How to Choose Pilot Sunglasses

Find the best sunglasses for your next flight. We review the top 10 aviator brands and share crucial advice on non-polarized lenses, UV protection, and fit.

Steve Spears

Monday, September 29, 2025 at 09:01 AM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Ryan Ewing

Pilot in the cockpit. [Shutterstock]

For pilots, finding the perfect pair of sunglasses isn’t just about looking stylish—though that’s certainly a bonus. It’s about enhancing vision, safeguarding eyes from harsh UV rays, and ensuring comfort during long hours in the cockpit. Here, we’ve rounded up the most popular and effective pilot sunglasses on the market in 2025.

Ray-Ban Aviator Classic

Ray-Ban Rb3025 Classic Aviator Sunglasses [Courtesy: Amazon]

Embrace the timeless style with Ray-Ban Aviator Classics. These sunglasses are a staple in pilot gear, celebrated for their large lenses and robust design, making them both functional and fashionable.

Special Features:
- Extremely customizable
- Comes with a durable and stylish case
Benefits:
- Affordable and dependable
- Offers great customer service
Disadvantages:
- Some options lean towards style over pilot functionality
- Standard lenses are polarized (non-polarized available on request)

Cooper Aviator Standard with Bifocals

For pilots who require bifocal lenses, the Cooper Aviator Standard offers unmatched comfort and practicality, designed specifically to be worn under headsets and helmets.

Benefits:
- Engineered for bifocal users
- Shatterproof, polycarbonate lenses
- Prescription compatible

Oakley Holbrook

Perfect for thrill-seekers, the Oakley Holbrook sunglasses are renowned for their durability and snug fit, making them ideal for stunt pilots who need trustworthy eyewear.

Special Features:
- Sheet metal frames for added durability
- Extra large lenses
Benefits:
- Trusted brand with extra durability
- Snug fit
Disadvantages:
- Require non-polarized lens selection

Coach Pilot Sunglasses

Designed with style in mind, Coach Pilot Sunglasses offer a first-class experience in both appearance and functionality, featuring customizable frames to match your personal style.

Special Features:
- Large lens sizes
- Various color and frame options
Benefits:
- Functional and stylish
- Reasonably priced
Disadvantages:
- Some reports of the fit not being snug enough

Flight Gear Captain’s Sunglasses

For the budget-conscious pilot, Flight Gear Captain’s Sunglasses prioritize functionality over flair, providing ample visibility without unnecessary features at an unbeatable price.

Special Features:
- Minimalistic design for maximum function
Benefits:
- Affordable price point
- Specifically designed for pilots
Disadvantages:
- Lack in style

American Optical Original Pilot

These sunglasses have been trusted by military pilots since the 1950s, offering a practical slide-off design compatible with helmet use, and providing exceptional American-made quality.

Special Features:
- Helmet-compatible slide-off design
- Multiple lens tint options
Benefits:
- Available in three lens sizes
- Lightweight construction
Disadvantages:
- Slide-off feature can sometimes be too effective

Carrera Men’s 1033

Built by pilots for pilots, the Carrera 1033 merges practicality with style, featuring robust lenses and frames that promise superior sun protection and durability.

Special Features:
- Large 63mm lenses
- Prescription-compatible frames
Benefits:
- Affordable and lightweight
- Designed with pilot needs in mind

Serengeti Carrara Aviator Sunglasses

With an emphasis on style without compromising on performance, Serengeti Carrara Aviators are for pilots who want to look good while flying cool.

Special Features:
- Titanium frame for extra durability
Benefits:
- Stylish Italian craftsmanship
- Lightweight design
Disadvantages:
- Smaller lenses
- Predominantly photochromic lenses (sensitive to heat)

Randolph Aviators

For pilots seeking sleek design and functionality, Randolph Aviators offer exceptional build quality and service but are priced at a premium.

Special Features:
- Quick on/off slim fit
- Large lenses
Benefits:
- Robust and durable
- Excellent customer service
Disadvantages:
- Higher cost
- Standard lenses are polarized

Understanding Pilot Sunglasses

How Do Pilot Sunglasses Work?

The essence of good pilot sunglasses lies in their ability to protect the eyes from UV rays and glare, which can be particularly strong at high altitudes. The large surface area of the lenses provides extensive coverage, reducing eye fatigue and enhancing visibility.

Polarization

Polarized lenses are common in casual sunglasses, but they’re not recommended for pilots. They can obscure reflections and interfere with the reading of instruments, which is crucial during flight maneuvers.

Radiation Protection

At high altitudes, UV exposure increases significantly. Therefore, pilot sunglasses should offer 100% UV protection to safeguard eyesight from potential long-term damage.

READ MORE: How Pilots Gear Up at the Majors

Lens Material

Pilot lenses are primarily made from Crown Glass, CR-39 Plastic, or Polycarbonate. While all offer solid protection, the best choice depends on the desired balance between durability, weight, and clarity.

Special Coatings

Lens coatings enhance UV protection and durability. However, avoid exposing coated lenses to excessive heat, as this can degrade the effectiveness of the coating.

Tint Options

Tints like gray, brown, and green help filter light without the unwanted effects of polarization, allowing pilots to choose based on personal comfort and visual preference.

Frames and Style

While pilots should prioritize lens functionality, frame choice often offers room to express individual style. However, frames should support large lenses to ensure effective protection.

Photochromic Lenses

Though advanced, photochromic lenses are not yet fully recommended for aviation due to their unreliability under certain flight conditions.

Conclusion

With a variety of styles and technologies available, choosing the right sunglasses can enhance both safety and style in the sky. Always prioritize lenses that cater to UV protection and optical clarity to ensure a clear and comfortable flying experience.

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Steve Spears

Etihad Airways to Launch Palma de Mallorca Flights

UAE-based Etihad Airways will introduce scheduled nonstop service between Abu Dhabi and Palma De Mallorca in Spain in June 2026.

Lorne Philipot

Saturday, September 27, 2025 at 08:00 AM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Ryan Ewing

An Etihad Airbus A320. (Photo: Shutterstock | Markus Mainka)

Etihad Airways will introduce scheduled service between Abu Dhabi and Palma De Mallorca in Spain next year.

The summer service will operate three times a week, using an Airbus A321 aircraft. Flights will launch on June 12, continuing until mid-September 2026.

“Palma de Mallorca is the perfect addition to our summer schedule,” said Etihad CEO Antonoaldo Neves in a news release. “From marinas and lively nightlife to secluded coves and historic towns, Mallorca has something for every traveler. We can’t wait to connect our guests from Abu Dhabi and across our network to this Balearic gem – the ultimate summer escape aboard our new A321LR.”

This new flight will be the only nonstop connection between the Middle East and Palma de Mallorca.

Etihad Airways has been on an expansion drive over the last year. The carrier has added numerous destinations, including Addis Ababa, Algiers, Atlanta, Hanoi, Hong Kong, Prague, Taipei, Tunis, and Warsaw.

Lorne Philipot

Lorne is a South Africa-based aviation journalist. He was captivated and fascinated by flying from the day he took his first airline flight. With a passion for aviation in his blood, he has flown to destinations in all corners of the globe. Lorne has traveled extensively and lived in various countries. Drawing on his travels and passion for aviation, Lorne enjoys writing about airlines, routes, networks, and new developments.

Atlanta Airport Loses Millions Over DEI Dispute

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport has reportedly lost millions in funding because it will not drop its diversity, equity, and inclusion policies.

Zach Vasile

Saturday, September 27, 2025 at 07:00 AM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Ryan Ewing

Delta aircraft in Atlanta. (Photo: Markus Mainka | Shutterstock)

The busiest airport in the U.S. has reportedly lost millions in federal funding because it will not abandon its diversity, equity, and inclusion policies.

According to a report from The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport has forfeited about $37.5 million in FAA grants and could lose more because it refused to sign new grant language introduced by the Trump administration requiring recipients to disavow DEI programs.

The newspaper obtained correspondence between airport officials and the FAA on the matter, and an FAA official confirmed the $37.5 million figure.

The money was supposed to go to improvement projects at Hartsfield-Jackson, including renovations of terminal bathrooms, taxiway pavement replacement, and efforts to increase safety and sustainability.

The airport did receive $10.6 million from the FAA for airfield work earlier this year. It is not clear if this money was disbursed before or after the federal anti-DEI provisions came into effect.

Over $19 million could be made available to the airport in 2026 if it agrees to sign the grant language.

Looking At ‘Options’

Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution last week that his team was considering changes to minority inclusion and contracting programs at the airport. A spokesperson for the mayor’s office later said the city is confident it can find “alternative funding” to support the projects.

“Federal funding for the airport, while important, represents less than 10%, approximately $1 billion over the next six years, of the airport’s total capital program over the same period,” the spokesperson said. Atlanta is “currently evaluating all options to ensure alignment with our long-held values, local policy, and federal law and we are confident that the airport will be well positioned to receive federal funds in the future.”

Eliminating DEI programs is a major priority for the Trump administration. Through executive orders, the White House has banned DEI in federal agencies, terminated DEI-related grants, and obligated contractors and grantees to certify that they do not operate any programs promoting DEI.

Some cities, including New York and Boston, have challenged those orders in court.

According to WAGA-TV, Atlanta officials attempted to have the anti-DEI provisions removed from the FAA’s grant language, but were unsuccessful. The FAA gave Hartsfield-Jackson until Aug. 1 to agree to its terms, and the airport’s leaders refused, the station reported.

The FAA has not said if any other U.S. airports have lost funding for a similar reason.

Zach Vasile

Zach Vasile is a writer and editor covering news in all aspects of commercial aviation. He has reported for and contributed to the Manchester Journal Inquirer, the Hartford Business Journal, the Charlotte Observer, and the Washington Examiner, with his area of focus being the intersection of business and government policy.

Condor to Retire Boeing 757 By Early November

German airline Condor will officially retire its last remaining Boeing 757-300s between October and November, with a special “farewell flight” planned.

Zach Vasile

Friday, September 26, 2025 at 04:45 PM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Ryan Ewing

A Condor Boeing 757 (Photo: Shutterstpck | Pavel1964)

German airline Condor will officially retire its last remaining Boeing 757-300s between October and November, with a special “farewell flight” planned for Nov. 5.

The phaseout will mark Condor’s transition to an all-Airbus fleet. The 757s are expected to be replaced by Airbus A320neo- and A321neo-family aircraft.

The carrier announced plans to retire its 757s last year but had not set a firm date. The 11 aircraft are being sold to asset management company Crestone Air Partners.

“By bidding farewell to the Boeing 757, an era at Condor comes to an end,” Condor COO Christian Schmitt said in a statement. “At the same time, this marks the beginning of a new chapter with a modern, more efficient, and more sustainable Airbus fleet.”

Condor’s last 757 flight will take 75 passengers from Frankfurt to Vienna and back. The carrier is auctioning off tickets for the flight on its website.

Condor said it will continue operating six 757s until late October on routes connecting Frankfurt and Düsseldorf with popular vacation destinations like Mallorca, Spain; Hurghada, Egypt; and Fuerteventura and Gran Canaria in the Canary Islands. The last scheduled 757 services are between Düsseldorf and Mallorca on Oct. 29 and between Frankfurt and Hurghada on Nov. 2.

Zach Vasile

Livery of the Week: Lufthansa’s 100-Year Livery

Lufthansa on Friday gave a first look at the special livery it designed to mark its 100th anniversary next year, which will be featured on a 787.

Zach Vasile

Friday, September 26, 2025 at 04:05 PM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Ryan Ewing

Lufthansa's 100th anniversary livery being applied to a 787. (Photo: Lufthansa)

Editor’s Note: AirlineGeeks is proud to present our ‘Livery of the Week’ series. Every Friday, a team member will share an airline livery, which can be from the past, present, or even a special scheme. Some airline liveries are works of art. The complexity associated with painting around critical flight components and the added weight requires outside-the-box thinking from designers. The average airliner can cost upwards of $200,000 to repaint, creating a separate aircraft repainting industry as a result.

Have an idea for a livery that we should highlight? Drop us a line.

Lufthansa on Friday gave a first look at the special livery it designed to mark its 100th anniversary next year.

One of the carrier’s new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners now bears a white, gray, and blue color scheme, with Lufthansa’s well-recognized crane displayed on the fuselage and tail. The numerals “100” appear on the aircraft’s left side and underside, while “1926/2026” is painted on the right side.

Lufthansa's 100th anniversary livery. (Photo: Lufthansa) — Lufthansa’s 100th anniversary livery. (Photo: Lufthansa)

“We are proud of our tradition and our values, and we look forward to continuing our great history,” Lufthansa CEO Jens Ritter said in a statement. “The special livery of the Boeing 787 honors our identity and also stands for a proud team of Lufthansa employees who give everything every day for the safety and well-being of our guests.”

The 787-9 had the new livery applied in North Charleston, South Carolina. The aircraft will be delivered to Lufthansa in Frankfurt in November and is expected to enter commercial service in December.

Lufthansa traces its founding back to the 1926 formation of predecessor airline Deutsche Luft Hansa. The modern Lufthansa was organized in 1953 and uses the same crane symbol, which was designed by architect and graphic designer Otto Firle in 1918.

Looking for a new airplane model? Head over to our friends at the Midwest Model Store for a wide selection of airlines and liveries.

Zach Vasile

Spirit to Cut 40 More Routes

The carrier's chief commercial officer, Rana Ghosh, told employees on Friday that the carrier will suspend roughly 40 routes and exit two airports.

Ryan Ewing

Friday, September 26, 2025 at 03:24 PM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Ryan Ewing

A Spirit A320neo in Los Angeles. (Photo: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson)

Spirit’s chief commercial officer, Rana Ghosh, told employees Friday that the carrier will suspend roughly 40 routes and exit two airports as part of a previously announced 25% year-over-year capacity reduction.

In the internal note shared with AirlineGeeks, Ghosh said the ultra-low-cost carrier will end service at Hartford’s Bradley International Airport on Oct. 31 and Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport on Dec. 1. He added that while routine schedule adjustments will continue, the airline does not anticipate additional airport exits in the near term.

“While we previously reduced our presence at these airports, these decisions were still difficult, and we are incredibly grateful for our Team Members and partners at both stations,” Ghosh added.

Its latest network shake-up comes just weeks after the airline announced plans to pull out of 11 U.S. cities, including recently launched service to Chattanooga, Tennessee, and Columbia, South Carolina.

Spirit aircraft in Dallas/Fort Worth (Photo: Shutterstock | EQRoy)

The airline’s finalized November schedule also includes suspensions of multiple seasonal and less-frequent routes as the airline shifts focus toward its strongest-performing markets, Ghosh added.

New Network Planning Chief

He also introduced Andrea Lusso as Spirit’s new vice president of network planning. Lusso began his career as a Flight Operations and Safety intern at Spirit, later held senior planning roles at JetBlue, and most recently worked as principal of supply chain and network design at Amazon Air.

Spirit filed for Ch. 11 bankruptcy last month for the second time in less than a year. This week, it announced plans to furlough about 1,800 flight attendants.

Ryan Ewing

Ryan founded AirlineGeeks.com in February 2013 and has spent more than a decade covering the airline business. His work has been featured by CNN, WJLA, CNET, and Business Insider. His aviation experience spans airport operations, Part 135 regulatory compliance, and airline crew workforce planning, along with time behind the yoke of a Cessna 172 and interviews with airline executives. Ryan now serves as Group President of Firecrown Media’s Aviation Group. He holds a B.S. in Air Transportation Management and an MBA from Arizona State University and teaches Airline Management at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.

Two Airlines Place Boeing Orders

Turkish Airlines on Friday placed an order with Boeing that could amount to over 200 new aircraft, essentially doubling its Boeing-made passenger fleet.

Zach Vasile

Friday, September 26, 2025 at 11:13 AM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Ryan Ewing

A Turkish Airlines Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. (Photo: AirlineGeeks | Katie Zera)

Turkish Airlines on Friday placed an order with Boeing that could amount to over 200 new aircraft, essentially doubling its Boeing-made passenger fleet.

In a statement, Boeing said the Istanbul-based carrier agreed to purchase up to 75 787 Dreamliners and up to 150 737 MAX aircraft. The Dreamliner order includes 35 787-9s and 15 787-10s.

Financial details were not disclosed.

Airline officials said the new 787-9s will help expand passenger and cargo capacity and improve fuel efficiency on high-demand long-haul routes between Turkey and the U.S., Africa, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East.

“The addition of these advanced Boeing aircraft to our fleet will not only enhance our operational capabilities but also become a significant element supporting Turkish Airlines’ 2033 Vision of expanding our fleet to 800 aircraft,” Turkish Airlines Chairman Ahmet Bolat said in a news release.

The deal was announced one day after Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan met with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House, where the prospect of aircraft sales was discussed.

Turkish Airlines currently operates over 200 Boeing aircraft, including the 787-9, 777, 737 MAX, 737NG, and 777 Freighter. It has around 400 passenger airplanes in total.

Turkish Airlines flies nonstop to 17 destinations in the U.S. and Canada, including New York-JFK, Atlanta, Denver, Dallas/Fort Worth, Montreal, Los Angeles, and Toronto.

Norwegian Order

Boeing also announced Friday that low-cost airline Norwegian Air Shuttle has agreed to buy 30 737 MAX 8s. The commitment increases Norwegian’s order book for the 737 MAX to 80 airplanes.

A Norwegian 737 MAX 8 at Edinburgh Airport. (Photo: Norwegian)

“This milestone aircraft order is on attractive terms and secures our fleet growth in a way that supports our planned growth and sustainability targets,” said Norwegian CEO Geir Karlsen in a news release. “By exercising the options and adjusting the delivery profile, we maintain flexibility while reinforcing our commitment to operating one of the most modern and fuel-efficient fleets in Europe.”

Norwegian was the first airline in Europe to take delivery of the 737 MAX in 2017.

Zach Vasile

Air Tahiti Nui Axes U.S. Route

Air Tahiti Nui will discontinue one of its two routes to the United States early next year as part of a network shake-up.

Ryan Ewing

Friday, September 26, 2025 at 10:10 AM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Ryan Ewing

An Air Tahiti Nui Boeing 787-9 (Photo: AirlineGeeks | Katie Zera)

Air Tahiti Nui will discontinue one of its U.S. routes early next year as part of a network shake-up. The carrier confirmed the service will cease operations after January 31, 2026.

The route, which currently connects Papeete with Seattle on a twice-weekly basis, will no longer operate beyond that date.

According to the airline, passengers holding bookings for travel after the suspension will be offered rebooking options through the airline’s Los Angeles service, which is scheduled to operate between seven and eleven times per week during the period, or a full refund.

Air Tahiti Nui began serving Seattle in October 2022. Los Angeles is its only other destination in the U.S.

In a statement, the airline thanked its Seattle-area customers and reiterated its commitment to maintaining connections between French Polynesia and the U.S. through Los Angeles.

Ryan Ewing

FAA Approves United’s First Starlink Mainline Aircraft

United announced Friday that the FAA has certified its first Starlink-equipped mainline aircraft, a Boeing 737-800, which is slated to enter service next month.

Zach Vasile

Friday, September 26, 2025 at 09:52 AM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Ryan Ewing

A United Boeing 737-800 in Tokyo. (Photo: Shutterstock | viper-zero)

United announced Friday that the FAA has certified its first Starlink-equipped mainline aircraft, clearing the way for the carrier to expand use of the satellite-connected technology throughout its passenger fleet.

In a statement, airline leaders said the FAA approved a supplemental type certificate for Starlink’s use on the Boeing 737-800. The first United 737-800 to use Starlink is scheduled to fly from Newark, New Jersey, on Oct. 15.

Starlink, which is owned by aerospace company SpaceX, provides wireless internet service from a constellation of more than 7,600 miniature satellites in low Earth orbit. It offers speeds of up to 250 megabits per second.

Starlink equipment installed on a United 737-800. (Photo: United)

United has already installed Starlink on some Embraer E175s flown under its United Express brand.

“Customers are loving the Starlink experience onboard our regional aircraft, and our first Starlink-equipped mainline aircraft will bring a superior inflight experience to even more people,” said Grant Milstead, United’s vice president of digital technology, in a news release. “We’re working to install Starlink and offer game-changing inflight entertainment experiences like streaming services, shopping, gaming, and more.”

The carrier plans to add the technology to over 16 mainline and regional aircraft models. It must secure additional supplemental type certificates from regulators to do so.

United makes Starlink-enabled wireless internet free for all MileagePlus customers.

Zach Vasile

Delta Adds New European Route

Delta will add another European destination to its New York–JFK schedule next summer. This route will be brand-new to the airline’s network.

Ryan Ewing

Friday, September 26, 2025 at 09:00 AM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Ryan Ewing

A Delta Boeing 767-300ER at London Heathrow. (Photo: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson)

Delta will add another European destination to its New York–JFK schedule next summer. This route will be brand-new to the airline’s network.

The new route will connect JFK with Porto, Portugal, representing Delta’s first-ever service to the city. Porto joins Lisbon as the airline’s second destination in the country, joining year-round flights from New York and seasonal flights from Boston.

Service is scheduled to begin on May 21, 2026, and will operate daily. A Boeing 767-300ER will serve this route.

“Delta’s new nonstop service from JFK to Porto is part of seven new European routes launching next summer, giving customers even more opportunities to experience Europe,” said Paul Baldoni, senior vice president of network planning at Delta, in a news release.

Competing With United

With this new route, Delta will join United as the only U.S. airlines serving Porto. United began flying to Porto in 2018.

Flights between its Newark, New Jersey, hub and Porto were halted during the COVID-19 pandemic, but resumed in 2022.

TAP Air Portugal also links Porto with Newark, along with Boston, during the summer months.

Ryan Ewing