Flight Attendants Warn: 'Be Gross on Your Own Time'

The Case for Keeping Your Shoes On During Flights

The Transportation Security Administration recently announced that most travelers can keep their shoes on during airport security screenings. While this change is not a security concern, many in the aviation industry believe that the same rule should apply to the airplane cabin. Travelers are often encouraged to remove their shoes while flying, but experts argue that there are several compelling reasons to keep them on.

Safety First

Safety is always the top priority when it comes to air travel. Flight attendants and etiquette experts emphasize that keeping your shoes on during critical moments—such as takeoff and landing—is essential. Rich Henderson, a flight attendant at a major U.S. airline and co-author of the Two Guys on a Plane blog, explained that in an emergency, every second counts. “The last thing I want to be doing is running down the tarmac away from a burning airplane in my bare feet,” he said.

Henderson also pointed out that certain types of footwear, like high heels, can pose a danger during an evacuation. They may puncture the emergency slide, which could cause more harm than just an individual being injured. Flip-flops and other unstable shoes are also not ideal in such situations. “It’s important to have the right kind of shoes for traveling,” he added.

Additionally, walking around barefoot on an airplane can be risky due to the unpredictable nature of the environment. “Things break in galleys all the time,” Henderson said. “If someone dropped a glass or something, we don’t always have the right tools to clean up all the glass.”

Hygiene and Etiquette

Beyond safety, hygiene is another strong argument for keeping your shoes on. Henderson and etiquette expert Nick Leighton both agree that going to the bathroom without shoes is one of the grossest things a traveler can do. “Walking to the bathroom in your socks or with no shoes on will never make sense,” Henderson said. “It’s a hygiene issue. Floors are disgusting.”

Leighton echoed this sentiment, stating that people should only be barefoot at their own seat, if at all. He also emphasized the importance of respecting others’ personal space. A recent experience where a passenger put their socked foot on his armrest left him deeply unsettled. “It’s a violation of personal space,” Leighton said. “Flying is a team activity, not just me time.”

Cultural Considerations

While the advice to keep your shoes on applies broadly, Leighton noted that cultural differences exist. “There are cultures where you do remove your shoes; it’s not uncommon,” he said. “I’d keep in mind the airline that I’m on.” However, he also acknowledged that medical needs, such as swelling in the feet, can justify removing shoes.

Final Thoughts

Ultimately, the decision to keep your shoes on or take them off during a flight comes down to respect. If you choose to remove your shoes, do so in a way that doesn’t disturb or offend others. As Henderson said, “Be gross on your own time, but when you are with the rest of us, we need you to step it up.”

By following these guidelines, travelers can contribute to a safer, more comfortable, and more respectful flying experience for everyone onboard.