Flying can be exhausting, and after hours spent in cramped airplane seats, many passengers are tempted to kick off their shoes and get comfortable. But before you slide out of your sneakers, think twice. According to flight attendants, keeping your shoes on during a flight isn’t just about comfort—it’s about hygiene and safety. Removing your shoes could expose you to unsanitary conditions, and the hidden dangers lurking on airplane floors are more unsettling than you might think.

The Disturbing Truth About Airplane Floors

Airplane floors might look clean, but they’re far from it. Multiple flight attendants have spoken up about the less-than-pleasant realities of the spaces beneath your feet. Leysha Perez, a Delta flight attendant, told Insider that the liquid you often see on bathroom floors is “probably bodily fluids.” Yes, you read that right. What you think is harmless water could actually be something far more unpleasant.

Another flight attendant, who chose to remain anonymous, echoed these concerns, describing walking barefoot or even in socks as “disgusting.” Airplane bathrooms, in particular, are breeding grounds for bacteria and germs, and the carpets throughout the cabin aren’t much better. These areas are rarely deep-cleaned, so passengers are essentially walking through layers of grime and dirt accumulated from multiple flights.

Why Shoes Are a Must in Airplane Bathrooms

One of the worst places to walk barefoot or in socks on a plane is the bathroom. The cramped space is used by hundreds of people during a flight, and the small sinks often splash water—or worse—onto the floors. Danielle, an Emirates flight attendant who gained attention on TikTok for her travel tips, shared that what looks like water on the bathroom floor is “really not.” The truth is, it could be a mix of water, spilled drinks, and yes, bodily fluids.

By removing your shoes, you’re essentially stepping into a Petri dish of bacteria, which could cling to your feet or socks and spread to other parts of the plane, including your seat.

Airplane Carpets: More Than Just Dirty

While the bathrooms are notoriously unhygienic, the rest of the plane isn’t much better. The carpets that cover the cabin are far from pristine. These carpets aren’t replaced between flights and may not even be properly cleaned for several trips. Passengers spill drinks, drop food, and carry dirt from airports and beyond onto these carpets. Flight attendants warn that removing your shoes can expose you to all sorts of contaminants that you wouldn’t expect.

Imagine walking through a crowded airport, boarding a plane, and then having someone else’s foot gunk brush up against your socks. Not appealing, right? Now, think about what’s lingering on the airplane floor after hundreds of passengers have walked through.

The Health Risks of Walking Barefoot on a Plane

The unsanitary conditions of airplane floors aren’t just gross—they can pose real health risks. Germs and bacteria can easily transfer from the floor to your feet, especially if you have any cuts, cracks, or skin issues. If you happen to touch your feet or socks after walking around the plane, you could unknowingly transfer bacteria to your hands, face, or other parts of your body.

Food poisoning bacteria like E. coli or Salmonella are common culprits in these spaces. Moreover, fungal infections such as athlete’s foot can spread through contact with dirty surfaces. By simply wearing shoes, you can avoid a range of potential health issues during and after your flight.

Removing Shoes: A Matter of Courtesy

Beyond hygiene and health concerns, taking off your shoes can also be seen as discourteous to fellow passengers. A viral video last year showed a passenger propping their bare feet on the armrest of the seat in front of them, sparking outrage online. Not only does this invade the personal space of others, but it also creates an uncomfortable and unappealing situation for those around you.

Flying in close quarters requires a bit of self-awareness and respect for the people sitting next to you. Keeping your shoes on is a simple way to maintain a comfortable environment for everyone onboard.

Additional Tips for Airplane Hygiene

It’s not just the floors you should be cautious of when flying. Here are a few other tips flight attendants recommend for maintaining hygiene during your travels:

• Avoid touching airplane windows: They are rarely sanitized between flights, meaning they can harbor germs from previous passengers.
• Sanitize your seat tray: These are another spot that rarely gets a deep clean and are frequently used for eating, working, and more.
• Use hand sanitizer after using the bathroom: Even if you’ve washed your hands, using a bit of sanitizer can add an extra layer of protection from germs that linger in the bathroom.
• Limit contact with surfaces: From the seatback pocket to the armrests, airplane surfaces can be riddled with bacteria. Wipe them down with sanitizing wipes when you board.

Conclusion: Why You Should Keep Your Shoes On During a Flight

Keeping your shoes on during a flight might not seem like a big deal, but it’s one of the simplest ways to protect yourself from the unsanitary conditions onboard. From airplane bathrooms to the cabin carpets, these areas are filled with germs and potential health risks. By wearing your shoes, you can avoid direct contact with these contaminants, ensuring a cleaner and healthier travel experience.

Not only will this safeguard your well-being, but it also shows respect for the comfort and hygiene of your fellow passengers. So next time you’re tempted to kick off your shoes and relax mid-flight, remember the dirty truth beneath your feet.