Questions about radiation on flights
Each page answers its question in the first two sentences, then shows the numbers behind the answer, route by route, from the FAA's CARI-7 model, with its sources. For the method itself, see how a flight's dose is calculated.
Updated
How much radiation do pilots and flight attendants get?
Aircrew average about 3 mSv a year of cosmic radiation; the FAA recommends under 20 mSv a year. What a year of flying adds up to, route by route.
Is a flight more radiation than an X-ray?
A flight's cosmic radiation dose against a chest X-ray, a dental X-ray and a CT scan, route by route, and why some sources say a flight is a few X-rays.
Is the radiation from flying safe in pregnancy?
Is flying's radiation a risk in pregnancy? For occasional travellers, obstetricians say no. Dose per flight and the FAA's 0.5 mSv monthly guideline for crew.
Do solar storms make flying more dangerous?
Solar radiation storms can raise the dose on high-latitude flights for hours. NOAA's S1 to S5 scale, how often each level happens, and what airlines do.
Your own number
These pages describe typical flights. The FlightDose app runs CARI-7 for each flight you log, with your date, altitude and time in the air, and keeps a running total.
FlightDose calculates your exact flight.
Free to download on iOS and Android. In-app purchases available.