Sunscreen at 30,000 feet: Why window seats increase your UV exposure

DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.

For occasional travellers, the risk is modest but real, particularly on long-haul flights.

Dr Sudhir Kumar, consultant neurologist at Apollo Hospitals, Hyderabad, said window seats do expose passengers to slightly higher UVA radiation and possibly marginally higher cosmic radiation. “But the difference compared to aisle seats is small and unlikely to have any meaningful health impact for typical travellers. Higher UVA radiation exposure is relevant for skin ageing and, over long periods, skin cancer risk. For long daytime flights, especially if seated by the window, sunscreen on exposed skin (SPF 30–50) is reasonable,” said Dr Kumar.

Carry and apply your sunscreen (Photo: Freepik)

The overall radiation exposure during a flight is modest, and occasional flying does not significantly increase cancer risk. The bigger factors are flight duration, altitude, and frequency of travel; not where you sit, he said.

Simple precautions help: apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30+), keep the window shade partially down when possible, and wear protective clothing.

“If you’re on a daytime flight with strong sun exposure, choosing an aisle seat can also reduce direct UV exposure. It is necessary to discuss with the dermatologist about the appropriate products before flying. Don’t neglect your skin health and take utmost care of it. Moreover, cover the face and don’t miss the sunscreen at all,” said Dr Chause.

DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.