Flight attendants and travel experts agree that there’s one kind of shoe that you should never wear on a plane—and they could also put your safety at risk.
Flip-flops are a staple for any beach vacation—but you should think twice before throwing them on as part of your airport outfit.
As convenient as they are, flip-flops should generally be packed away until you’ve arrived at your destination. “Flip-flops and open-toe shoes might be comfy, but they’re a terrible idea on a plane,” says Venezia Macias, a Las Vegas-based flight attendant.
Safety Comes First
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The biggest issue? Safety concerns.
“In the rare case of an emergency evacuation, flimsy shoes can slow you down or leave you unprotected,” says Macias.
Laura Asilis, a Travel+Leisure A-List Advisor, agrees. “For safety reasons, in case of an emergency, flip-flops are impractical and can slow you down,” she says. “Closed shoes or supportive flats are much safer.”
During an aircraft evacuation, flip-flops can slip off your feet, forcing you to leave them behind or slow down to get them. Plus, in those situations, you’ll want to have your toes protected in case of debris and other hazards.
Comfort Throughout Your Flight
Aside from safety concerns, there’s also the point of comfort. “Airplane cabins can be chilly, and flip-flops offer no protection,” Asilis says. Having your toes exposed will make you colder, and it also leaves your feet vulnerable to accidental injuries from fellow passengers.
“In tight aisles, people constantly step on each other and roll bags over toes without realizing,” says Macias. These incidents are already painful and even more problematic when your feet lack proper protection.
Lavatory Hygiene
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Then there’s the cleanliness factor. “Walking barefoot or nearly barefoot in an aircraft lavatory is something most travelers regret,” warns Asilis.
Macias, who sees these conditions daily, is more direct. “The floors and especially the lavatories are not sanitary,” she says.
She explains that airplane bathrooms are difficult to keep clean, and floors often become wet. Flip-flops provide minimal protection and don’t usually have much grip, meaning your feet can come into contact with unsanitary surfaces used by many previous passengers.
Other Shoe Alternatives
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Instead of risking your safety and comfort, opt for a close-toed shoe that slips off easily during security screenings while still providing complete foot protection. Sneakers, loafers, or supportive flats offer the best combination of safety, comfort, and convenience for air travel. At the end of the day, Macias says that while they’re convenient, open-toed shoes are simply not the best choice.
“They’re just not worth the risk,” she says.
