Why you should NEVER wear flip-flops to the airport

PICKING the right air travel outfit is tough – how do you dress for the unpredictable British weather, arctic temperatures in the plane and scorching sunshine at your holiday destination in one go.

But while you might be tempted to put flip flops on, pack them in your suitcase instead.

2

Because according to a number of aviation experts and cabin crew, they’re one of the worst types of shoes to wear on a plane.

CNN aviation analyst Mary Schiavo’s main recommendation when travelling is to always avoid wearing flip flops.

She said: “Please wear sensible shoes and leave them on until after take-off.

“I see people boarding with flip flops and I think if you have to get up and run and you fall down or you can’t run, you’re not only going to hurt yourself, you’re going to hurt dozens of other people on this plane.

“So get some shoes.”

Flight attendant Andrea Fischbach backed up Mary Schiavo’s warning, telling  WhoWhatWear: “If you have a quick transfer and need to move between terminals, it’s best to have a shoe that supports mobility.

“I would really advise against high heels or flip-flops or any slides, mostly for safety purposes.

“If there is an evacuation and slides are required, your high heels will have to come off, as they can puncture the slide.

“Plus, they aren’t very practical running gate to gate.”

For similar safety reasons, passengers have been warned to always leave their shoes on during a landing.

Aviation expert Christine Negroni previously told Sun Online Travel: “The riskiest time on a flight is during landing and I think it should be a rule to have shoes on during this time.

“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.”

Then there’s the style aspect – according to elegance coach and fashion expert, Anna Bey, flip flops are a no-go if you want to look expensive when travelling.

She revealed in a YouTube video: “Flip flops belong around the pool, nowhere else, especially in an aircraft.”

“You shouldn’t go too casual because it’s a matter of respect for yourself and respect for other people.” 

For shoes, the elegance coach says flats are the only way to go, whether you chose trainers, ballet shoes or loafers.

But if you opt for trainers, make sure you choose a stylish pair and not your day-to-day runners.

2