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Flight Expert Reveals Why You Should Never Take Your Shoes Off While Flying
A flight expert has revealed why you should never take off your shoes while on board a plane.
Many travelers kick off their shoes the moment they settle into their airplane seat.
After all, long-haul flights can be uncomfortable, cramped, and exhausting, making it tempting to loosen up and get as comfortable as possible.
But according to one aviation safety expert, removing your shoes during a flight could be one of the worst decisions you make while traveling.
While taking your shoes off may seem harmless, experts warn that it could create serious problems if an emergency occurs, and that’s not the only reason they advise against it.
The surprising travel habit experts want passengers to avoid
Anyone who flies regularly has likely seen passengers walking barefoot through the cabin or slipping off their shoes shortly after takeoff.
For some travelers, it’s become a routine part of getting comfortable in the air.
However, aviation writer and safety specialist Christine Negroni says passengers should think twice before doing so.
Negroni, author of the New York Times bestselling book The Crash Detectives, has spent years studying airline safety and investigating aviation incidents.
According to her, footwear choices are far more important than most people realize.
While many people focus on packing the perfect carry-on bag or choosing the most comfortable seat, she says what you wear on your feet could make a huge difference in a crisis.
Other airplane safety habits experts recommend
The aviation specialist has also shared several additional safety recommendations for passengers.
One of the most important is keeping your seatbelt fastened whenever you’re seated.
Unexpected turbulence can strike without warning and has injured countless passengers over the years.
“Don’t wait for the pilot to announce trouble ahead,” Negroni advises.
“Turbulence often comes without notice and can fling an unrestrained passenger into the cabin ceiling.”
She also recommends paying close attention to safety demonstrations before takeoff.
Although many frequent flyers tune them out, understanding where emergency exits are located and knowing what to do during an emergency can make a significant difference.
Another item experts say you should avoid wearing
Negroni has also previously warned passengers against wearing leggings while flying.
According to the aviation expert, synthetic fabrics can become dangerous if exposed to extreme heat during an accident involving fire.
“Most air accidents are survivable but many also involve fire,” she explained.
“Leggings are made of synthetic materials. When these chemically produced fibers get hot, they melt and can bond to skin.”
For that reason, she says natural materials such as cotton, wool, leather, and denim are generally safer options when traveling by air.
Why footwear matters more than you think
Speaking about air travel safety, Negroni explained that passengers should always consider what might happen during an emergency evacuation.
Although airline accidents are rare, experts consistently point out that being prepared can significantly improve your chances of escaping safely.
“In case of an emergency evacuation, the ground outside the plane could be cold, wet, icy, hot or covered in metal, fuel or airplane debris,” Negroni explained.
Many passengers don’t think about what conditions might await them outside the aircraft.
In an emergency, travelers could be forced to exit onto a runway, into a field, onto rocky terrain, or across surfaces covered with debris.
Without proper footwear, even a survivable emergency could quickly become far more dangerous.
High heels aren’t ideal either
Negroni also warns against wearing certain types of shoes while flying.
While many travelers choose stylish footwear, she says practicality should come first when boarding a plane.
“If you are using the emergency evacuation chute, you’ll have to remove high-heeled shoes that might puncture the slide,” she explained.
Emergency evacuation slides are designed to get passengers off aircraft as quickly as possible.
Sharp footwear can damage those slides, which is why flight attendants often instruct passengers to remove certain shoes before evacuating.
Instead, Negroni recommends comfortable flat shoes with sturdy soles.
“Comfortable flats with a substantial sole that are easy to get off and on are the best choice for air travel,” she said.
There are other reasons not to go barefoot
Safety concerns aren’t the only reason experts advise against removing your shoes.
Many flight attendants have repeatedly warned passengers about walking around cabins barefoot.
Airplane floors, particularly around lavatories, may not be as clean as travelers assume.
Several cabin crew members have gone viral over the years after reminding passengers that liquids found on restroom floors are not always water.
One flight attendant previously warned: “Be wary of wearing sandals if you are planning on going in the lavatory. That isn’t water on the floor.”
As a result, going barefoot can expose passengers to bacteria, germs, and other unpleasant substances during a flight.
Staying alert is key during takeoff and landing
Negroni says shoes are particularly important during the two phases of a flight when most aviation incidents occur.
“While it’s not covered in the Federal Aviation Administration’s rules, it is just smart to make sure your shoes are on for takeoff and landing,” she explained.
According to aviation safety experts, the majority of emergencies happen during takeoff and landing rather than while cruising at altitude.
That’s why passengers are often advised to stay alert during these periods.
Negroni also encourages travelers to avoid wearing headphones during takeoff and landing, explaining that situational awareness can be critical.
“The more you are aware of what is going on around you, the more prepared you will be to deal with it,” she said.
So why should you never take your shoes off?
While many travelers remove their shoes for comfort, aviation experts say keeping them on is the smarter choice.
In an emergency evacuation, you may need to move quickly across hot pavement, sharp debris, fuel-covered ground, ice, or broken metal.
Without shoes, even a minor injury could slow your escape when every second matters.
As Christine Negroni puts it, comfortable shoes with sturdy soles could end up protecting you long after the plane has landed.
And if the unexpected ever happens, you’ll be glad your shoes stayed exactly where they belonged — on your feet.
Christine Negroni is an aviation writer and safety specialist and author of the New York Times bestseller, The Crash Detectives.
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