Ex-Flight Attendant Reveals Why You Should Never Take Your Shoes Off On A Plane

An ex-flight attendant has revealed why it's not a good idea to take your shoes off during a flight - and why simply popping on a pair of flip-flops won't cut it, either.

While flying, you may be tempted to take off your footwear to make yourself a bit more comfortable, but Tony Kuna - who has previously worked as a member of flight crew - has said it could end in disaster if there's an in-flight emergency.

PA

Posting on Quora, he explained: "Besides stinking up the whole cabin, footwear is essential during a plane emergency, even though it is not part of the flight safety information.

"During an emergency, all sorts of debris and unpleasant ground surfaces will block your way towards the exit, as well as outside the aircraft."

He went on: "If your feet [aren't] properly covered, you'll have a hard time making your way to safety."

"Imagine destroying your bare feet as your run down the aisle covered with broken glass, fires and metal shards.

"Kind of like John McClane in Die Hard, but worse."

Yikes.

His sentiments were echoed by author Christine Negroni, who has written a book about air disasters.

She said: "One of the best things people can do is put their shoes on for take-off and landing.

"This is still not required by many airlines and I think it ought to be.

"If you escape an aircraft, the floor could be very hot or cold, it might be covered in oil or on fire, or in a cornfield - you won't want to be barefoot."

She also recommended wearing sturdy shoes, such as trainers, over flip-flops or sandals.

And - of course - it's also strongly recommended you wear your shoes if you're thinking about using the toilets on a plane because... well, would you normally go barefoot in a public toilet?

Earlier this year, a pilot told LADbible why passengers are told to get into the 'brace' position to prepare for a crash landing.

Flickr/Ben Woosley

Nick Eades, who is the world's most experienced Boeing 747 pilot, told LADbible: "What you're trying to do is to stop people breaking their necks in a big impact."

He continued: "You're just trying to get the body into a position that's going to suffer least damage.

"It's like whiplash - you're trying to avoid that sudden movement of the head, which can result in serious injury, if not death."

Topics: Interesting

Claire Reid

Claire is a journalist at LADbible who, after dossing around for a few years, went to Liverpool John Moores University. She graduated with a degree in Journalism and a whole load of debt. When not writing words in exchange for money she is usually at home watching serial killer documentaries surrounded by cats. You can contact Claire at [email protected]

@ClaireReid19