A Reddit post detailing an uncomfortable encounter aboard a flight raises questions about the appropriateness of removing shoes while flying.
A recent incident shared on social media has sparked widespread discussion about in-flight etiquette, particularly the practice of removing shoes on planes. The encounter, recounted by a passenger on Reddit, highlighted a rather uncomfortable experience during a flight when the individual, seated at the window, felt a “hard and warm” poke at their left elbow. The bewildered flyer sought opinions on how to address the situation.
In a post that quickly captured the attention of users, the passenger included a photograph illustrating their dilemma: an intrusive foot, reportedly belonging to the person seated behind, encroaching upon their armrest. This image prompted a wave of reactions and anecdotes from others who recounted similar experiences.
One reader claimed to be an air steward and expressed frustration over passenger behaviour: “I am an air steward and, trust me guys, people sit in all possible weirdest ways in an aircraft regardless how less leg room they have. And the audacity to remove the shoes with their smelly stockings, or feet exposing around is pleaseeeee, disgusting man,” they stated.
Another user provided a practical suggestion to address the issue: “Ask the flight attendant to politely ask the person behind you to sit properly and act like a human – not a chimp.” This advice echoed a common frustration felt by many regarding personal space infringement during flights. Sharing a personal anecdote, a third commentator mentioned a similar incident, recalling feeling a toenail poking through a sock-covered foot. They recounted looking back in hopes of conveying their discomfort but eventually resorted to lifting the armrest, which inadvertently caused the other passenger to stumble.
Amidst the many comments, one user raised a pointed query about the practice of removing shoes in an enclosed space such as an aircraft: “Why the heck do these people like to open their shoes while on a fully air-conditioned place? The smell travels you know.” This sparked further discussion about the general acceptability of such behaviour.
The sentiment among commenters leaned towards maintaining shoe etiquette during flights, particularly when not necessitated by health concerns. Many believed that keeping shoes on can mitigate hygiene issues and help ensure the comfort of all passengers in the cramped cabin environment. Additionally, concerns were voiced about the practical challenge of putting shoes back on after they have been removed, particularly if passengers experience swelling during travel.
As this conversation continues to generate interest online, it appears that the matter of personal space and etiquette on flights remains a topic of considerable debate among frequent fliers and casual travellers alike.
Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://viewfromthewing.com/take-your-shoes-off-when-you-fly/ – This article discusses the practice of removing shoes during flights, emphasizing comfort but also highlighting the importance of maintaining hygiene and respecting others’ space. It suggests using disposable slippers as an alternative to walking barefoot.
- https://www.afar.com/magazine/why-you-shouldnt-take-your-shoes-off-on-a-plane – This article explores why removing shoes on planes might not be advisable, citing concerns about hygiene, safety, and passenger discomfort. It also mentions that many passengers find the practice off-putting.
- https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/travelbuzz/695205-appropriate-remove-shoes-during-flight.html – This forum thread discusses the appropriateness of removing shoes during flights, with some users finding it acceptable if done discreetly and hygienically, while others express discomfort with the practice.
- https://thepointsguy.com/airline/travel-etiquette-bare-feet-on-planes/ – This article outlines etiquette rules for going shoeless on planes, emphasizing the importance of keeping shoes on during takeoff and landing for safety reasons and suggesting the use of socks or slippers for hygiene.
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1RZi3vmXCFU – This video discusses flight etiquette, including the acceptability of removing shoes on planes. It highlights public opinions on the matter, with a majority finding it unacceptable.
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative does not reference specific outdated events or individuals, suggesting it is relatively current. However, the topic itself is not new and has been discussed previously.
Quotes check
Score:
6
Notes:
The quotes appear to be from social media users and do not have traceable original sources. While they contribute to the discussion, their authenticity cannot be verified.
Source reliability
Score:
7
Notes:
The narrative originates from a reputable local news outlet, which generally enhances credibility. However, the content is based on social media discussions, which can be less reliable.
Plausability check
Score:
9
Notes:
The claims about in-flight etiquette and personal space issues are plausible and align with common concerns among travelers. The narrative does not contain improbable or unverifiable information.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): MEDIUM
Summary:
The narrative is plausible and discusses a common issue, but its reliance on social media quotes and lack of specific original sources for those quotes slightly reduce confidence in its overall reliability.
