Why Choosing a Window Seat on a Flight May Be Risky

If you're flying soon and have the option to choose your seat, you may want to pick the window seat. A veteran pilot has shared that while many passengers prefer sitting by the window, airplane windows do not block harmful UV rays from the sun, and she therefore always uses sunscreen when flying.

Her warning isn’t the first on this topic. In the past, several doctors have cautioned about sun exposure during flights due to the aircraft's proximity to the ozone layer and increased ultraviolet radiation.

Dermatologist Dr. Joyce Park went viral with a video urging people to wear sunscreen while flying or to keep the window shade closed to reduce the risk of skin cancer. Cosmetic dermatologist Dendy Engelman from New York explained: “Any exposure to UV rays can damage the skin. The higher we fly, the more radiation we receive.”

It turns out that your seat selection can also make a difference. “It's best to sit in the middle rows of larger aircraft or near a window where you can keep the shade down,” Dr. Park advised.

Less alarmed experts say the risk from a single flight, or even occasional flying, is probably low. Dr. Elizabeth Jones stated that the main concern is for pilots and cabin crew. According to her, research shows that pilots are twice as likely to develop melanoma, a serious form of skin cancer.

How should you choose a seat on your next flight? Most people will still prefer the window seat, but if you're sensitive to sunlight, be sure to protect yourself appropriately.