flights
If you use these 7 phrases regularly, you have a very strong personality
At cruising altitude, another challenge emerges: a battle over scents. Christopher Elliott, executive director of the Elliott Advocacy Group, points out that spraying perfume before boarding is usually a bad idea. Some airlines have strict policies about strong scents, with reports of passengers being denied boarding because their fragrance is too overpowering.
Even pleasant-smelling perfumes can irritate fellow travelers or cause allergic reactions. According to a 2024 article from The Sun, heavy fragrances have led to refusals at boarding gates to prevent disruptions.
Etiquette expert Adiodata Chink urges passengers to avoid treating planes like their personal space when it comes to fragrance. On crowded flights, strong scents affect everyone in the confined cabin, where no one can easily escape the smell.
It’s not just perfumes. Many scented products like deodorants, creams, soaps, and shampoos mix in the shared air to create overwhelming aromas thousands of feet above the ground.
A personal lesson on fragrance and travel courtesy
Once on a long flight, I sat next to someone who sprayed heavy floral perfume right before takeoff. Within minutes, I felt a headache coming on and couldn’t relax in the cramped space. A flight attendant even politely asked the passenger to tone it down. That experience taught me how crucial it is to consider others in such close, shared environments.
Have you ever been bothered by a fellow traveler’s strong scent? How do you find the balance between expressing yourself and respecting shared spaces on airplanes?
When you pack your next carry-on, remember: sunscreen is your skin’s best defense at 30,000 feet, and less perfume means a more comfortable flight for everyone. Do you agree? Share your stories and thoughts below, and if this advice helped you, pass it on to friends gearing up for air travel.
Years back , a passenger near me apply some kind of strong chemical on her nails , my nose and throat got irritated they gave me a wet towel and SAT HER ON FIRST CLASS!!! 😯
Once a muslim man wearing their typical scent called Atthar, sat beside me and life was hell for the next 3 hours. They have zero concern for fellow travelers.
Who, who new? Well, not this girl! In all my years of living (which is a bountiful 70yrs) and ✈️ flying at least, in my younger years anywhere, including International up to at least 5x a year! Never, heard about this! Just goes to say, in life their is always something new to learn! So exciting!!
Yes people must take others in consideration myself have this problem specially sinuses and hay fever for strong cents my eyes everything is affected.I say its a good thing not to put to much on cause some people swim In it
I luv smell of nice expensive perfume so I don’t mind anyone wearing those on plane.