Flying etiquette: The controversy of removing shoes on airplanes

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

You board the plane, sit, buckle up, and patiently await 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 remove 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 the 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 depends on the length of the journey. Taking shoes off is highly recommended for international flights that last several hours.

- 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 for passengers and 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. They also fall under the guideline that a passenger(...) hinders the crew from performing its duties or does not comply with the crew's instructions also from the article above - explains the press office of LOT Polish Airlines in response to questions from Business Insider.

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, and they go to the restroom, which is not cleaned during the flight.

David Krause, owner of SyQuest USA, a company that produces aircraft cleaning products, points out that people who choose to walk barefoot may transmit bacteria and viruses that may have a negative impact on their health.

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