TWO passengers have sparked debate after they were filmed getting told off by a flight attendant, who may had a problem with them being barefoot.
The issue of shoes and socks on planes often divides people, with some people thinking it’s fine to get your feet out, while others claim it’s unhygienic.
Tiktok/blowsxjozyThe flight attendant was seen talking to the two barefoot passengers[/caption]
That debate arose once again after a flight attendant was filmed talking to two women, apparently asking them to put their shoes back on during a flight.
The incident was shared to Tiktok by user Jozy (@blowsxjozy) who said she and her friend had been “told off for getting our feet out on the plane”.
In the footage, the pair are seen with their feet up on the seats, without any shoes or socks on.
The flight attendant is seen pointing at the floor and having a word with them.
The video has since been since by more than a million people, a lot of whom joined the argument about whether or not you should be able to go barefoot on a plane.
One wrote: “You realise how dirty the floor of the plane is.”
Another said: “Some people think good manners are a suggestion.”
A third added: “You shouldn’t expect anything else.”
However, others couldn’t see the problem, admitting they do the same.
One said: “I normally take my shoes off and rest my feet on top of my shoes when flying.”
A second added: “I’ve been on heaps of flights all over without shoes.”
Plenty of people have offered their opinions on the matter before, including flight attendants and travel experts.
The general consensus seems to be that you shouldn’t go barefoot when flying, for several reasons.
One of those is safety, with Tony Kuna, a former cabin crew member, explaining that it could cause problems if there is an emergency during a flight.
He wrote on Quora: “During an emergency, all sorts of debris and unpleasant ground surfaces will block your way towards the exit, as well as outside the aircraft.
“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.”
Meanwhile, Pilot Patrick Smith told Travel + Leisure that barefoot passengers also risk exposing themselves to all kinds of germs.
He said: “Cabins are cleaned prior to every flight, but that will be more perfunctory on a quick turn when there are only 15 or 20 minutes to get it done.”
Frequency of an aircraft receiving a full deep cleaning service differ by airline, but generally it’s around once every four to six weeks.
Outside of those times, high-touch surfaces like seat-back screens, storage pockets or chair armrests will be cleaned but the floor – and any spillages – may not be completely cleared of bacteria until a deep clean takes place.
David Krause, owner of SyQuest USA, who manufacture cleaning products used on airlines, told the publication: “Those who decide to go barefoot might be picking up bacteria and viruses that could negatively impact their health.”
However, Sarah James, deputy digital director of Condé Nast Traveller has a difference of opinion.
While she said she would prefer to keep her own socks on, she’s got no problem with other people taking them off, as long as they don’t invade her seating area.
In an article online, she wrote: “As I write this, I’m sitting on a plane with my shoes off. I have no issues with any of my fellow cabin-mates doing the same.
“I’m firmly in the socks-on camp, and I shove my shoes back on before walking around the cabin or going to the bathroom, but I’m not staunchly against people going sockless, either.
“I draw the line at anyone’s bare feet invading my personal space. But if your neighbour can’t grasp those basic manners, their feet are probably the least of your worries.”
Meanwhile, this woman revealed a clever trick to remove a passenger’s bare feet from her seat.
And last year, a man was praised for his “no-nonsense” approach to a passenger’s feet on his armrest after he poured water on them.
Getty – ContributorBeing barefoot on planes is a divisive issue for many travellers[/caption] Read More