Why you should never wear sandals at an airport
IF you don’t want to risk missing your flight, there is one type of shoe that you’re better off leaving in your suitcase and not wearing.
Wearing comfortable airport clothing makes long flights a lot easier.
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However, you may want to leave your Birkenstocks in your suitcase instead of carrying them to airport security.
Annabelle Spranklen, who says she’s a “seasoned traveler,” explained why.
She kept writing shine: “Slides like the tried-and-true Birkenstocks are undeniably a convenient choice for on-the-go, but also likely one that will delay your airport trip.”
“The metal buckles often set off the security alarm, which means walking barefoot through this dirty floor.”
It’s not just Birkenstocks, you should also avoid flip-flops.
Flight attendant Andrea Fischbach previously said: “If you have to transfer quickly and move between terminals, it’s best to have a shoe that supports mobility.”
“I would really advise against high heels, flip flops or any other kind of mules, mainly for safety reasons.”
Mary Schiavo, aviation analyst at CNN, confirmed this and said that there could be problems on the flight in the event of an emergency.
She said: “Please wear sensible shoes and leave them on until after take-off.”
“I see people boarding with flip flops on, and I think if you have to get up and run and you fall or can’t run, you’re not just hurting yourself, you’re hurting dozens of other people on that plane.”
You’d think sneakers would be a safe bet—but lace-up options come with their own problems.
If you’re in a hurry, taking off your shoes at airport security can be stressful.
founder of Sole blissLisa Kay said, “To get them on and off you have to untie the laces and then tie them back on, which can make you feel a little rushed and nervous when you’re packing your stuff.”
The best shoes are slip-on shoes or trainers with a zip, she said.
Make sure you also have a spare pair of socks on your back, otherwise you risk catching a fungal infection walking barefoot through security.
And here are some other items of clothing not to wear at the airport.
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