A travel expert warned against taking one item of clothing off on a plane, and it’s left some people feeling a little bit queasy, especially when they know the potential consequences
Appropriate aircraft attire is so important, yet countless passengers continue to disregard this guidance, sporting leggings, crop tops, and man-made fabrics. With so many adorable airport ensembles to choose from – tracksuits and trainers being perennial travel staples – many holidaymakers prefer to touch down at their destination already dressed for summer in flowing floral frocks or shorts paired with sandals, primed to bask in the sunshine.
However, a travel guru has revealed crucial information you’d be foolish to dismiss, as ignoring her advice could lead to revolting health consequences that you definitely don’t want occurring before your getaway begins.
Kate Van Dyke, who serves as Travel and Leisure’s associate social media editor, declared: “Before you head to the airport for your next trip, here’s what not to wear on the plane.”
She implored travellers to “leave the open-toed shoes in your suitcase,” explaining that you’ll “be doing your neighbour a huge favour”.
The expert also cautioned that it’s “probably been a while since that carpet and under the seats were deep cleaned”.
But what makes exposing your bare feet on an aircraft so revolting?
Removing your footwear during flight subjects your feet to numerous bacteria and potential dangers.
Aeroplane floors are seldom given a proper scrub between journeys, meaning passengers risk encountering bacteria, fungi, and viruses that could trigger infections like athlete’s foot, plantar warts, or potentially more severe skin conditions – particularly if you’ve got any cuts or grazes.
Carpet surfaces frequently harbour bodily fluids, food spillages, and various other nasties, heightening the chances of picking up something rather unpleasant.
Moreover, the arid cabin atmosphere and cramped conditions can leave your skin more vulnerable to irritation and cracking, which only amplifies infection risks.
While the likelihood of contracting something genuinely serious remains fairly minimal for most healthy individuals, it’s typically more sanitary to keep your footwear – or at minimum your socks – firmly in place throughout your flight, particularly during loo visits, as what appears to be water might actually be something considerably more revolting.
Kate also cautioned against wearing “avoid strong fragrances,” while airborne, so although you might fancy dousing yourself with 100 spritzes of that gorgeous perfume you spotted in Duty Free, if it’s likely to offend fellow passengers, it’s probably best avoided.
She explained: “Scents spread far and wide when you’re in an enclosed space like a plane cabin, and your favourite fragrance may be overpowering to others.”
In the comments section, some travellers insisted there was “nothing like” removing your shoes “on a flight,” declaring “sorry not sorry”.
“I had to tell the man behind me to put his shoes back on. The smell was about to knock me out,” one person joked. A woman advised: “Avoid all fragrances, because they can set off some serious migraines for some of us.”
One bloke revealed: “I hate to say it, but I wear shoes that I can run in in case there’s an emergency.”