"Don't Wear 'This Outfit' When Flying, Experts Warn"

Leggings Made of Synthetic Fibers Are Vulnerable to Fire
Wearing Tight Clothes and Sitting for Long Periods Can Cause Vein Problems

Leggings, which travelers often wear for their excellent elasticity and comfort, are clothing that should absolutely be avoided when boarding an airplane, according to expert advice.

On the 9th (local time), multiple media outlets including the New York Post reported this, citing aviation safety expert Christine Negroni. She explained, "Most leggings are made of synthetic fibers," and added, "The greatest risk in a survivable aviation accident is fire, so you should not wear leggings on a plane." In the event of a fire on an airplane, tight-fitting elastic pants can melt on the skin or cause severe burns.

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There are additional reasons to avoid wearing leggings on board besides fire. Wearing tight clothing like leggings and sitting upright for long periods can cause blood to pool in the veins, potentially leading to conditions such as varicose veins later on. Dr. Peter J. Pappas, a vascular surgeon at the Vein Recovery Center, warned, "Wearing clothes that are too tight can cause conditions like compartment syndrome or femoral neuropathy, which can result in numbness, tingling, and severe leg pain." He also advised that to avoid negative effects such as cramps or swelling, it is best to wear the most comfortable clothing possible on a plane.

Shorts and short skirts should also be avoided as much as possible on airplanes. Flight attendant Tommy Shimato said in a social media video, "You never know how clean the seats are," and added, "Wearing long pants at least reduces exposure to bacteria." Passengers wearing pants can minimize contact between their bodies and the bacteria-laden seats.

Experts also advise passengers to pay attention to their footwear. Andrea Fishbach, a flight attendant for American Airlines, said, "For safety reasons, high heels, slippers, and sandals are not recommended," and explained, "In an emergency, if you need to evacuate the plane using the slide, you have to take off high heels because they can puncture the slide."

Negroni emphasized that passengers should never take off their shoes during takeoff and landing. She said, "Although many airlines have not required this rule so far, I believe it is absolutely necessary," and explained, "When evacuating an airplane, the floor may be extremely hot or cold, covered in oil, or on fire, so walking barefoot is not advisable."