The scary reason you should wear sunscreen on a plane

It’s common sense to lather up when you’re about to lay out.

But before you even get to that tropical destination, you should be covered in sunscreen on the plane because harmful UVA rays can penetrate the glass.

That’s according to doctors The Sun and Conde Nast Traveler spoke with. So if you prefer the window seat, listen up!

The doctors say not only is it possible to get sunburned on a plane, you should worry about the rays that get through.

Plane windows block UVB rays for the most part, the kind which causes sunburn. But UVA rays, the kind which potentially causes skin cancer, can penetrate glass. In fact, it’s really bad for pilots.

Experts say pilots are at a higher risk of skin cancer because their window seat is obviously bigger than yours in the main cabin. A study from 2015 found pilots flying the plane for one hour is like getting the same UV radiation from a 20-minute tanning bed session!

Even though your window is smaller, hours in the sun on a long-haul flight can add up and increase your risk of skin cancer.

What can you do?

Pull down the shades when it’s sunny. Or wear a sunscreen or moisturizer with SPF 30 or more -- apply a thin layer to all exposed areas, even your arms, neck and chest.

They also say to reapply every two hours if it’s a long flight.

And I was worried about forgetting to pack my passport!