Flight Attendant Reveals Why Your Favorite Window Seat Might Be Bad For You

When boarding a flight, most passengers fall into one of two groups: those who fight for the window seat and those who stick to the aisle. Both sides have their reasons—views versus convenience—but the window has always carried a certain prestige.

Looking down at the clouds, cities, and landscapes below can feel almost magical. Yet, as appealing as it looks, there’s a hidden health risk many travelers don’t consider.

A flight attendant recently sparked discussion on TikTok after sharing surprising information about what it means to sit by the window with the shade up. Aislinn Swain, who also happens to be a bodybuilder, admitted that even she was shocked to discover the full picture.

“As a flight attendant, I can’t believe I didn’t know this sooner,” she said in her video.

Her main concern? Ultraviolet radiation. Most people think of sunscreen and shade when lying on a beach, not when sitting comfortably in an airplane seat.

But according to Swain, the same rules apply. She explained that the amount of UV exposure a person gets during just one hour in the window seat can equal what they’d be exposed to during 20 minutes in a tanning bed.

“When you find out just 60 minutes in the window seat on a flight has as much UV radiation as 20 minutes in a tanning bed,” she said, adding, “AND cabin crew and pilots are twice as likely to get skin cancer.”

Her main concern? Ultraviolet radiation.

Flight attendants warn that window seat sun exposure and radiation may pose hidden risks.

That’s a sobering statistic for frequent flyers and aviation workers alike. Swain’s advice was straightforward: wear sunscreen before flying, reapply it if you’re on a long flight, and keep the window shade down whenever possible.

The comments on her video showed just how unexpected this revelation was. One user who also works as a flight attendant wrote,

“I’m a flight attendant, oh no.”

Another chimed in, pointing out that passengers should be more worried about radiation exposure from flying than from the occasional medical X-ray.

“Considering how many flights the average person will take versus how many X-rays they will get, people should be more concerned about in-flight radiation. It’s not negligible,” they wrote.Pexels

Even experts outside aviation confirmed the concern. A former X-ray technician commented that people often worry unnecessarily about radiation in hospitals but don’t realize that flying contributes its own exposure.

For instance, a long-haul flight from New York to Los Angeles is equivalent to 0.04 mSv of radiation, while a chest X-ray is 0.1 mSv. Scientific studies back up these concerns.

The Skin Cancer Foundation points out that airplane windows do filter UVB rays (the ones responsible for sunburns), but they don’t block UVA rays. UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin and are strongly linked to skin cancer. Research also shows that UVA levels at flight altitudes can be two to three times higher than at ground level.

Understanding Flight Radiation Risks

Radiation exposure during flights, particularly in window seats, has become a point of concern among health experts. Dr. John K. D. Galloway, a radiation physicist, notes that passengers flying at high altitudes are subject to cosmic radiation, which increases their risk of cellular damage. He emphasizes, "While the risk is low for occasional travelers, frequent flyers should be mindful of their exposure, especially in window seats where radiation levels are slightly higher due to less shielding from the aircraft structure."

To mitigate these risks, Dr. Galloway suggests limiting time spent in window seats for long-haul flights, especially for those who travel often. Additionally, wearing sunblock before flying can provide an extra layer of protection against radiation.

Pilots face a higher melanoma risk from cockpit UV exposure, studies show.

One study from the University of Manchester revealed that pilots may experience UVA exposure similar to spending 20 minutes in a tanning bed for every hour in the cockpit.

A 2015 study went even further, finding that pilots and cabin crew are about twice as likely to develop melanoma compared to the general population.

While researchers can’t say for sure whether the increased risk comes mainly from time spent in the air or time spent outdoors during downtime, the connection is clear enough to raise concern.

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The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends simple yet effective steps: apply broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher before a flight, wear protective clothing such as long sleeves, and close the window shade to reduce exposure.

For those who prefer to skip sunscreen, choosing an aisle seat is another way to limit UVA contact. The message is clear—while the view out of the window is beautiful, it comes with risks that most people never think about.

Whether you’re a frequent flyer or only travel occasionally, protecting your skin at cruising altitude should be as routine as buckling your seatbelt.

Experts in aviation safety, like Captain John Cox, underline that while the beauty of a window seat is alluring, travelers should also consider their comfort during long flights. "Aisle seats allow easier access to move around, which is crucial for circulation and reducing the risk of deep vein thrombosis," he explains. With many passengers opting for window seats, it's vital to balance the desire for a view with practical health considerations.

Captain Cox recommends scheduling regular breaks to stand and stretch during long flights, regardless of seat choice, to improve blood circulation and overall comfort. This simple activity can significantly enhance the flying experience.

In summary, while window seats offer enchanting views, they come with hidden health risks that frequent flyers should consider. Experts like Dr. John K. D. Galloway remind us of the increased radiation exposure, suggesting that travelers opt for aisle seats when possible and minimize long-term exposure to mitigate health risks.

Additionally, aviation professionals like Captain John Cox highlight the importance of mobility during flights, encouraging passengers to take regular breaks. By combining expert advice with practical strategies, travelers can enjoy their journeys while prioritizing their health and well-being.