I once sat on a 14-hour flight and had a lash dangling from my left eye by hour six. A guy next to me asked if I was crying. You don't want that. Over the years, I've developed a foolproof routine for wearing false lashes on planes—and knowing when not to.

SHOULD YOU FLY WITH LASHES ON OR APPLY AFTER?

It depends on your landing time. If you're flying into a day of meetings or an event, wear them on the plane. If you have a red-eye and a long layover, apply after landing. Here's why: cabin air is extremely dry, which can dry out the glue and make the band brittle. But a compact lash kit in your carry-on solves that.

THE TSA-FRIENDLY LASH KIT (EXACTLY WHAT TO PACK)

• One pair of lashes in a hard travel case (crush-proof is key).
• TSA-size lash glue (under 3.4 ounces / 100ml, allowed in carry-on).
• Clean tweezers that are 6 inches or shorter.
• A small spoolie brush for refreshing.
• A pocket mirror.

You don't need your entire stash—just one pair that'll get you through the entire trip.

HOW TO AVOID THE "DEAD LASH" LOOK AFTER 6 HOURS IN A CABIN

1. Press the band down when you land. Cabin dryness can lift the edge at the inner and outer corner. Press it for 10 seconds with a clean finger.
2. Refresh with a spoolie. Run it through your lashes from below, then gently push upward. This re-seats the curl.
3. Don't touch the band with makeup remover. Bring a tiny pair of scissors and cut any strand that's poking into your brow or lens.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A TRAVEL LASH

These are the criteria I use when I pack a pair for a flight:

1. Flexible band that can be squashed in a case and spring back to shape.
2. Durable fibers that don't shred after being in a bag.
3. A shape that suits your sleep position—if you tend to sleep on your side, avoid lashes with a long wing that can crease.

CAN I BRING FALSE LASHES ON A PLANE?

Yes. False lashes are not restricted. Only lash glue that exceeds the liquid limit needs to go in checked luggage. Most travel-size glues are well under 3.4 ounces.

HOW DO YOU PACK LASHES WITHOUT CRUSHING THEM?

Always use a hard-shell lash case. Place the lashes with the band facing flat against the bottom, and don't stack anything on top.

IS LASH GLUE ALLOWED IN CARRY-ON?

TSA and most global rules allow liquids under 3.4 ounces (100ml). If your glue tube is larger, put it in checked baggage.

GET THE LASHES I TRUST AT 30,000 FEET

After 60 flights this year, PHANSTA LASHES are the pair I keep in my carry-on. The flexible band survives being napped on, and the crimp-proof shape goes right back after being packed. If you're tired of landing with one lash missing, try the pair I bring on every flight.

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