If you’re heading off on a long haul flight, then you will want to be comfortable.
Economy seats in planes are famously cramped and if you’re stuck in one for a long time then there are certain things you might want to do to make the best of a bad situation.
However, there’s one common thing passengers do to get cosy that flight attendants say is not only gross, but could heighten your risk of getting sick on a plane.
Speaking to holiday firm Ocean Florida, an anonymous British Airways flight attendant revealed that removing shoes on flights can be incredibly unhygienic.
They explained: “My most hated habit is when passengers get their bare feet out on the plane. Not only is it unpleasant for other travellers and attendants nearby, but it’s also extremely unhygienic.
“While cabins are cleaned before every flight, there’s rarely enough time to disinfect and deep clean floors and bathrooms. We’d never advise moving throughout the aircraft barefoot or just wearing socks – you never know what you might be walking on – especially in the bathroom.”
If you head to the bathroom in just your socks or your bare feet then you run the risk of spreading bacteria across the flight and bringing it with you to your destination.
As well as this, removing your shoes on a plane could put you at higher risk if there’s an emergency on board.
If you can’t stomach keeping your shoes on for the duration of the flight then experts recommend bringing a spare pair of slip on shoes to make it slightly safer.
Abby Dunn, Marketing Manager at Ocean Florida, recommended that tourists looking to feel comfortable on board a long-haul flight should bring a pair of slippers.
She added: “The best thing you can do to ensure maximum comfort and cleanliness while on long-haul journeys is to bring a pair of slippers which can be worn during the flight.”