We all have travel pet peeves, but one of the biggest (and grossest) is when passengers take their shoes off on the plane. Whether it’s on a long flight or a short one, experts agree: keep your shoes on.
Not only is it inconsiderate, but it’s also a safety hazard. In the event of an emergency during takeoff or landing, you might need to move quickly, and barefoot isn’t the safest way to do that.
Etiquette expert Nick Leighton puts it simply: “Flying is a team activity.” That means thinking about the comfort of the people around you—not just your own.
Plus, airplane floors are disgusting. Think about how many people walk through the aisles after using the restroom, and how rarely those carpets are deep-cleaned.