Ex-flight attendant explains why you should always keep your shoes on during a flight

A former flight attendant has revealed the reasons you should wear shoes while travelling on a plane.

Writing on the question and answer website Quora, an ex-flight attendant shared why it’s a good idea to wear proper shoes on a flight.

They explained: “Besides stinking up the whole cabin, footwear is essential during a plane emergency, even though it is not part of the flight safety information.

“During an emergency, all sorts of debris and unpleasant ground surfaces will block your way towards the exit, as well as outside the aircraft.”

The former flight attendant explained that taking your shoes off for the duration of the flight can make it difficult to make a quick escape in the rare case of an emergency.

They continued: “If your feet aren’t properly covered, you’ll have a hard time making your way to safety.

“Imagine destroying your bare feet as you run down the aisle covered with broken glass, fires and metal shards. Kind of like John McClane in Die Hard, but worse.”

While it might seem like the comfortable option, sturdy closed-toe shoes such as trainers are preferable to sandals or flip-flops, as they may offer more protection.

Author Christine Negroni has written books about air disasters and agreed with the advice on footwear.

Negroni told The Sun: “One of the best things people can do is put their shoes on for take-off and landing. This is still not required by many airlines and I think it ought to be.

“If you escape an aircraft, the floor could be very hot or cold, it might be covered in oil or on fire, or in a cornfield - you won’t want to be barefoot.”