FLIGHT attendants love to make planes sound like they’re much more dramatic places than they actually are.
That’s not to say our job isn’t interesting, it is, which is why I write this blog and other cabin crew members are regularly interviewed.
However, a lot of them really over-embellish a lot of the time and it’s a bit silly.
For instance, I recently read one of my colleagues explaining that passengers shouldn’t wear shorts, skirts or t-shirts when flying.
I assumed that this would be a cold issue, with cabins often kept at a pretty cool temperature.
But it turned out to be a warning about people getting germs from the plane seats.
It’s so weird that they feel the need to make it sound like planes are these germ-infested tubes that will make absolutely everyone ill.
On the whole, they’re pretty clean and no more grimy than most public spaces, like a train or a bench or something.
So don’t feel the need to panic about sitting down at your seat in a shorts and t-shirt if that’s what makes you feel comfortable.
There are only three things I would advise passengers not to wear when flying.
The first of those are flip flops, which won’t provide your feet with the comfort and support they’re going to need on a long distance journey.
They also won’t keep your feet away from other passengers, who really won’t want to see them, or even worse smell them.
More importantly, however, they won’t be much good in an emergency.
If we need to get off the plane in the dark, there could be anything on the floor and sliding around in your slip on sandals isn’t going to be the safest way to head to the exit.
The same goes for high heels, which are another item I would seriously suggest people avoid wearing for flights.
You should prioritise comfort and practicality over looking good for the flight because it won’t matter how attractive you are in an emergency.
There are also some items I always insist on packing every time I fly.
The first of which is my trusty bumbag – it’s a total lifesaver and perfect for travelling.
I basically have got that forever packed in case I need a little emergency overnight kit.
Even if I’m doing short haul and for some reason something goes awry, I’ve always got a little overnight bag and it’s got toothpaste, an inhaler, a hairbrush, little things that you just might need.
Even if I don’t take a suitcase I can get myself spruced up, and I can also wear it underneath my clothes while I’m going around exploring.
The next thing is something I picked up from fellow cabin crew members, but I now won’t go anywhere without.
A travel cutlery set is so useful and I can’t remember how many times I’ve ended up using it, on flights, or in hotel rooms.
It comes with a fork, knife, spoon, straw and chopsticks, all neatly held together in a fabric roll-up pouch.
Like most people, I like to go out for food when I’m away, but I can’t afford to do that every single night.
Hotel rooms often don’t have cutlery, meaning people either have to improvise, or limit their meal choices.
I’ve literally seen people using hotel pens as chopsticks before, when bringing their own really doesn’t take up that much space.
This means I can enjoy a meal in my room, without having to improvise some
You should wear a pair of comfortable trainers, ideally – they’re the perfect shoes for a flight.
High heels could also puncture the emergency slides in the rare case that they’re needed, so you could not only put yourself at risk while wearing them, but other people as well.
Finally, you shouldn’t wear too much jewellery for the same reason above – it could get snagged or cause you problems in an emergency, and could puncture the emergency slides.
However, from a practicality point of view, it will also mean you spend ages getting through the security scanners.
It’s going to take you much longer to get through airport security if you’re taking off all your bracelets, chains and earrings for the scanners.
Just keep it minimal and take anything you want to wear for your holiday in your suitcase – it’ll save you plenty of time at the security desks.
And if you want to wear a skirt or shorts and t-shirt, go-ahead. It’s not going to make you ill, or spoil your holiday.
If that’s what makes you comfortable when flying, then that’s absolutely fine.
Meanwhile, these other items of clothing could get you barred from your plane.
And this new “raw-dogging” trend has plane passengers absolutely baffled.
