A travel expert has explained why one common type of shoe could be a health hazard on a plane.
I'll be honest - I've never given much thought to what I wear on a plane.
As long as you're comfortable, then that's all that matters, right?
Traveling comes with enough stress as it is without worrying about footwear, but apparently, there's a good reason.
Pollyann, the travel creator behind the Instagram page @travelwithpalma, has gone viral with a PSA about why sandals could be a serious mistake when flying.
“Skip the sandals when you fly - seriously. Change into those sneakers!” she wrote on Instagram, before detailing just how risky that casual footwear can be in an emergency.
“If there's an emergency involving fire, broken glass, or the need to evacuate fast, you'll want real closed-toe shoes to protect your feet and help you move quickly! Sandals slow you down and leave you exposed when seconds matter,” she explained.
But it’s not just emergencies that make sandals a poor choice. Pollyann also highlighted an oft-overlooked mid-flight issue — the questionable cleanliness of airplane bathrooms.
“And even when everything goes smoothly, airplane bathrooms mid-flight are…questionable. That liquid on the floor? Yeah - it's probably not water. For safety and sanitary reasons... protect your feet,” she added.
It turns out Pollyann isn’t the only one sounding the alarm on in-flight footwear. London Luton Airport offers similar guidance on its website, encouraging passengers to consider practical and comfortable shoes for their journey.
“If you're looking for prime comfort, flat slip-on shoes or trainers are best,” the airport notes. “If you prefer to slide out of your shoes during a flight, it's easy to – just put a pair of socks on so you're not barefoot on the move.”
The airport also confirms that its security scanners are sandal-friendly, stating: “Our Next Generation Security scanners permit passengers to wear any shoes to fly.”
Meanwhile, in the U.S., the Federal Aviation Administration is backing up the call for sensible attire. Echoing Pollyann’s concern over emergencies, the FAA emphasizes dressing with safety in mind.
“Passengers who wear sensible clothing can reduce their chances of serious injury in the unlikely event of an emergency,” the agency’s website states.
And when it comes to shoes, the FAA gets specific, recommending: “Wear low-heeled, leather, or canvas shoes.”
Perhaps leave the sandals in the suitcase until you get to the hotel.