British Airways Just Banned The Viral LED Face Masks Beloved By Influencers: Here’s Why

Social media influencers have normalized elaborate in-flight skincare routines involving numerous creams, serums, and masks, including the viral Biodance collagen mask that transforms from white to clear over several hours.

What was once a niche practice that would attract the stares of seatmates and flight attendants is now widespread, whether that be a long-haul flight or a short hop, where the effects of the dry cabin air are unlikely to disrupt someone’s skin barrier.

@currentbody Flying can cause your skin to be dry, dull and irritated due to lower humidity. Here are the first class benefits of adding LED to your in-flight routine. 💫 Increases skin hydration 💫 Soothes inflammaton and redness 💫 Enhances skin radiance #LEDEVERYWHERE #CurrentBody #ledmask #ledtherapy #redlighttherapy #plane #skincare ♬ original sound – currentbody

No one bats an eyelid to passengers whipping out a Korean sheet mask, but now influencers have moved onto the next craze – deploying their red LED masks at 38,000 feet, and this hack to beautiful post-flight skin is quickly catching on.

British Airways is quickly slamming the brakes on the use of these LED masks before they become super prevalent, saying they represent a safety risk and cannot be worn on any of its flights.

The problem, it seems, is mostly to do with the risk of a sudden depressurization. BA’s safety team fears that passengers wearing an LED face mask would struggle to quickly remove it in order to put on an oxygen mask.

@sommyyah 👯‍♀️#travel #ootd #grwm #skincareonplane #mask #skincare #redlightmask #redlighttherapy @medicube global #glassskin #dryskin #dehydratedskin #travelskincare ♬ original sound – polina

You might argue that the head strap used to secure an LED face mask in place isn’t much different from the visors that many passengers wore during the COVID-19 pandemic, although BA has not banned the use of these.

It’s not, however, just the risk of a depressurization that British Airways is concerned about. The airline also, quite rightly, points out that the bright red glow emitted by these devices could affect other passengers and impact the “overall cabin atmosphere.”

The ban might take some passengers by surprise, but it just goes to show how strict and regulated the airline industry is. In fact, passengers are often surprised to learn that gadgets and devices sold specifically to make their travels more comfortable aren’t allowed onboard.

In July, an Alaska Airlines passenger was booted from a flight after he tried to use a neck pillow made by a well-known travel accessories company, which is sold in airports around the world.

The issue was that the neck pillow attached to the headrest of the passenger’s seat in order to prevent that all too common ‘whiplash’ movement when you fall asleep and slump forward in your seat.

The flight attendant, however, didn’t want the neck pillow attached to the headrest, and an argument quickly ensued.

The manufacturers of many travel comfort devices, especially those designed for infants and small children, have to be approved by individual airlines, so even if you don’t encounter an issue on one flight, you might be told that your device is banned when flying another airline.

To be on the safe side, first check with the airline that your device is permitted, and don’t rely on promises made by companies, especially if you see assurances on marketplaces like Amazon that a specific device is approved by the FAA.