Posted by When it comes to footwear choices for air travel, you may believe flip flops or Crocs are the epitome of a comfort compared to trainers or heels. However, an air steward has urged passengers to reconsider. Andrea Fischbach, a stewardess for American Airlines, revealed that shoes such as flip-flops, backless sandals, and high heels should be avoided for safety concerns.
The air steward explained that flip-flops, backless sandals, and high heels could pose risks during an emergency evacuation from the plane.
In situations where passengers need to quickly evacuate the plane, flip flops, Crocs, or high heels, according to Fischbach in an interview with whattowear.co.uk, can impede movement and cause delays, potentially putting lives at risk. And while flight attendants themselves may wear high heels, Fischbach pointed out that they are impractical and often removed during flights.
She said: ‘Heels can possibly cause further damage to emergency exits or hurt others if they go flying off somehow.’
‘I would really advise against high heels, 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. Who knows where and in what conditions you’ll land? Plus, they aren’t very practical running gate to gate.’
While flight attendants may also wear high heels during tasks such as serving passengers or responding to calls, Fischbach clarified they are not actually practical.
According to Fischbach, flight attendants often change their footwear after take-off, adding: ‘As if another reason is needed, they make the metal detectors go off (if you are lucky enough to have pre-check) thanks to nails in the heels.” Flip-flops and backless shoes can also end up flying off your feet, and your feet are more likely to freeze, especially during a long flight.’
Fischbach also stated that open shoes can lead to an unsanitary visit to the airplane toilets.
She advised passengers to switch to closed-toe footwear, such as sneakers or closed sandals, when visiting the lavatory and warned, ‘Be wary of wearing sandals if you are planning on going in the lavatory.” That isn’t water on the floor (yes, use your imagination), and sandals invite whatever that liquid is to splash on your feet.’
Fischbach further shared recommendations for what not to wear when flying for the sake of comfort, practicality, and safety.
The Air Steward advised against wearing only a sports bra and leggings, as airplanes can get cold and such clothing may not provide sufficient warmth, stating that leggings and other constricting clothing can cause discomfort, swelling in the stomach, or even increase the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which is the formation of blood clots in veins, typically in the legs.
Fischbach further recommends packing a lightweight jacket or cashmere hoodie to provide warmth and thick socks, as airplanes can often be chilly.
- Travel Hotel Manager Reveals Terrifying Reason You Should Never Use The Toiletries
- Brittney Griner To Miss Two WNBA Games To Focus On Mental Health
- Moment Cardi B Tosses Mic As Concertgoer Throws Drink At Her On Stage
- Messi Confirms He’s Going To MLS Club Inter Miami
- Prince Harry Says Rumors About James Hewitt As His Biological Father Is To Oust Him From The Royal