Can You Wear Sandals on a Plane? Check Before You Fly!

In general, most airlines do not have explicit rules prohibiting passengers from wearing flip-flops on a plane. However, some airlines may have specific considerations or exceptions regarding flip-flop usage for certain passenger groups or categories. Here’s a summary:

For Regular Passengers

Regular passengers refer to those who purchase tickets or use any type of award tickets. Airlines do not prohibit these passengers from wearing flip-flops onboard. Therefore, you are allowed to wear flip-flops as long as it does not violate the airline’s safety regulations.

For Airline Staff Ticket Holders

Staff ticket holders are passengers traveling under airline employee benefits. Airlines often enforce stricter dress codes for these passengers — for example, flip-flops, shorts, or skirts above the knee are usually not allowed. Sleeveless tops or strapless outfits are also considered inappropriate and may be prohibited. These regulations are implemented to maintain the airline’s image and professionalism.

Therefore, if you purchase a full-price ticket, a deeply discounted promotional fare, or even travel on an award ticket, you are free to dress however you like — including wearing flip-flops. But if you're using a staff benefit ticket, the dress code is significantly stricter and may vary depending on each airline’s policy. So, to answer the question: Can you wear flip-flops on a plane? The answer is yes — but it depends on the type of ticket you’re traveling with.

Although airlines generally do not have specific dress codes for passengers, there are important considerations regarding safety and comfort. Flip-flops are a popular choice for many due to their comfort, but they may have certain limitations in specific situations. Let’s explore the pros and cons of wearing flip-flops on a plane.

Advantages of Wearing Flip-Flops on a Plane

• Comfort: Flip-flops offer a sense of relaxation and ease, especially on long flights when passengers want to rest and stay comfortable. They're easy to remove when you want to curl up on your seat, and wearing tight shoes for extended periods can cause foot swelling.

• Convenience: Flip-flops are easy to put on and take off, making airport security checks faster. They are ideal for travelers who want ease of movement within the airport or are heading to hot-weather destinations.
 

Disadvantages of Wearing Flip-Flops on a Plane

• Safety: In emergency situations, flip-flops may not provide adequate protection. For example, during an evacuation, closed-toe shoes offer better foot protection. Flip-flops also pose a risk of tripping or injury in unexpected events.

• Hygiene: Airplane floors may not be very clean, and wearing flip-flops may expose your feet to dirt directly. Foot odor is also a concern — if feet are not well cared for, unpleasant smells could disturb other passengers.

• Temperature: Cabin temperatures can fluctuate, and flip-flops may leave your feet feeling cold.
Appearance and Professionalism: In some cases, flip-flops may not look appropriate or polished — for example, when flying in business or first class, or when heading straight into a business meeting after landing. While most airlines don’t have explicit rules against flip-flops for regular passengers, you should still consider your own safety in case of unexpected events. Therefore, whether to wear flip-flops on a flight depends on several factors such as travel duration, weather, comfort, and safety. Consider the pros and cons listed here before making your decision.

For those flying for the first time, it's natural to feel nervous about many things — one of which is what to wear and what kind of shoes are appropriate for the flight. If it’s a short-haul trip of 2–3 hours, it might not be too concerning. But for long-haul flights, overnight travel, or flights that include layovers in other countries, choosing the right clothing and footwear becomes essential to ensure a comfortable journey. So let’s get into it! Gother has tips on what shoes and clothing are suitable for flying — and what to avoid. Let’s check them out!  

1. Choose comfortable clothes

No matter the distance of your flight, it's best to wear comfortable clothing. Avoid tight-fitting clothes, as cabin pressure at high altitude can cause breathing issues and increase the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), especially for economy passengers who sit in tight spaces for long periods. This condition once affected pop star Lady Gaga, who nearly collapsed mid-air.

      • What to do: Wear loose clothing. Oversized sweaters made of soft, stretchy fabrics can help you breathe easily and move around comfortably.
      • What not to do: Avoid tight outfits like skinny jeans, nylon clothing, tight socks, or t-shirts with inappropriate messages, which could cause problems at the airport.

2. Bring a jacket, coat, or thick clothing

If you're flying for several hours, bring a jacket, coat, or thick clothing onboard. Aircraft cabins are usually quite cold. Though airlines provide blankets, they may not be enough to keep you warm. So wearing or bringing warm clothing will help. Even if you're flying to a cold-weather destination or during summer, always bring a jacket — cabin temperatures can be colder than expected, and the sudden contrast with outdoor temperatures could make you sick.
      • What to do: Dress appropriately for the weather at your destination and pack a jacket or coat.
      • What not to do: Avoid wearing thin clothing, as it may leave you feeling cold due to sudden temperature changes during your trip.

3. Avoid wearing bras with metal parts

For women, undergarments are an important part of the outfit. Avoid bras with metal parts, as they might trigger airport metal detectors and require manual checks. Opt for padded or sports bras instead — these are more suitable and safer for flying. If you prefer underwire bras, consider packing them in your checked luggage instead.

      • What to do: Choose non-metal bras, such as padded or sports bras, or go braless with nipple covers.
      • What not to do: Avoid bras with metal components. Not only can they delay screening, but they may also be uncomfortable for long flights.  

4. Avoid outfits that are difficult to remove or overly layered

Experienced travelers know that airplane restrooms are small and cramped. Complicated clothing can make bathroom breaks difficult. If you're in a rush and there’s a line, you'll want clothing that’s easy to remove.
      • What to do: Wear simple clothes that are easy to take off, such as pants or jumpsuits without complex fastenings.
      • What not to do: Avoid bodysuits or dresses — they’re not only hard to remove but may also get wet in small restrooms.

5. Avoid clothing with provocative or inappropriate graphics

Do not wear clothing with offensive or provocative messages or graphics — including political, vulgar, or sexual content. Not only is it inappropriate, but some airlines may refuse boarding. If your shirt has text, opt for neutral or polite messaging to avoid delays.
      • What to do: Choose plain clothing or tops with polite messages.
      • What not to do: Avoid garments with inappropriate, offensive, or provocative prints.

6. Minimize wearing metal accessories

Before boarding, check your outfit for metal accessories — earrings, bracelets, necklaces, rings, metal buttons, etc. You’ll need to go through metal detection, and too many accessories may delay you at security. To stay safe and avoid drawing unwanted attention, save your jewelry for when you reach your destination.
      • What to do: If you must wear jewelry (like a wedding ring or belt), choose easy-to-remove pieces and keep it minimal.
      • What not to do: Avoid wearing metal-heavy clothing or accessories.  

7. Choose glasses over contact lenses

If you normally wear contact lenses, consider switching to glasses for your flight. The air in aircraft cabins is dry, with humidity levels as low as 20%, which can dry out your eyes and cause irritation — especially while sleeping. Glasses are more comfortable for long-haul flights.
      • What to do: Wear glasses instead.
      • What not to do: Avoid wearing contact lenses. But if necessary, bring lens solution and eye drops with you.

8. Avoid wearing strong perfumes

Perfume scents are subjective. On a crowded plane with limited ventilation, strong or overpowering perfumes can disturb other passengers — especially those with asthma or allergies. If possible, avoid wearing perfume onboard. Instead, opt for lightly scented clothing or clean outfits paired with deodorant.
      • What to do: Use mild fragrances or clean clothes with gentle scents. Consider deodorant instead of perfume.
      • What not to do: Avoid strong, overpowering perfumes.

9. Avoid wearing high heels

Besides comfortable clothes, choose practical footwear. High heels aren’t ideal for long walks around the airport — from check-in to the gate can be a trek (especially at large airports like Suvarnabhumi). If you're running late, high heels will only slow you down. Heels can also trigger metal detectors and may need to be removed. Instead, choose flat shoes, sneakers, or easy slip-ons. Avoid flip-flops, as they may cause foot odor and inconvenience other passengers.
      • What to do: Choose comfortable shoes like sneakers, flats, or boots that aren’t too tight.
      • What not to do: Avoid high heels and flip-flops.
After reading this article, we hope you now have the answer to whether flip-flops are allowed on planes. The answer is yes — most airlines do not explicitly ban flip-flops. However, for safety and hygiene reasons, it’s better to avoid them. This way, you won’t risk bothering others with unpleasant foot odors either. Whether you're planning a domestic or international trip, you can book your flight tickets with Gother! We gather all airlines in one place so you can compare fares, find promotions, and access 24/7 customer service. Book your trip easily, quickly, and safely. Plus, we offer hotels, activities, and travel guides — Gother is your one-stop platform for everything travel-related!