Keeping Your Shoes On During a Flight Is a Good Idea—But Not for the Reasons You Might Think

You’ve probably heard the phrase, “No shoes, no shirt, no service.” However, when it comes to flying, the shoe part of that saying doesn’t really hold true. A recent survey by Kayak, known as the Unspoken Rules of Air Travel, revealed that 44 percent of Americans believe it’s acceptable to remove their shoes while flying at cruising altitude.

If you’re among those who prefer to kick off their shoes in the air, you might want to think twice about that decision.

While the FAA provides an Aviation Maintenance Handbook that outlines cleaning protocols, there are no federal laws specifying how or how frequently airplane cabins must be cleaned. Each airline follows its own guidelines, which can vary based on the aircraft and its upcoming schedule. Typically, there’s only a brief 10-minute window to disinfect high-touch surfaces, clean seat back pockets, refresh the lavatory, spot clean any stains, and tidy up crumbs.

“Walking barefoot or even in socks in the cabin can jeopardize your health,” warns Hailey Way, a flight attendant for iAero Airways. “The floors of the lavatory are probably the worst surfaces to go barefoot on. They are likely contaminated with a mix of water, urine, and other bodily fluids. You can never be too sure.”

An Airplanes Etiquette Violations Survey by the travel planning site Vacationer found that over 24 percent of travelers find it bothersome when fellow passengers take off their shoes.

However, aside from the discomfort factor, being barefoot can also be dangerous in case of an emergency. Christine Negroni, an aviation safety specialist and author of The Crash Detectives: Investigating the World’s Most Mysterious Air Disasters (Penguin Books, 2016), suggests that flight attendants should remind passengers to keep their shoes on during take-off and landing, as these are times when accidents are statistically more likely to occur.

“Most airplane accidents are survivable and don't result in fatalities, but if a plane lands unexpectedly, various hazards can complicate your escape, such as broken glass, burning fuel, uneven ground, or rough terrain,” Negroni explains. “Without shoes, your feet are more vulnerable to injury. It’s as straightforward as that.”

Negroni also pointed out that for the same reasons, passengers should steer clear of flip-flops and sandals, as their open-toe style provides minimal protection.

A frequent justification for removing shoes is that they can feel uncomfortable due to swelling in the feet and legs during a flight. According to the Mayo Clinic, this is a common occurrence for many people and is generally harmless (though it's wise to consult your doctor and stay alert for symptoms of blood clots, known as DVTs). If you experience this, compression socks can be beneficial.

Additionally, wearing your shoes can help reduce foot swelling, as noted by Tanglewood Foot Specialists based in Houston. They also advise choosing sneakers or tennis shoes with laces, allowing you to adjust them for comfort. Keeping your feet in shoes means you won’t have a hard time putting them back on if they do swell during the flight.

Ultimately, while removing your shoes on a flight isn’t a severe enough offense to warrant a diversion or grounding of the aircraft, it may still annoy other passengers. Many individuals find feet unappealing, particularly in shared spaces. Given that air travel is already challenging, keeping your shoes on is a simple way to make the journey more pleasant for those around you.