LONDON- British Airways (BA) officially bans the use of LED face masks on all flights, citing significant safety concerns. The airline announced the restriction from its primary hub, London Heathrow Airport (LHR).
The decision comes after the viral spread of LED skincare masks, popular with influencers who document in-flight routines. According to PYOK, the airline considered both safety risks and passenger comfort before implementing the ban.
Photo- BriYYZ; Wikimedia CommonsBritish Airways Bans LED Face Masks
The main issue centers on sudden depressurization events. British Airways safety teams concluded that passengers wearing LED masks, which strap tightly around the head, may not be able to remove them quickly to don oxygen masks. This delay could endanger lives during emergencies.
Some passengers argue that the masks are no different from visors commonly used during the COVID-19 pandemic.
However, British Airways clarified that visors remain allowed, while LED masks present specific risks due to their size, design, and light emitting function.
Another factor is the bright red glow emitted by the masks. Crew members reported that the light could disturb seatmates and alter the overall cabin atmosphere, especially during overnight flights.
Photo: Sandeep/ atc spotterIn-Flight Skincare Becoming Mainstream
What was once a niche practice, passengers applying creams or sheet masks under the curious eyes of fellow travelers, has now become widespread.
Skincare routines are seen not only on long-haul journeys but even on short-haul flights, where cabin dryness has little impact.
Influencers have pushed the trend further by showcasing advanced gadgets like the Biodance collagen mask, which gradually shifts from white to clear over several hours.
The next wave was LED therapy masks, seen as a hack for fresh, glowing post-flight skin. British Airways moved to restrict the practice before it became normalized at cruising altitude.
Photo: By John Taggart from Sunbury on Thames, Middlesex – lhr 01122008, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=31811109Other Airlines and Travel Gadgets
The ban is part of a larger pattern across airlines, where comfort or wellness products marketed as “flight safe” are later rejected by crews.
In July, an Alaska Airlines (AS) passenger was removed from a flight after attempting to use a headrest-attached pillow designed to prevent whiplash while sleeping.
Although such devices are sold in airports, they can be prohibited once on board. This inconsistency extends to products designed for infants and small children.
Manufacturers must obtain approval from individual airlines, meaning a device may be allowed on one carrier but banned on another.
Photo: Nabil Molinari | FlickrPassenger Reactions and Guidance
For many travelers, restrictions on products sold as travel friendly come as a surprise. Passengers often assume that devices available in airport shops or advertised as FAA approved are automatically permitted in-flight.
In reality, airlines have the final authority, and approval varies widely.
To avoid complications, experts recommend verifying directly with the airline before bringing any comfort or skincare device onboard.
Marketing claims on online marketplaces such as Amazon should not be relied upon. In aviation, safety regulations outweigh personal convenience or trends.
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