American Airlines, Delta & United travelers warned over shoe rule with ban risk

WHILE TSA may have ended the shoe removal rule, travelers have been reminded of another footwear policing while flying.

Passengers with certain airlines risk a potential ban if they break a lesser-known “cover-up” rule.

A widely debated travel topic when it comes to flying is whether or not your should be allowed to take your shoes off on a plane.

After window versus aisle and reclining your seat or not, this might be one of the most divisive questions related to air travel.

Foot skirmishes are quickly becoming a regular problem when it comes to flying.

And while most are low-level and simply result in a complaint to the airline, some people have been known to go too far.

In 2018, Spirit Airlines diverted a flight from New York destined for Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, after the odor of smelly feet was reported in the aircraft.

A hazmat team was ready to meet the aircraft on the tarmc but failed to find the source of the smell.

Shoe policy

And most major US airlines have some sort of a shoe policy in place for customers.

American Airlines says flying barefoot is not allowed while Delta Air Lines may refuse to transport you if you’re barefoot.

The same policy is in place for those flying with United Airlines.

However, these rules don’t address the passengers who remove their footwear but keep on their socks.

And while some people argue in favor of removing shoes, calling it a matter of personal comfort, others cite hygiene and safety concerns.

But according to etiquette experts, there may be an unspoken rule in place.

Unspoken rule

“It’s a nonissue,” said Jodi RR Smith, who works as Mannersmith Etiquette Consulting.

“On short flights, you should keep your footwear on for the entire flight.”

For longer flights, anything over four hours, it’s OK to take off your shoes, especially if you’re trying to sleep. 

However, the pro explained that this is only acceptable “if your feet have zero odor”.

And there’s another group of passengers who should avoid removing their shoes, regardless of the length of their flight, according to Rosalinda Oropeza Randall, another etiquette expert. 

“If you are seated in the emergency exit row, your shoes should always be on,” she advised.

“You have elected to take on the responsibility of calmly and expeditiously being ready to assist.”

She pointed out that there’s no time for a shoe search in the middle of the emergency.

The pro added that passengers should also always keep their socks on during a flight, adding that they should put their shoes back on if they are using the bathroom.

And if you have foot odor, you should keep your footwear on at all times or find a way of neutralizing the smell, for the sake of those around you.

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Susan Sherren, who runs the travel agency Couture Trips, spoke about recent plane confrontations to USA Today.

According to her, airlines don’t give passengers enough guidance when it comes to footwear etiquette.

“These days, people need more specific instructions on how to behave,” she said.

“We are guests aboard these flights. With specific rules of engagement spelled out, we all could have more enjoyable and civilized flights.”

And if you find yourself next to someone with particularly pungent feet on a flight, experts suggest politely asking them to put their shoes back on.

Or if you don’t feel like confronting someone yourself, you can also seek the help of a flight attendant.

More on air travel

Air travelers have also been issued a warning regarding jeans and leggings on board.

Meanwhile, TSA officials have shared three recommendations to avoid airport problems.

And the security authority is now allowing passengers to skip screening stage altogether with a new “common sense” move.

Plus, a round-up of the shortest flights in the US, including a one-mile route in air for 10 minutes.

And the best low-cost airlines in America have officially been named.