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You might think that turbulence, bathroom emergencies, or getting hit by a food cart are the scariest things about flying. However, according to Kayla Marbry, a former flight attendant from Australia, there’s an even bigger threat to passengers’ well-being that most people never consider: UV rays.

Kayla, an influential social media personality with nearly 20,000 followers, took to a short video to share this little-known danger lurking in the skies. 

“The higher you go, the stronger and more harmful UV rays become. It’s a danger to all passengers. I always make sure to apply sunscreen before and during my flights,” Kayla revealed.

Kayla shares the hidden danger of flying, surprising many.

Kayla’s social media post quickly went viral, garnering over 40,000 views in less than a week. Hundreds of people were shocked by her advice and vowed to start wearing sunscreen when sitting by the window.

“I never thought about this. It’s really a shock to me”; “Thanks for letting me know. I will be applying sunscreen on my next flight”… commented online users.

Kayla’s warning is corroborated by Dr. Dendy Engelman, a dermatologic surgeon and skin cancer expert, according to the New York Post.

Dr. Engelman confirms that the intensity of UV rays increases at higher altitudes, posing a greater risk of skin damage to passengers. While airplane windows are excellent at blocking UVB rays, the same cannot be said for UVA rays.

UVA rays are the culprit for skin aging, wrinkles, and sunburns in passengers. Experts always recommend applying sunscreen when exposed to sunlight. A 2015 study found that pilots and flight crews had double the rate of melanoma compared to the general population.

When it comes to carry-on luggage, Kayla makes sure to decant her sunscreen into 100ml bottles to comply with airline regulations. She also carries a facial mist in her handbag to keep her skin hydrated during long-haul flights.

Frequently asked questions

The article shares some surprising dangers of air travel from the perspective of a former flight attendant. One of the main concerns is the quality of the air we breathe on planes. It is revealed that the air in airplane cabins is a mix of fresh air from the engines and recirculated air, which is passed through HEPA filters. However, these filters don’t catch everything, and the recirculated air can sometimes contain bacteria and viruses, leading to a higher risk of catching a cold or other illnesses.

The recirculated air in airplane cabins can create an ideal environment for the spread of bacteria and viruses. This is because the air is dry and lacks humidity, which can dehydrate our mucous membranes, making it easier for germs to enter our system. As a result, passengers are more susceptible to catching colds, flu, and other respiratory issues.

Yes, the former flight attendant also highlights the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which is a potentially life-threatening condition. DVT occurs when a blood clot forms in a deep vein, usually in the leg, and can be caused by sitting in the same position for long periods. To prevent this, it is recommended to move around as much as possible, stay hydrated, and wear compression stockings if necessary.

To minimize the risks, passengers are advised to take precautions such as washing their hands frequently, using hand sanitizer, and avoiding touching their face. Staying hydrated is also important, as it helps to keep the mucous membranes moist and less susceptible to germs. In addition, passengers should try to move around and stretch their legs regularly to prevent DVT.

It is quite common to fall ill after air travel due to the factors mentioned above. However, by taking the necessary precautions and being mindful of personal hygiene and hydration, passengers can significantly reduce their risk of catching a cold or developing other health issues during or after their flight.
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