Frequent Flyers Face Radiation Risks at High Altitude

Airline crews and regular travelers may accumulate higher radiation exposure during long-haul and polar flights.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 9:04am

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Radiation exposure is a hidden danger for airline crews and frequent flyers, especially on long-haul and over-the-pole flights. While the risk is low for occasional travelers, those who fly frequently or work as flight crews face an increased chance of radiation exposure that can lead to long-term health issues like cancer and pregnancy complications. Experts recommend checking space weather forecasts, staying hydrated, and wearing sunscreen to mitigate the effects of radiation exposure.

Why it matters

As new generations of planes fly at higher altitudes and over-the-pole routes become more common, passengers and crews have an increased chance of radiation exposure. This is a significant safety and health risk that regulators in the U.S. have not yet fully addressed, unlike in Europe and Canada. Raising awareness and implementing protective measures is crucial for the wellbeing of frequent flyers and aviation workers.

The details

Radiation exposure is more common closer to the poles, so domestic flights within the continental U.S. pose a lower risk. However, flights to Asia, Europe, or across oceans are more likely to encounter solar particle events that can spike radiation levels. The average radiation dose on a coast-to-coast U.S. flight is equivalent to one chest X-ray, but routine exposure can still increase the risk of cancer and other health issues. Pregnant passengers and those trying to become pregnant need to be especially cautious.

  • Solar particle events that can increase radiation levels on flights are tracked by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Space Weather Prediction Center.

The players

Sara Nelson

President of the Association of Flight Attendants (AFA), who has warned about the radiation risks faced by airline crews and frequent flyers.

Amber Paul

Assistant professor of Aerospace Physiology and Immunology at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, who explains that radiation exposure affects individuals differently based on factors like age, sex, and tissue sensitivity.

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What they’re saying

“More frequent travelers and airline crews need to understand that they have a high exposure to radiation and there are tools to track that exposure to radiation and make individual decisions based on that.”

— Sara Nelson, President, Association of Flight Attendants

“Biologically, we're all different. Age, sex, all of these things change how we respond to radiation, and certain tissues are more sensitive than other tissues.”

— Amber Paul, Assistant Professor of Aerospace Physiology and Immunology, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

What’s next

Regulators in the U.S. need to acknowledge the radiation risks to flight crews and implement an education and notification campaign about exposure events. Airplane manufacturers should also innovate to develop new technologies, like radiation-shielding paint, to help address the radiation risks at high altitudes.

The takeaway

Frequent flyers and aviation workers face a significant but often overlooked health risk from radiation exposure at high altitudes. While the risk is low for occasional travelers, those who fly frequently or work as flight crews should take precautions like checking space weather forecasts, staying hydrated, and wearing sunscreen to mitigate the long-term effects of radiation exposure.