In today’s world, we have the privilege of accessing expert knowledge with just a few clicks. And now, an experienced frequent flyer is sharing her advice on what not to wear on a flight. Christine Negroni, a seasoned aviation journalist, has some compelling reasons why you should avoid wearing yoga pants or leggings when you travel by air, regardless of your destination. While her tips have received mixed reactions, comfort might not be the only thing to consider when you’re up in the air.
With decades of experience writing about air travel, Negroni is also the author of the book “The Crash Detectives,” which dives into the intricacies of flying in the United States and abroad. In a recent conversation with The Sun, she shed light on the importance of staying cautious during flights. Negroni advises against wearing yoga pants or any artificial fibers because they are more likely to burn and cling to your skin in the event of a fire. And escaping through a cabin fire or encountering a separate fire on the ground is a possibility we can’t ignore.
Another important aspect Negroni emphasizes is the need to keep your shoes on throughout the flight. In case of an emergency, being without shoes could make the evacuation process extremely painful. Walking across a hot or cold floor, potentially covered in oil or even on fire, is not a pleasant scenario. Negroni reassures us that being barefoot in such situations is something we definitely want to avoid.
Let’s clear up some common misconceptions as well. It’s been well-established that airplanes do not release waste while flying. This myth has been debunked countless times. Negroni confirms this fact, assuring us that waste from passenger bathrooms is collected in holding tanks located at the rear of the aircraft. These tanks are then emptied at the airport. So rest assured, there won’t be any waste dropping from the sky.
If you’re still skeptical, veteran Air Canada Dreamliner captain Doug Morris provides additional reassurance. According to him, long-haul flights and to a lesser extent, short-hop flights may have brief ground stops to service the airplane’s bathrooms. The waste is then removed from the holding tanks through an access panel at the back of the aircraft. Captain Morris shares his insights in his book, aptly titled “This Is Your Captain Speaking.”
Taking all this into consideration, it’s clear that comfort shouldn’t come at the expense of safety. So next time you’re packing for a flight, think twice about your choice of leggings or yoga pants, and keep those shoes on. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
