British tourists urged to 'never wear' one type of shoes on plane for 'vital reason'

Daily Mirror

22-07-2025

Pollyann is a frequent traveller who often shares advice on how people can better their travel experiences. Accoding to her, experts say there's one pair of shoes you should never wear on a plane
When it comes to travelling on a plane, there are a few things we need to know, especially when it comes to what to wear. While some people like to plan their travel outfits for fashion reasons, there are actually some pretty practical things you need to consider too, as your outfit could just impact your safety at the airport.
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Pollyann, a travel guru who often shares travel tips under the name travelwithpalma on Instagram, recently drew attention to one specific thing - people's shoes. She claims experts say people should generally avoid one popular pair of shoes when flying, and the reason they should be swerved is pretty vital.
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While the shoes aren't banned at airports, it's generally advised you don't wear them. Little you may know, there are all sorts of things you may want to avoid wearing while travelling on a plane.
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In a recent post, Pollyanna wrote: "Skip the sandals when you fly - seriously. Change into those sneakers! If there's an emergency involving fire, broken glass or the need to evacuate fast, you'll want real closed-toe shoes to protect your feet and help you move quickly!
"Sandals slow you down and leave you exposed when seconds matter. And, even when everything goes smoothly, airplane bathrooms mid-flight are…questionable. That liquid on the floor?
"Yeah - it's probably not water. For safety and sanitary reasons, protect your feet."
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While it's something a lot of people may not realise, it turns out there are certain reasons why it's best to avoid wearing sandals on a plane. They have the potential to pose a number of risks.
Even though airlines don't have specific bans on sandals, it's generally advised to wear closed-toe shoes for safety and comfort reasons during air travel.
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If an emergency situation arises, such as evacuations, closed-toe shoes offer better protection than sandals. Not to mention, open-toed shoes also allow your feet to be exposed to potential germs and bacteria in public spaces like airports and airplanes.
Another added benefit is sandals may not be as comfortable for walking around the airport or during a long flight. As well as this, you could be asked to remove your sandals at security checkpoints, which means you may have to walk barefoot on potentially unclean floors.
Generally, it's recommended people wear covered shoes while travelling such as trainers or walking shoes. This is because they help your feet to be better protected.
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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."