health

Air travel: cabin humidity and dehydration

Humidity in aircraft cabins is generally less than 10-20%. This poses no health risk, but can cause dry skin and discomfort in the eyes, mouth and nose.

To mitigate or prevent the effects of dry cabin air on the skin it is advisable to travel without make-up and apply a good moisturizer.

Contact lens wearers, at least for the duration of the flight, should prefer glasses, while those who suffer from dry eyes must frequently instill an eye drop to avoid annoying irritation.

During long-haul flights, to avoid dehydration, it is also advisable to take an adequate fluid intake, while the use of caffeine and alcohol should be limited as they have a diuretic effect.