Flight attendants warn passengers not to take their shoes off on a plane

Leave. Them. On.

Travel hacks
(Image credit: Getty)

We've been learning a lot about the do's and don'ts of flying over the years.

From the terrifying reason why you should never board a plane first to the grim reason why you should never drink the water during a flight, we're learning a fair bit about what not to do when travelling from A to B.

Now, one flight attendant has expanded our in-flight knowledge even more - and it's all to do with your shoes. 

Flight attendant and TikTok creator Cierra Mist has opened up about her top tips for passengers who are planning their next getaway. 

While we're all for comfies when travelling overseas - particularly if it's a long-haul flight and you're trying these hacks to ensure a good amount of sleep - but according to this particular cabin crew member, leaving your shoes on is a necessity.

Why, you ask? 

No matter how often you tend to see people let their feet roam free on a flight (those viral TikTok videos will likely give you a fear of toes for life), she advised against it completely - simply stating, "Please keep your shoes on" alongside a sick face emoji. 

Although she didn't elaborate any further, an old Quora thread might give a few answers. 

When one user asked why passengers are required to leave their shoes on during take-off, flight attendant Tony Luna took to the forum to reply, explaining: "Besides stinking up the whole cabin, footwear is essential during an airplane emergency, even though it is not part of the flight safety information.

"During an emergency, all sorts of debris and unpleasant ground surfaces will block your way towards the exit, as well as outside the aircraft. If your feet aren't properly covered, you'll have a hard time making your way to safety."

There's also the fact that walking around without your shoes on is actually pretty gross, as the planes aren't always fully sanitised between flights - which means the floor is probably covered in all sorts of unmentionables. Oh, and if a passenger is sick then only a spot clean is performed.

So, we think it's probably safer to leave your shoes on next time...

Jadie Troy-Pryde
News Editor

Jadie Troy-Pryde is News Editor, covering celebrity and entertainment, royal, lifestyle and viral news. Before joining the team in 2018 as the Lifestyle and Social Media Editor, she worked at a number of women’s fashion and lifestyle titles including Grazia, Women’s Health and Stylist, and now heads the Marie Claire UK news desk.

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