Flying can be exhausting, and many passengers look forward to kicking off their shoes and getting comfortable. However, seasoned flight attendants strongly advise against it. While it might seem tempting to remove your shoes, especially on long flights, doing so can expose you to some unsanitary conditions and unexpected health risks. Let’s dive into why you should always keep your shoes on while flying.
The Dirty Truth About Airplane Floors
Flight attendants advise against removing shoes on a plane due to potential exposure to bodily fluids. Image Credits: Getty
Airplanes are not the cleanest environments, especially when it comes to the floor. While airlines do their best to clean between flights, the reality is that the cleanliness of airplane floors is often compromised due to the sheer volume of passengers.
Leysha Perez, a Delta flight attendant, has shared some shocking insights about the condition of airplane floors, particularly in the restroom. In an interview with Insider, she explained, “The liquid you might see on the bathroom floor is often not just water. It’s probably bodily fluids that you’re walking in.” This revelation is enough to make anyone think twice about walking barefoot or in socks.
Restroom Floors: A Hidden Hazard
Restrooms on airplanes are high-traffic areas, and the cleanliness of these spaces can degrade quickly during a flight. It’s not uncommon for passengers to splash water on the floor while washing their hands, but it’s important to remember that restrooms are also where bodily fluids may accidentally spill. With the tight space and constant use, floors become breeding grounds for bacteria.
An anonymous flight attendant from a major U.S. airline reiterated this point, stating, “Walking throughout the aircraft barefoot or even with socks is disgusting.” She emphasized the potential hazards of restroom floors, as they often harbor more than just water—fluids like urine and vomit are common.
Airplane Carpets Aren’t Safe Either
It’s not just the restroom floors that pose a health risk. The carpeted areas of the cabin are also a concern. While carpets in planes are vacuumed between flights, they aren’t deep-cleaned regularly. As a result, they accumulate dirt, food crumbs, and even bodily fluids that may have spilled. Walking around without shoes means you’re exposing your feet to all the hidden grime on those carpets.
In 2015, a cabin crew member told DailyMail.com about the unhygienic nature of airplane floors. She said that walking barefoot is not only unsanitary but potentially dangerous, as you could step on something sharp or get an infection from bacteria present on the floor.
Why Shoes Are Essential on Planes
Keeping your shoes on during a flight isn’t just about avoiding discomfort. It’s a matter of hygiene and safety. If you walk around the plane without shoes, you’re likely to come into contact with all kinds of germs and bacteria. Flight attendants recommend always wearing shoes, especially when heading to the bathroom, to protect yourself from the dirt and fluids that accumulate during a flight.
Airplane floors can be covered with substances other than water, such as urine. Image Credits: Getty
Danielle, an Emirates flight attendant who gained popularity on TikTok for her travel tips, echoed this sentiment in a viral video. One of her top pieces of advice? Avoid walking barefoot in airplane bathrooms. “It may look like water on the floor,” she warned, “but trust me, it’s really not.”
She also cautioned against touching other parts of the plane, like the window or seat tray, without first sanitizing your hands. Airplanes are shared spaces, and countless passengers use the same facilities and touch the same surfaces, making it easy for bacteria to spread.
Avoiding Potential Health Risks
When you remove your shoes, you’re not just exposing yourself to dirt and bacteria; you’re also putting yourself at risk for potential health hazards. Airplane floors, especially in restrooms, can be a hotbed for bacteria and other pathogens. Walking barefoot or in just socks can lead to infections, particularly if you have any cuts or scrapes on your feet.
Cierra Mistt, another flight attendant, highlighted this in a recent video, warning passengers that “our planes are dirty.” She emphasized that the liquids on the floor are often not what they seem and could expose passengers to harmful bacteria. She also mentioned that standing up immediately after landing, another common behavior, won’t make the disembarkation process faster.
The Courtesy Factor: Keeping Shoes On for Others
Beyond the health risks, there’s also an element of courtesy to consider. Removing your shoes on a plane, especially if your feet have an unpleasant odor, can be uncomfortable for the passengers around you. In some cases, passengers have even been called out for propping their bare feet on the armrests or other parts of the seat, leading to strong reactions from fellow travelers.
Last year, a viral video showed a passenger doing just that—resting their bare feet on the seat in front. Social media was quick to criticize this behavior, calling it inconsiderate. Wearing shoes not only protects you but also shows respect for the people sitting near you.
The Mile-High Reminder: Hygiene and Manners Matter
It’s easy to forget the hidden grime lurking on an airplane when you’re focused on getting comfortable during your flight. However, the cleanliness of the floors and surfaces in the cabin is a real concern, and keeping your shoes on is a simple way to avoid exposing yourself to germs and other potential health risks.
Flight attendants are seasoned professionals who witness firsthand the unsanitary conditions that can arise on flights. Their advice to keep shoes on isn’t just about comfort—it’s about protecting passengers’ health and maintaining a level of courtesy in a shared, confined space.
Conclusion: Keep Your Shoes On for a Cleaner, Safer Flight
In summary, flight attendants have one piece of advice for travelers: keep your shoes on during the flight. Between the dirty restroom floors and the germs lurking in the carpet, walking around barefoot or in socks can expose you to unsanitary conditions. Not only will wearing shoes protect you from bacteria, but it’s also a matter of courtesy to your fellow passengers.
So the next time you board a plane, think twice before slipping off your shoes. Your health—and the comfort of those around you—may depend on it.
