Flight attendants reveal: This is why they look closely at your feet during boarding

The cabin crew also pays attention to footwear when boarding the plane. As " 9Travel " reports, this is primarily related to safety on board.

Jessie Chambers, travel expert at Global Work & Travel, tells 9Travel that passengers wearing inappropriate footwear could put themselves at risk. Shoes like high heels, flip-flops, or sandals can be a hindrance during an evacuation—for example, if there's debris on the ground or emergency slides have to be used.

"Flight attendants closely monitor what passengers are wearing during boarding," says Chambers. "They may need to assist in an emergency—and sturdy footwear is crucial." Sturdy, closed-toe shoes like sneakers are best. These are easy to put on and take off, provide support, and protect in the event of an evacuation.

Another point Chambers addresses: Anyone who walks barefoot on an airplane—for example, to the restroom—risks infection. "You never know what's on the floor," she quotes 9Travel as saying. Her recommendation: Bring disposable slippers—like the ones you'd find in hotels.

Working above the clouds also regularly sparks controversy—especially when it comes to money. A US flight attendant has now revealed on TikTok how much she earns for comparatively little work.

Earning around €9,300 gross with just 16 working days a month —that sounds like a dream job. A Southwest Airlines flight attendant demonstrates in a viral video how she manages it by volunteering extra shifts. Over ten million people have already seen the clip. Online reactions range from admiration to criticism. While some celebrate the income, others warn of the physical and mental strain.

Facts about flying: What passengers should know about airplanes

• Nearly 5 billion air travelers worldwide: In 2024, around 4.9 billion people used air travel—for the first time, passenger volume exceeded pre-pandemic levels. According to Statista, around 199.5 million people were transported in Germany alone.
• Airplanes fly faster than many people think: Commercial aircraft reach cruising speeds of up to 900 km/h at an altitude of around 12,000 meters. The altitude record is held by the US spy plane SR-71 at almost 26,000 meters.
• Safest means of transport in the world: According to IATA, there was only one accident on approximately 880,000 flights in 2024. Anyone who wants to know where an aircraft is currently flying can track it in real time on "Flightradar24."
• Turbulence is usually harmless – but unpleasant: It is caused by weather, jet streams, or mountain ranges. While it is disruptive, modern aircraft are designed to handle it without any problems. Turbulence is particularly common in tropical regions.