A travel expert has issued a warning to passengers, telling them they should “never wear” one item of clothing on a plane. However, the popular garment is not banned
Travellers have been cautioned to “never wear” a certain popular item on a plane, despite it not being prohibited. The travel tip was recently divulged by Pollyann, known as travelwithpalma to her over 11,000 Instagram followers, and many were astonished they hadn’t heard of the advice before.
In an Instagram clip, she penned: “I know – leggings feel like a second skin on a flight. But here’s why you really shouldn’t wear them on a plane.
“According to experts, in the rare event of an emergency evacuation (think: fire, sudden landing, etc), synthetic fabrics like polyester and spandex – aka what most leggings are made of – can actually melt when exposed to high heat.
“That means they could fuse to your skin, making injuries way worse. The Federal Aviation Administration and safety experts recommend wearing loose fitting natural fibres like cotton, wool or denim when flying.
“They’re more fire-resistant and safer in worst-case scenarios. So yes, wear something cosy – but make it cotton cosy, not plastic cosy – just to be safe.”
Since being posted, the video has racked up thousands of views, with numerous viewers expressing gratitude for the insight. One commented: “This is such a good tip!”
Another chimed in with: “As a former flight attendant, this precaution is very great advice!” A different voice added their perspective, noting: “It’s not just leggings. Anything with polyester contains petroleum and is considered flammable.
“So someone with synthetic trousers, shorts, dresses would be in the same situation. It has nothing to do with leggings – that’s personal preference.”
Responding to the discussion, the original poster agreed: “Yes, agreed. As stated in the caption, those fabrics in any form can cause harm. Loose fitting cotton is a safer bet.”
Unbeknownst to many, despite the comfort they offer during flights, leggings are not always recommended by aviation safety experts. The concern lies in the fact that in emergencies, such as fires, the synthetic material of leggings could melt onto the skin, exacerbating burn injuries.
However, it’s important to note that there’s no outright ban on wearing leggings on planes; rather, it’s a safety suggestion from some quarters due to the risks associated with synthetic fabrics.
Airline dress codes might restrict certain types of attire for reasons of propriety or potential offensiveness. In addition to avoiding a fashion faux pas, the Federal Aviation Administration also gives guidance on how travellers can dress smartly for their own safety whilst flying.
Their website recommends: “Passengers who wear sensible clothing can reduce their chances of serious injury in the unlikely event of an emergency.
“Dress to cover as much skin as possible. Wear clothes made of natural fabrics such as cotton, wool, denim or leather.
“Synthetics may melt when heated. Wear clothing that is roomy, avoiding restrictive clothing. Wear low-heeled, leather or canvas shoes.”