Taking off shoes on flights: A debate on etiquette and hygiene

Arguments, drunkenness, a crying child, shouting are just a few inconveniences that can happen to us during a flight. Many people are unaware of what is prohibited on an airplane. One behaviour, in particular, sparks controversy and occurs very often.

You board the plane, take your seat, buckle up, and patiently wait for the flight. After a while, you take off into the air. At this moment, you might experience the characteristic ringing in your ears, which can become a headache. Don't be surprised if you feel pressure on your feet. This is due to the change in pressure. These symptoms will disappear as the plane changes position.

At this moment, many people decide to take off their shoes. Some even take off their socks and place their feet on the armrests or... other passengers' seats. You have to admit, this sight is not the most pleasant. Australian Airlines once appealed to passengers not to take off their shoes during a flight.

- When flying domestically, feet should remain on the floor. There is no need to turn your seat into a bedroom or lounge chair - explained Zarife Hardy, director of the Australian School of Etiquette, as quoted by Business Insider.

Is taking your shoes off during the flight acceptable? It all depends on the length of the journey. In the case of international flights that last several hours, removing shoes is highly recommended.

- When flying internationally, wait until the plane is well and truly up in the air – and bring some socks or lightweight slippers to wear - added Zarife Hardy.

OWP stands for "general terms and conditions of carriage by sea for passengers and their baggage." Purchasing a ticket means you must comply with the governing regulations. While there is no rule explicitly about removing shoes, the crew might refer to another regulation:

These situations qualify as behaviours prompting justified objections from passengers, mentioned in Article 12 of the OWP, and also fall under the regulation for passengers hindering the crew from performing its duties and not complying with the crew's instructions.

Disturbing fellow passengers can result in a fine, and in extreme cases, intervention by the Border Guard after the flight.

Removing your shoes during a flight is not only rude but also unhygienic. Many people move around the plane without shoes. They go to the restroom, which is not cleaned during the flight.

- Those who decide to go barefoot might be picking up bacteria and viruses that could negatively impact their health. Likewise, the concern of picking up a fungal infection is always there as well - explains David Krause, owner of SyQuest USA, a company that produces cleaning agents for airplanes.

Although most cabins are kept clean, thorough cleaning is done only a few times a year. This means billions of pathogenic bacteria and fungi on the floor can cause severe skin diseases.

How can you handle such a situation? If you are facing a long flight, invest in compression socks, and if necessary, bring slippers. This way, you can avoid painful swelling, skin fungus, and... suggestive looks from fellow passengers.