Why Leggings Aren’t Suitable for Air Travel
Choosing the right outfit for a flight can be a bit of a puzzle. You want something comfy, not too hot or chilly, and maybe still a touch fashionable. But a seasoned flight expert has shared some advice—there are definite do’s and don’ts when it comes to dressing for a plane ride.
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Many of us have heard different opinions about what to wear on a plane. For instance, one flight attendant advises against wearing open footwear like Crocs or flip-flops, particularly if you’re planning to use the restroom on the flight.
“It’s wise to avoid sandals if you plan on using the lavatory,” the attendant noted. “That’s likely not water on the floor, and sandals can make it easy for whatever that liquid is to splash onto your feet.”
Another piece of advice, shared widely on TikTok, was to steer clear of shorts while flying. The attendant advised, “Avoid wearing shorts on an airplane. Just like you wouldn’t know how clean the windows are, the same applies to seats. With pants, you can reduce exposure to germs.”
Adding to this list, aviation expert Christine Negroni has provided her insights on why leggings should never make the cut for in-flight attire. Negroni, known for her authority and clarity in aviation safety, explained the potential risks that leggings pose—and they might surprise you.
In a conversation with IGV, Negroni discussed how vital it is to choose the right footwear. She suggested, “Opt for comfortable flats with a good sole that are easy to slip on and off. In an emergency evacuation, the surfaces outside the plane might be very uncomfortable—whether it’s icy, hot, or littered with debris. Flats are also safer for using evacuation chutes.”
Negroni went on to explain why wearing leggings could be particularly dangerous during a flight. She pointed out, “While many air accidents are survivable, they often include fires. Leggings are typically made from synthetic materials that can melt when hot, causing severe injuries to the skin.”
“Back in 1999, the Federal Aviation Administration highlighted the benefits of wearing garments made from cotton, wool, leather, and even denim, as these materials are preferable over synthetics during flights,” Negroni noted.
In any situation where there might be a fire, avoiding synthetic fibers is generally considered good advice. Natural fibers do not melt onto the skin as synthetics do, providing an extra layer of safety.
So next time you are preparing for a flight, think carefully about your clothing choices. Opt for natural fabrics and secure shoes, ensuring not only comfort but safety as well.
