Ex-flight attendant warns passengers never to take their shoes off on a plane

A flight attendant has warned that keeping your shoes on during a flight will improve your chances of survival in an emergency – and irritate less people sitting near you

An ex-flight attendant has warned passengers to never take their shoes off on a plane – and not just because of the disgusted looks you’ll get from those around you.

We’ve all seen disturbing images of people putting their bare feet on the arm rests of the seat in front, but Tony Kuna has now warned that letting your toes get some air could seriously jeopardise your safety.

The former member of cabin crew 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.

Get the news you want straight to your inbox. Sign up for a Mirror newsletter here.

“If your feet [aren’t] properly covered, you’ll have a hard time making your way to safety. Imagine destroying your bare feet as your run down the aisle covered with broken glass, fires and metal shards.

“Kind of like John McClane in Die Hard, but worse.”

And it’s a warning that has previously been echoed by Christine Negroni, who has quite literally written the book on aeroplane disasters, as reported by The Sun.

The author believes airlines should make it mandatory for passengers to put on their shoes for take-off and landing for the same reasons, and that she would advice against ever wearing flip flops or sandals on a plane.

And if the danger to your life isn’t enough to stop you going shoe-free, then maybe knowing exactly what your bare feet are stepping on in the cabin will do the trick.

Flight attendants warned against the habit on Reddit, with one pleading: “DO NOT WALK AROUND BAREFOOT. Pee and poop happens, all over.

“I feel like I witness an ‘accident’ regularly; in their seat or in the lav. People get nose bleeds, or their wounds open. Obviously when we land, it is thoroughly cleaned. But inflight our resources are limited.”

And another said: “I cringe every time I see a passenger walk in a lavatory with bare feet or socks. The planes are generally turned around in less that 20 minutes before they are boarded again and rarely receive more than a quick scrub on the bathroom floor.”