Travel expert explains why you should never take shoes off on a plane

Experts are constantly warning about what you shouldn’t wear while on a plane, but many people still choose to ignore this advice, flouting leggings, crop tops, and synthetic materials.

There are just too many cute airport outfits to consider, with tracksuits and trainers a firm travel favourite, and lots of people opting to arrive to their destination in full summer style decked in floral dresses, or shorts, with sandals on, ready to soak up the sun.

But a travel expert shared some information you seriously won’t want to ignore, as avoiding it could result in grim side effects which you certainly don’t want to happen just before you head out on holiday.

Kate Van Dyke, Travel and Leisure’s associate social media editor, said: “Before you head to the airport for your next trip, here’s what not to wear on the plane."

She urged people to “leave the open-toed shoes in your suitcase,” because you’ll “be doing your neighbour a huge favour”. She also warned it’s “probably been a while since that carpet and under the seats were deep cleaned”.

But why is it so gross to take your shoes off and expose your bare feet on a plane? Removing your footwear on a plane exposes your feet to a variety of germs and potential hazards.

Aeroplane floors are rarely cleaned thoroughly between flights, so you might come into contact with bacteria, fungi, and viruses that can cause infections such as athlete’s foot, plantar warts, or even more serious skin infections if you have any cuts or abrasions.

Bodily fluids, food spills, and other contaminants are often present on the carpet, increasing the risk of picking up something unpleasant.

Additionally, the dry air and close quarters can make your skin more susceptible to irritation and cracking, which further increases the risk of infection.

While the risk of catching something serious is relatively low for most healthy people, it’s generally more hygienic to keep your shoes or at least socks on during a flight - especially when you’re taking trips to the bathroom, as what you think may be water may be something a little more grim.

Kate also warned when you’re on the plane, it’s best to “avoid strong fragrances,” so you may want to use 100 spritzes at Duty Free of that amazing perfume you can’t afford, but if it might be offensive to others, it’s best to not use it.

She said: “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, some people said there was “nothing like” taking your shoes off “on a flight,” saying “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,” someone joked.

A woman wrote: “Avoid all fragrances, because they can set off some serious migraines for some of us."

One man shared: “I hate to say it, but I wear shoes that I can run in in case there’s an emergency."