Shoes on or off during flights? This is a question that often sparks debate among passengers. Some argue for the sake of comfort, while others cite concerns about hygiene and safety. But with incidents of foot-related conflicts on planes becoming more common, it’s clear that this is an issue that needs to be addressed.

Recently, Jaskaran Gautam, a passenger on a 13-hour flight from Tokyo to New York, found himself sitting next to a stranger’s abandoned shoes. The passenger had switched seats, leaving behind a pair of foul-smelling footwear. Gautam, who works for a technology company in Kyoto, Japan, was understandably uncomfortable and brought the issue to the attention of a flight attendant.

Foot skirmishes like this are becoming a regular problem on planes, often resulting in complaints to the airline. In some extreme cases, such as the 2018 Spirit Airlines flight from New York to Fort Lauderdale, the odour of smelly feet became so overpowering that the flight had to be diverted and a hazmat team was called in to investigate.

So, what is the proper airplane etiquette when it comes to shoes? According to Jodi R. R. Smith, an etiquette expert with Mannersmith Etiquette Consulting, it’s a non-issue on shorter flights. “On short flights, you should keep your footwear on for the entire flight,” she advises. However, for longer flights, it is acceptable to take off your shoes, but only if your feet are free of any odour.

On the other hand, Rosalinda Oropeza Randall, another etiquette expert, believes that there is one group of passengers who should never remove their shoes – those seated in the emergency exit row. “You have elected to take on the responsibility of calmly and expeditiously being ready to assist,” she explains. “There’s no time for a shoe search, untying the shoelace knot, and putting them on. ” She also stresses the importance of always keeping socks on and putting shoes back on when using the bathroom, as the floor of the lavatory may not always be water.

In conclusion, the general rule is to keep your shoes on if possible. However, if you do choose to take them off, be considerate of those around you and ensure that your feet are free from any unpleasant odours. And most importantly, keep your socks on and never go barefoot on the plane. By following these simple rules, we can all make the flying experience a more pleasant one for everyone involved.