What we pack: Flying with Dry Eyes

Keywords: dry eyes when flying, eye care on planes, inflight eye dryness, best products for dry eyes, why do eyes get dry on planes, flying eye health

Why Is Flying So Bad for Your Eyes?
If you’ve ever stepped off a flight with dry, itchy, red or puffy eyes — you’re not alone. Air travel is notoriously tough on your eyes, and it’s not just about being tired. Here’s why your eyes struggle at 30,000 feet — and what you can do about it.

1. The Air Is Incredibly Dry
Airplane cabins typically hover around 10–20% humidity - drier than the Sahara Desert. This ultra-dry environment causes tears to evaporate more quickly, leaving your eyes dehydrated and uncomfortable. It also slows your Meibomian glands, which are responsible for producing the oils that keep your tears from evaporating.

2. You Blink Less on Planes
Whether you’re watching a movie, reading a book, or dozing off, your blink rate drops significantly. Fewer blinks mean less tear distribution and more evaporation — which adds to that gritty, dry sensation by the time you land.

3. You’re Exposed to Stronger UV Light
At cruising altitude, UV exposure is stronger — even through airplane windows. This added radiation can irritate your ocular surface and contribute to eye fatigue. It’s why many ophthalmologists recommend closing your window shade or wearing UV-blocking glasses during flights.

4. Jet Lag Disrupts Your Tear Rhythm
Long-haul and overnight flights throw off your circadian rhythm, which in turn affects tear production and quality. Your eyes may feel especially dry after red-eyes or when flying across time zones.

What You Can Do
Pack smart: products like our Heated Eye Wand help stimulate your eye’s natural oil flow mid-flight, while our Instant Relief Eye Spray supports your tear film with soothing liposomes. And don’t forget to blink consciously during screen time - it makes more difference than you’d think.

✈️ Pro tip: Keep a compact eye care kit in your carry-on so you’re ready for takeoff, no matter how far you’re flying.

We asked the members of our team what they pack in their hand-luggage for the perfect flight experience, here’s what they said:

Nicola:

• Dr Harris Silk Eye Mask helps me fall asleep on flights
• Derma E Vitamin C Bright Eyes under eye patches to leave the flight looking refreshed
• Peep Club Instant Relief Eye Spray; spritz over both eyes every 3-4 hours to help combat the extra dryness of a flight and the redness of tired eyes - this is a flight superhero!
• Sioris Rose Mistfor juicy, hydrated skin
• Olio E Osso lip balm in No. 4 berry for a natural flush of colour (it can be used on the lips to keep them hydrated and also on the cheeks and even the eyelids!)
• Bombas Compression socks to keep circulation going
• A giant bottle of water I try to drink at least 1L of water on every flight
• An entertaining book: I am currently reading comedic legend Martin Short’s autobiography: “I Must Say, My Life As A Humble Comic Legend” – it’s a fun easy read!

Natasha:

1. Chillys water bottle
2. Dettol cucumber hand sanitiser
3. Audible subscription
4. JLab wireless ear buds
5. Carex lip balm
6. Gap grey suede travel pouch
7. Peep Club  Heated Eye Wand(OBVS) - get very jealous looks when I use it on the plane