There was a time when air travellers would dress to the nines before boarding a plane. Yet since flying became widely accessible and affordable, most passengers now opt for casual, comfortable clothing at the airport.

However, even if you’re jetting off to a sun-soaked beach destination where smart attire is the last thing on your mind, it might be wise to keep your flip flops tucked away in your luggage until you arrive, according to a seasoned pilot.

In a viral YouTube video shared with his more than one million followers, the pilot outlined the key things passengers should avoid before flying. Amongst his numerous pieces of advice is a stark warning never to wear flip-flops on a plane — and for a reason most travellers would never consider, reports the Mirror.

He urged viewers to picture having to disembark an aircraft rapidly in an emergency scenario. He explained: “Let’s say you’re going to the Bahamas or the Caribbean, and you want to wear your flip-flops and your shorts… it seems comfortable for where you’re going. But friends, you need to think about the journey to get there”.

That journey, he cautioned, could be abruptly interrupted by an emergency evacuation. In such circumstances, open-toed footwear could swiftly become a serious hazard. Captain Steeeve also pointed out that, unlike trainers or lace-up shoes, open footwear can effortlessly slide off should passengers need to move swiftly or use an emergency slide. Furthermore, losing your shoes could mean treading on scorching surfaces, debris, or uneven terrain in the event of an emergency.

So now we know what to steer clear of – but what does he suggest wearing to guarantee a safe flight?

He added: “Wear cotton clothing that covers your body completely… and then some sort of tie-up shoe. Why a tie-up lace shoe? Because it’s going to stay on your foot. If you have to go down the emergency slide… You want those shoes to stay on your feet because you might have to flee from the aeroplane.

“You want cotton because it’s going to absorb the heat,” he added, recommending long sleeves and full-length clothing to help minimise the risk of burns or injury during an evacuation.