Jetsetters be ware, there's an unsuspecting danger of taking flights

A flight attendant shares what all passengers should pack in their carry-on for both domestic and long-haul flights. Sunscreen 

If you thought turbulence, shared bathrooms, plane food, and kids were the biggest worries when it comes to flying, think again. It's the UV levels! And thanks to an Aussie flight attendant now know what we need to pack in our carry-ons. 

As the song says, "wear sunscreen".

Even though you are inside the plane and not on it, applying your SPF before take-off is essential.  

An Aussie flight attendant has shared a video to TikTok warning travellers about the UV levels on a plane, calling it a "hidden danger" that most passengers aren't aware of.

"I am religious with putting on sunscreen before a flight and during," she says.

“The UV up there is so incredibly high, so I am religious with putting on sunscreen before a flight and during.”

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As the plane rises, so does the UV

As the UV radiation increases as the altitude increases, the rays stream through the plane's windows. While glass does an excellent job blocking UVB rays, the same can’t be said for UVA rays. The UVA is what bombards people on planes and can lead to skin aging, wrinkles and sunburn.

Kayla held up the product she used but added: “Obviously, this is too big to take on board, but I put it in small containers.”

Given the lack-of-ozone over Australia, the frequent flyer has also recommended an Aussie brand of sunscreen, as it's “actually really amazing compared to some countries.”

According to the Cancer Council, a 2015 study found that, compared with the general population, pilots and cabin crew had around twice the rate of melanoma.

Kayla’s post has become something of a hit with users of the social media site, having been seen over 40,000 times and clocking up more than 2000 likes, with many viewers shocked by this revelation, including the Kidspot office. 

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If you love a window seat, make sure to slip slop slap. Source: iStock

Aisle seat for the win

"Omg, this never even occurred to me! Will be slip-slop slapping from now on," one person wrote.

"Another reason to pick that aisle seat", one joked. 

"So that's how I keep getting mystery sunburns on travel days," said a third.

Another wrote: “Thanks for letting us know; I will be putting sunscreen on on my flight to Japan.”

"Also why I pull the shade down no matter how long the flight," another great tip from a TikToker. 

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The one item this flight attendant won't take-off without. Source: TikTok

Sunscreen for you and the kids!

A doctor has verified Kayla’s warning, board-certified cosmetic dermatologist and surgeon Dendy Engelman, who confirmed the intensity of ultraviolet (UV) radiation was higher on a flight and, as such, increased the traveller’s risk of skin damage. 

“Any exposure to UV rays can lead to skin damage,” Dr Engelman told Verywell.

“The higher in altitude, the higher dose of radiation you receive.”

He stressed the ozone that usually protected skin by absorbing UV rays was thinner at higher altitudes.

So, for those who love a window seat or have kids who refuse to sit anywhere else, apply a high-SPF sunscreen to their hands and face. There's no harm in reinforcing the importance of sunscreen. So don't forget your toothbrush and sunscreen. 

Originally published as Jetsetters be ware, there's an unsuspecting danger of taking flights