I am of the philosophy that with a good range of products and some determination, you can change almost any scenario into a spa experience. Even a 17-inch airplane seat with crunched knees and dry air blowing on your face. My journey to finding the perfect in-flight self care routine started when I became a full-time travel writer a few years back. I was taking international flights almost every week and was experiencing a few too many airplane bathroom jump scares when I would look in the mirror six hours into a flight. I called the look “long-haul haggard.”
And I was sick of it.
So, I developed an in-flight routine to help me stay comfortable, hydrated, and made economy class feel a little more like the Ritz-Carlton Spa.
Begin Your Prep Before You Depart
My routine begins before I leave for the airport. Pre-prep. I start with SUNGBOON EDITOR Deep Collagen Power Boosting Mask. It's a hydrogel mask with collagen and peptides and is super hydrating, plumping my skin before hours of dry air.
According to the CDC, airplane cabins typically maintain just 10% to 20% humidity. That is dry enough to irritate your eyes, nose and throat, and suck the life out of your skin.
Always dress for comfort. People who board flights longer than two hours in jeans genuinely scare me. One of my favorite travel sets is Vuori’s Halo Essential Wide Leg pants with the Halo Essential Cardigan. The soft, stretchy Dream Knit fabric feels like pajamas but looks polished enough for the airport.
I also love Travis Mathew’s Cloud Terry Wide Leg Pant with the Cloud Terry Crew. The lightweight French terry is smooth on the outside, cozy on the inside, and stretchy enough for whatever positions I contort myself into.
I finish either look with compression socks and removable layers because airplane temperatures are unpredictable.
Start With a Clean Slate. AKA, a Clean Tray Table
As soon as I get to my seat, I wipe down my tray table, armrests, seat controls, seatbelt and screen. A sanitized little perimeter makes the seat feel more comfortable, and less germs on your skin is always the goal.
I board without makeup or remove it once I settle into my seat. A travel-size bottle of micellar water and a few reusable cotton rounds work better than face wipes, which sometimes leave my skin feeling sticky.
Build Your Routine Around Hydration
A flight is not the time to experiment with retinol, acids, or an exciting peel you discovered on TikTok. Keep the routine gentle and focused on moisture.
I begin with a hydrating serum, usually hyaluronic acid, then follow it with Clinique Moisture Surge Overnight Mask, which is richer than my everyday moisturizer. The serum adds hydration while the thicker mask helps seal it in. I use a lip mask generously and keep hand cream close to reapply after washing or sanitizing.
The Summer Fridays Jet Lag Skin Soothing Hydration Mist is useful when my skin starts feeling dry but I do not want to get up, wash my hands, and apply more moisturizer. Its formula includes glycerin, a humectant that helps attract water to the skin. If you are sitting close to other passengers, spray it into your hands and press it onto your face. I have found this to keep my skin hydrated for hours.
Finally, keep sipping water throughout the flight. Even if you are like me and tend to avoid water because you hate getting up to pee, remember that bathroom visits are also an excuse to move your legs and your skin will thank you for staying hydrated.
Under-Eye Masks Make Everything Better
When you start feeling like a sardine in a tin can, throw on some under-eye patches.
I like the Dieux Forever Eye Mask, a pair of reusable silicone patches that hold your preferred eye serum or cream against your skin. Unlike single-use patches, they do not contain a serum of their own. You apply your preferred product first, place the masks on top and wash them after each use.
They come in a small case, take up almost no room, create zero trash and do not leak mystery liquid into your carry-on.
I sometimes use them more than once on an especially long flight, but the final hour is the most important. I put them on before the cabin lights return so my under-eyes can plump up before passport control.
The Best Beauty Treatment Is Still Sleep
No amount of moisturizer can compensate for going a full night without sleep. I know how hard it can be to get comfortable enough to drift off on a plane, but if you can get even a little, it will help.
I believe the trick to falling asleep on an airplane is the right gear. My setup begins with a Trtl Travel Pillow. Instead of the traditional doughnut shape, it uses an internal support that holds my head upright. It is the only travel pillow I have found that doesn’t leave me with neck pain.
I pair it with the Manta SILK Sleep Mask. Its adjustable eye cups block light without pressing directly against my eyelids and the silk is better for the skin. Finally, my Apple Airpods Max. The noise cancelling effect of these is unlike any other headphones I've tried and an absolute life saver on long, loud flights. I also bring an oversized scarf that works as an extra blanket because airplanes often feel like walk-in freezers.
Before settling in, I brush my teeth, loosen anything restrictive around my waist, and place my water, headphones and lip balm within reach. Disposable toothbrushes are game changers for flights. Just remember not to rinse with the bathroom sink water.
Give Yourself a Landing Routine
About an hour before arrival, I clean my face, reapply moisturizer and use my eye patches one last time.
Once I reach my hotel, I shower, cover myself in body lotion, chug a bottle of water, do some stretching, and go on a walk to loosen my muscles and get my lymphatic system flowing again.
Of course, even if you follow these tips, economy class will still be economy class. The seat will not recline any farther because you applied an eye mask and nobody will offer you a robe.
But you can moisturize, block out the noise, and imagine you are laying beachside in Barbados.
Trust me, it helps.