More and more airlines are now enforcing bans on barefoot travel, with rules in place that could see passengers turfed off flights if they go shoeless.
In Australia, Qantas says, “footwear must be worn to the board, disembark and during your flight,” while Virgin Australia says “, all adults and children who are capable of walking must wear suitable footwear”.
U.S. airlines, such as United Airlines and American Airlines, have increasingly included clauses in their ‘Contract of Carriage’ that allow for the removal of passengers not wearing shoes.
Although the removal of a passenger is at the choice of the flight attendant.
According to etiquette expert Jacqueline Whitmore, it is “rude to walk about barefooted in a public place as many germs can be transmitted from your feet”.
“If you plan to take off your shoes on a longer flight, it’s best not to walk around without slippers for your own health and safety,” she told Fox News Digital.
“The floor of the plane is extremely dirty, especially in the lavatory. The water on the floor is most likely not water at all.
“For fellow passengers, seeing someone walk around barefoot can be considered unpleasant or unhygienic, which could negatively impact their flying experience.”
