While you may think that wearing flip flops or Crocs on the plane is more comfortable than sneakers or heels, you have to think again.
A flight attendant has revealed why you should keep these kind of shoes in a safe tucked away — and no, it’s not because feet stink.
Andrea Fischbach, a flight attendant for American Airlines, explained why shoes like these, stilettos and strappy sandals should be avoided at all times.
Talking to whattowear.co.ukThe flight attendant said that these shoes pose risks to the flight, especially if passengers are required to quickly evacuate the plane.
While the flight attendants themselves wear high heels, Ms. Fischbach revealed that they are impractical, and most of the time they take them off.
American Airlines flight attendant Andrea Fischbach explained why sliders, Crocs, backless sandals and stilettos should be avoided on flights at all times (file photo)
When going to the bathroom mid-flight, Ms. Fischbach advised it was best to swap out slippers, sandals or slip-ons for something closed (file photo)
While many people would rightly point out that flight attendants wear high heels during a flight, Ms. Fischbach explained that they are not actually practical.
“Heels can cause further damage to emergency exits or harm others if they exit in some way,” Fischbach said.
“I really advise against high heels, flip-flops, or any slides, mostly for safety purposes.
If there is an evacuation and slides are needed, you will have to take off your high heels, as they can puncture the slide.
Who knows where and in what conditions it will land. In addition, it is not a gateway-to-gate operation.
While many people would rightly point out that flight attendants wear high heels during flight — such as when serving passengers or attending calls — Ms. Fischbach explained that they’re not actually practical.
She claims that they change heels after take off.
She added: ‘As if needed for another reason, they make metal detectors go off (if you’re lucky enough to have a pre-check) thanks to the spikes in the heel.
“Flippers and moccasins can also end up flying off your feet, and your feet are more likely to freeze, especially during a long flight.”
Moreover, she added, open shoes can make visiting airplane toilets unsanitary.
When going to the bathroom mid-flight, Mrs. Fischbach advised that it would be best to swap slippers, sandals, or slippers for something closed.
And she warned: be careful to wear sandals if you intend to go to the bathroom.
“That’s not water on Earth (yes, use your imagination), and sandals call for all that liquid to be splashed on your feet.”
The flight attendant has also included other items you should not wear while flying for convenience, practicality, and safety.
This includes wearing only a sports bra and leggings because planes can get cold and are a fire hazard, as well as anything restrictive.
Wearing restrictive clothing can lead to discomfort, stomach swelling, or deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which occurs when a blood clot forms in a vein, usually in the legs.
Instead, you should layer to ensure you have a comfortable ride, and I advise you should pack a lightweight sweater or cashmere jumper with you.
She also recommends packing a pair of thicker socks for extra warmth.
