Why Do Your Eyes and Lips Get Dry on an Airplane?

By

 


Why Do Your Eyes and Lips Get Dry on an Airplane?

Have you ever noticed that after about three hours on a flight, your eyes start to feel dry, your lips become chapped, or your skin feels tight?

You're not imagining it. The air inside an aircraft cabin has very low humidity—much lower than what we're used to at home or in the office. As a result, our bodies lose moisture more quickly, especially during long-haul flights.

Aircraft manufacturers have made significant improvements over the years to enhance passenger comfort, and newer aircraft generally maintain better cabin humidity than older models. Even so, it's still common to experience dry skin, dry lips, irritated eyes, and even a dry nose.

After all, there's a reason why Business and First Class amenity kits often include hand cream, lip balm, and other skincare essentials. Airlines know that these small comforts help counter the effects of dry cabin air.

But let's be honest—most of us travel in Economy Class. So, what can we do?

My In-Flight Comfort Kit



There is one small pouch that never leaves my carry-on luggage. As soon as I board the aircraft, I take it out and place it in the seat pocket in front of me so everything I need is within easy reach.

Here's what I always pack:

  • A bottle of water (or I buy one after passing through security). Staying hydrated is probably the single most important thing you can do during a flight.
  • Hand moisturizer.
  • Lip balm.
  • Artificial tears (always consult your doctor or eye care professional to find the product that's right for you).
  • A moisturizing nasal cream or saline nasal spray. If you're in Germany, you'll find several excellent options at your local Apotheke.

These may seem like small items, but they can make a huge difference, especially if you travel frequently or spend many hours in the air.

One More Tip

If you wear contact lenses, you may notice that your eyes become even drier during a flight. If possible, consider wearing your glasses for part of the journey or keep artificial tears handy to make your trip more comfortable.

Travelling is tiring enough without adding dry eyes, cracked lips, and irritated skin to the experience. A small travel kit takes up very little space, costs very little to put together, and can make a surprisingly big difference to your comfort.

Sometimes, the best travel companions aren't expensive gadgets—they're the little things that help you arrive feeling your best.

Travel Smarter with 5XPLR

At 5XPLR, we are more than just a travel agency—we're passionate travelers who love sharing the knowledge we've gained from our own adventures.

We believe that planning a trip isn't just about booking flights and hotels. It's about helping you enjoy every step of the journey. Sometimes, it's the smallest pieces of advice—like carrying lip balm, artificial tears, or a simple moisturizer—that make the biggest difference.

Our mission is to help you travel with confidence, comfort, and fewer surprises, whether you're heading off on a weekend getaway or the adventure of a lifetime.

Because better journeys start with better advice. If you're planning your next trip, let 5XPLR help you create an experience that's memorable for all the right reasons.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

✈️ Long Layovers at the Airport? You Might Be Missing an Opportunity

By
Image
 Have you ever booked a flight with a long layover just to save a bit of money? Let’s be honest… I think we’ve all done it at some point. We trade hours of waiting at the airport for a cheaper ticket. And then comes the big question: what do you actually do with that time? This blog comes from my own personal experience. And no, you don’t have to follow my “crazy idea” 😄… but maybe after reading this, you’ll think twice next time. For me, there’s one thing I’ve learned: I never miss an opportunity to discover a new city. Today, everything is just a click away. With a bit of planning, you can book tickets, reserve a city tour, or organize a small experience directly from your smartphone. A few years ago, on one of my first solo trips, I found myself in exactly that situation. I was flying with an American airline, with a layover in Chicago before continuing to Paris. I had around six hours to wait at the airport. Six hours might sound like a long time… but it’s actually very li...
Read more

Erfurt: Timeless Streets, Endless Charm

By
Image
Picture : Erfurt, 2025  Erfurt: A Timeless Gem in the Heart of Germany If you're planning a trip to Germany, chances are you haven’t yet heard of Erfurt — and that’s exactly what makes it so special. Erfurt is the capital of Thüringen (Thuringia) , a state in central Germany. You might think, "A small capital? Maybe not worth a stop?" — but I promise you, this city is full of charm, history, and authenticity. Adding Erfurt to your itinerary is something you won’t regret. Here, you’ll get to experience the traditional architectural style that many imagine when they think of Germany — narrow cobbled streets, half-timbered houses, and historic bridges like the famous Krämerbrücke . You’ll also enjoy delicious German food , including the local favorite: Thüringer Klöße . Simple, hearty, and so comforting. ✨ A Different Side of Germany If it’s your first time in Germany, you’re probably thinking of visiting Berlin or Munich — and they’re absolutely worth it. But Erfurt ...
Read more

✈️ Is Travel Insurance Really Necessary?

By
Image
  Is travel insurance really necessary? It’s a question many people ask. “I travel all the time and nothing ever happens.” “Why bother if my credit card already covers me?” It sounds reasonable. But is credit card insurance really enough? I’m not going to answer this as a travel advisor. I’m going to answer from personal experience. 💳 Credit Card Insurance: Helpful, But Not Always Enough Travel insurance included with credit cards can be useful. However, many people rely on it without fully understanding the conditions. And that’s where problems can start. In most cases: The trip must be paid with that specific credit card The insurance must be activated before the trip begins Coverage limits can be lower than expected Certain situations may be excluded The same applies when purchasing travel insurance separately: 👉 you need to understand what you’re actually covered for This is why good advice makes a difference. 🌍 Travel Insurance in Europe: What You Should Know Since Europe i...
Read more