Ask a Club member: 15 in-flight beauty tips

Ready to elevate your in-flight experience? From innovative routines to surprisingly effective products, we’ve been quizzing members of The British Airways Club on their unique and unexpected beauty recommendations. So, read on to discover the best (and perhaps some of the most unusual) hacks from your peers for looking as good as possible during and after your next flight.

1. Bring a vintage silver teaspoon. Not for tea (though I won’t ever refuse a good brew). Keep it chilled in a glass of ice requested from the galley, then press the spoon under the eyes to depuff them.
Henriette von Stockhausen, co-founder VSP Interiors 

2. Flying seems to make my hair flat and greasy, so I always make sure to pack a dry shampoo powder (like this one by Aveda). Just sprinkle it on to your roots and massage it in. It absorbs oil, adds some volume and makes my hair smell nice. No water needed!
Kathryn Stiles

3. I always collect the samples from my favourite toiletry retailers such as Kiehl’s. They’re perfect for travelling and fit in the plastic bags so I carry them in hand baggage. It means I always have my favourite shampoo, conditioner and shower gel and can even freshen up mid-flight with skin toner and moisturiser.
David Gold

4. Trust me on this – hypochlorous acid spray is a total lifesaver when you travel. It’s basically a very gentle antibacterial spray for cleaning wounds – you can find it in the baby aisle of the supermarket. Just a quick spritz mid-flight keeps your skin fresh, calms any irritation and helps prevent breakouts.
Katie Miller

5. I use a natural jade stone (also known as a gua sha tool) to massage my face lymph nodes (particularly around the jaw) to reduce facial puffiness. It’s cold, which also helps soothe the skin.
Zii Lizard, model, entrepreneur and founder of LZRD LASH

6. Want baby-soft feet by the time you land? Apply your favourite hydrating body moisturiser in a thick layer to your feet after take-off. Cover with a warm, comfortable pair of socks and wait. By touchdown, your feet will be smelling fabulous and ready for the beach.
Amanda Connock, founder of Connock England

7. This might make me sound crazy, but I make sure I’m wearing my SPF if I’m in the window seat. I love a brush-on mineral sunscreen that can be easily reapplied during long flights. 
Jen Field

8. Don't buy travel-sized toiletries before you leave for your trip. Instead, write a list and buy them at the airport after you get through security. You won’t waste valuable suitcase space – plus, you’ll use most of these items on your holiday, which means you can recycle the bottles before you come home.
Karalee Whiting

9. As a germaphobe and a big blow-dry lover I always bring my silk pillowcase on board and use it to cover my headrest. It elevates comfort but also means my hair is much less prone to frizz.
Dr Rasha, aesthetics physician and founder of the Dr Rasha Clinic

10. I love Evian facial spray for refreshing my face mid-flight and just before landing. If I’m feeling fancy, I’ll get the travel-sized Caudalie Beauty Elixir. It smells like a spa and feels zingy on my skin.
Callum McInnes

11. True hydration isn’t just about drinking water while avoiding alcohol and coffee – it’s about strengthening the skin’s lipid barrier. A day or two before flying, I load my diet with hydrating and omega-3-rich foods such as fruits, vegetables, fish, nuts and seeds to make my skin cells more resilient under pressure. In the air, I layer a dense moisturising cream and lip balm, both with SPF, to shield against the cabin’s dry air and amplified UV exposure.
Paul Tran, founder and CEO of grooming company Manscaped

12. My little tip comes from my mum, who used to be a frequent traveller. She always took a small pot of Vaseline on her travels. It’s great for applying a coat on your lips, eyelashes and eyebrows. A thin coat on your feet – well rubbed-in with a massage around your toes – helps you to not get swollen feet.
Helen Brunton

13. I treat in-flight time as recovery for my skin. Over the years, I’ve refined a three-step routine: apply a fine mist to keep the skin damp, a lightweight serum to draw in hydration and a barrier cream to lock it all in. When your skin is properly supported, you arrive looking fresher and more put-together than any concealer could achieve.
Dr Tara Lalvani, CEO and founder of Beautifect

14. My hands get so dry on a flight, so I always pack cuticle oil. It helps stop your cuticles from drying out and makes your nails look lovely and shiny. I use one like this from LOOKFANTASTIC.
Alix Smith

15. I pack a slimmed-down version of my makeup bag for the flight, which always includes Black Honey lipstick by Clinique. It’s like a cross between a lipstick and balm and doesn’t seem to dry out my lips. But my real top tip is to use on your cheeks as well as your lips. I find a bit of colour there brings your whole face back to life.
Martha B

Got a great travel tip? We want to hear it! For a future issue, we’re asking: how do you make the most of the airport lounge? Email theclub@cedarcom.co.uk to share your wisdom (the more unexpected the better).

Please note that while we aim to showcase as many submissions as possible we may not be able to feature every tip we receive.