Travelling by plane is not only a matter of getting from point A to point B.
It is also a challenge to choose the right outfit that will ensure comfort during the flight and at the same time will not cause problems for the cabin crew.
Kris Major, head of cabin crew at British Airways, with 25 years of experience as a flight attendant, shared some tips on what you should and shouldn’t wear on board.
Surprisingly, one of the items on Major’s list is… socks. But not just any socks, but black socks. Major advises to leave them at home, especially during night flights.
Why wearing black socks on a plane is dangerous
“When passengers take off their shoes and stretch their legs in the aisle, dark socks can prevent us from noticing their feet. This can lead to unpleasant situations when we trip over them while using the stroller,” explains Major in an interview with CNN Travel.
This is not only a problem for the crew, but also for the passengers themselves, who may be unpleasantly awakened from sleep.
Another topic Major discusses is the issue of taking off shoes. If you have light-colored socks, don’t hesitate to take your shoes off. “I know this is a controversial topic, but even crew do it on long-haul flights. Sitting in shoes all the time is not healthy,” he explains.
However, Major emphasises that removing shoes and socks is unacceptable. Travelling barefoot is not acceptable, not only for aesthetic reasons but also for safety reasons. In emergency situations, passengers should be ready to exit the plane quickly and not look for socks.
Similarly, Major advises against flying in flip-flops or high heels. Such footwear is not suitable for quick disembarkation and may therefore pose a safety risk.
