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Is it better to wear tennis shoes or sandals on a plane?

In general, airlines expect passengers to wear shoes that are appropriate and comfortable for the duration of the flight. Avoiding shoes with excessive heels, open toes, or slippery soles is advisable, as they may pose safety concerns or discomfort during the journey.



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While flip-flops and high heels are easy to slip off and back on at airport security, they're not a good idea. And while sandals might sound good—especially if you're headed to the beach—airplanes are notoriously cold. Plus, who wants to walk through security barefoot?

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Instead wear: slip-on shoes While sneakers—especially these cult dad shoes—may be the ultimate shoe to wear when traveling, the classic styles can be a hindrance if you're looking for a quick journey through airport security. To avoid any slow downs and troublesome laces, consider switching to a pair of slip-on shoes.

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Here are the items flight attendants suggest you leave home or save to wear post-flight:
  • Jewelry or bulky accessories. ...
  • Anything tight. ...
  • An uncomfortable bra. ...
  • Skimpy clothing. ...
  • Fragrance. ...
  • High heels, flip-flops and slides. ...
  • Fabrics that are flammable. ...
  • Bulky jackets.


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When choosing what to wear on a plane, look for stylish tops made with natural fabrics, such as cotton, silk, wool or linen, which will allow air and moisture to pass through. Moisture-wicking man-made fabrics are an equally savvy option.

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To avoid the germy possibility of striding barefoot through the airport, it's best to avoid anything that might set of the machines and instead stick to basic slide sandals or my footwear of choice, slip-on sneakers. And if you find yourself still needing to remove your shoes, make sure you have socks handy.

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That's right, nary a soul on any Traveler team dared stand up for their right to go barefoot aboard an airplane. Socks are non-negotiable. Most airlines agree, by the way, even going so far as to mandate their presence in the air.

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Anything tight You want to be able to move comfortably, encouraging healthy blood circulation and avoiding deep vein thrombosis.

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Bulky Clothing Oversized clothing might be comfy—especially if you've got a long flight ahead—but it could lead to chaos at airport security. Flowy dresses, skirts, or bulky sweaters and sweatshirts may cause you to get selected for a pat-down to ensure you're not hiding anything, says Nelson.

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Wear loose clothing. Loose sweaters are extremely comfortable, especially if you pair them with jeans or leggings. Loose fitting dresses or pants are also a good choice for flying.

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The main reason for this security measure is the result of an attempted terror attack by Richard Reid in December 2001. He attempted to detonate a shoe bomb on a flight from Paris to Miami, not long after 9/11. As a result of this attempted bombing, TSA introduced shoe searches to prevent a future incident.

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No jeans or trainers — so I always go for tight black trousers and a blazer or a dress. For men, chinos or trousers and a shirt are worn, one flight attendant told Who What Wear. Another flight attendant elaborated that you don't have to be on trend or wearing designer clothes.

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Yes, you guessed it – the '3 shoe rule' is only pack THREE pairs of shoes. For a summer vacation, this typically means a pair of sneakers and two pairs of sandals – one dressy and one casual. It's simple really.

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Cut Down On Shoes
A pair of sneakers or walking shoes, a pair of sandals for warm weather or small boots for cold weather, and maybe one more pair of stylish slip-on shoes or low heels for dressier occasions is really all you ever need. BONUS TIP: Wear the heaviest pair of shoes on the plane.

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Although some have claimed otherwise, there are thousands that wear underwire bras through airport security each day without setting off the alarm. If you really want to avoid setting off the metal detectors at all costs, consider wearing an underwire bra with plastic, a strapless bra or a sports bra.

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Fischbach said: 'Heels can possibly cause further damage to emergency exits or hurt others if they go flying off somehow. 'I would really advise against high heels or flip-flops or any slides, mostly for safety purposes.

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Skip (heavy) makeup, especially for trans-con flights In fact, makeup is the worst for skin on the plane. Personally, it's not a bad idea to wear light makeup on the plane, and then to wash it off in the middle of the flight. Some people have found it easier to go completely without.

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