After a lengthy trek through the airport and onto the aircraft, you might be inclined to remove your shoes to feel more at ease. You're not the only one – a survey by the travel company Kayak found that 44% of passengers do take off their shoes while flying. However, on a large commercial plane shared with strangers, is this really a good choice? Travel experts explain why you should never take your shoes off on a plane.
What are the unseen risks of removing shoes on a flight?
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Think about cleanliness
Airplanes aren't thoroughly cleaned between each flight. Cleaning crews usually have less than 15 minutes to tidy up during the so-called "turn cleans" between flights. They focus on basic cleaning, like removing trash and checking the bathrooms and galleys. There's little time to wipe down the areas that passengers touch the most, which tend to be the dirtiest parts of the plane. The carpet may look clean, but it likely has a lot of hidden dirt, spilled drinks, and other unknown substances deep in the fibers. It's a good idea to avoid walking in the airplane bathroom without shoes, as the cleaning crews usually don't mop up any liquid on the bathroom floor.
If there's an emergency
It may not be the first thing on your mind but keeping your shoes on is crucial in case of an emergency. Travel expert Christine Negroni advises passengers to wear their shoes during takeoff, landing, and other high-risk parts of the flight. As she explains, "If you need to evacuate the plane, the floor could be very hot or cold, covered in oil or even on fire, or you might be in a cornfield." This could lead to serious injuries to your feet if you're not wearing proper footwear. That's why it's better to wear sneakers rather than open-toed shoes, as they provide more protection against hazards like hot asphalt, broken glass, and other dangers you might encounter during an emergency evacuation.
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To stop swelling
Taking off your shoes during a long flight may seem like a good idea but it can actually lead to swelling in your feet and legs. According to the Mayo Clinic, swelling is a common problem for travelers because they're sitting for a long time without moving around. Wearing comfortable and practical shoes that provide support and compression can help reduce swelling. However, you should be careful not to wear shoes that are too tight, as that can restrict blood flow. If you do take your shoes off and your feet swell up, it may be difficult to put them back on at the end of the flight. To avoid this issue, it's best to keep your shoes on the entire time so your feet don't get sore and swollen.
It's not polite
According to a recent airplane etiquette survey from 2022, almost one quarter of passengers get really bothered when another person takes off their shoes. This is slightly higher than when someone is flirting without their consent but a little lower than when someone listens to loud music. Almost half of all flyers find strong body odors to be a major disturbance, and feet are some of the smelliest parts of the body. At the end of the day, keeping your shoes on is the best way to have good manners on a plane – and avoid getting any judgy looks from the other passengers.
More time for travel, less time for parking: find your spot with ParkingNearAirports.io!
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