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Is it normal to take your shoes off on a plane?

It's generally acceptable to remove your shoes on a plane as long as you're not putting off an offensive odor or putting bare feet (especially unsightly bare feet) on display.



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Keeping your shoes on while flying isn't just the courteous thing to do — according to flight attendants, there's a hygienic reason to avoid walking around barefoot on an airplane.

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The dreaded shoe removal ritual became part of the TSA screening process after Richard Reid, better known as the shoe bomber, tried to detonate an explosive device in his clunky sneakers on an airliner shortly after the 9/11 attacks. As a result, in 2006, the TSA began requiring all passengers to remove their shoes.

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'When you're going through the TSA lines, always wear socks. You absolutely don't want to be walking around barefoot on the airport floor. How many other people have also been walking around barefoot in that exact same spot over the course of a day? A lot!

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But taking shoes off on long-haul flights is acceptable. “When flying internationally, wait until the plane is well and truly up in the air – and bring some socks or lightweight slippers to wear,” she advises, adding it's not the best idea to walk around the plane barefoot, both for aesthetic and hygiene reasons.

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You are allowed to bring a quart-sized bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes through the checkpoint. These are limited to 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less per item. This is also known as the 3-1-1 liquids rule.

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It is generally recommended to remove all metal items, including underwire bras, before going through airport security. Can I wear an underwire bra to an airport? Yes you can wear an underwire bra. Depending on TSA standards in scanning, a metal detector may be sensitive enough to pick-up the bra.

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Flight socks are compression socks which are designed to offer moderate pressure to the calves and legs. They help to encourage blood to flow back up your veins and towards your heart. Therefore, your blood is less likely to pool in your legs and feet, thus preventing clots from forming.

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Stay in Your Own Space
Following airplane etiquette means that you do not do this. While in your seat, please keep all of your body – arms, hands, head, legs, feet, and other parts – only in the space that is bordered by your seat measurements. Trust us, your neighbor will thank you for this small act of civility.

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Anything tight Tight waistbands, skirts, blouses and shirts are all no-no's while traveling, for the simple reason that our bodies naturally swell when we fly. Restrictive clothing does not pair well with bloating, also common on airplanes.

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Safety Razors: Because the razor blades are so easy to remove, safety razors are not permitted in your carry-on luggage with the blade. They're fine to pack in your carry-on without the blade. The blades must be stored in your checked luggage. The same applies for straight razors.

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Each passenger is limited to one quart-size bag of liquids, gels and aerosols. Common travel items that must comply with the 3-1-1 liquids rule include toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, mouthwash and lotion.

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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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High heels, flip-flops and slides High heels can slow you down and even puncture the slide in case of an evacuation. Flip-flops and slides can fly off your feet in case of emergency; you'll also find they make life difficult if you have to sprint through the airport to make your flight.

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Sure, leggings and jeans are fine for getting through security, but they may not be as suitable for when you are actually on the plane. This is because tight clothing can restrict blood flow which can heighten your risk of developing deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a condition that can cause blood clotting.

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Don't wear shoes with steel tips, steel heels, steel shanks, metal buckles, or nails. Tennis shoes are usually a safe bet. If you know that your shoes set off the alarm on the metal detector, wear something else while flying. Shoes in your carry-on luggage might also be a problem.

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