When it comes to air travel, comfort is king. Most of us pick shoes like sneakers, sandals, or even trusty Crocs to keep our feet happy. But according to Andrea Fischbach, a flight attendant for American Airlines, your go-to footwear might not be the safest option when you’re soaring 35,000 feet in the air.
In a chat with WhatToWear, Andrea spilled the tea on shoes that are better left in your luggage. High heels and backless sandals? Big no-nos. “Heels can cause damage to emergency exits or even hurt others if they come off unexpectedly,” she explained. And if an evacuation slide comes into play, those stylish stilettos are going to be a problem. “They’ll need to come off to avoid puncturing the slide,” she added.
Backless sandals and flip-flops aren’t much better. “They can fly off your feet and leave you vulnerable. Plus, your feet will freeze during long flights,” Andrea warned. And let’s not even talk about airplane toilets. She gave a stark reminder: “That liquid on the lavatory floor? It’s not water. Imagine it splashing on your bare feet in sandals.”
Curious about those chic heels flight attendants wear? Andrea says they’re purely for show. “We change into practical shoes after takeoff because heels are just not practical,” she said.
It’s not just Andrea urging caution. Aviation expert Christine Negroni chimed in with a warning about clothing. “Leggings and yoga pants might be comfy, but synthetic fabrics can stick to your skin if there’s a fire,” she told The Sun. Christine’s advice? Opt for natural fibers like cotton and avoid loose-fitting clothes that could get in the way during an emergency.
And let’s not forget the golden rule: keep your shoes on during the flight. Christine pointed out, “You never know what you’ll encounter if you need to evacuate. The ground could be scorching, freezing, or covered in oil or debris.”
So, what’s the ideal in-flight outfit? Sneakers, cotton fabrics, and snug-fitting clothes seem to top the list. It’s all about comfort, safety, and a little practicality.
Next time you’re getting ready to board, think twice about your footwear and outfit choices. Your favorite flip-flops or trendy leggings might not be worth the risk. Share this advice with your friends—you never know who might need it!
