As the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.’s health-related opinions and behaviors are often under public scrutiny. (He isn’t alone, as there are many examples of politicians with questionable personal hygiene habits.)
He has faced controversy on numerous occasions, even before serving under the Trump administration. A recent incident occurred in November 2023, when political commentator Justin Haskins captured a photo of Kennedy (then running as an independent presidential candidate) walking down the first class aisle of an airplane without shoes. The image went viral, and many expressed disgust at this behavior.
Following the backlash, Kennedy released a video apology to TMZ: “I want to thank you for all that you do to keep politicians honest, to ensure they comply with societal norms. Even for calling me out for going barefoot on an airplane.” Towards the end of the video, Kennedy, while promising it won’t happen again, is revealed to be sitting barefoot in an airport terminal. (This is the medical reason that explains Kennedy’s voice.)
The health risks of walking barefoot on a plane justify the criticism of this foot faux pas.
Why it’s a bad idea to go barefoot on a plane
If the thought of someone walking barefoot down an airplane aisle makes you uneasy, you’re not alone. Consider how many people walk that floor and where their footwear has been before the flight. It’s inevitable that various fungi, bacteria, and other pathogens would become your co-passengers.
There is hardly enough time for cabin crew to clean those floors properly between flights, increasing your risk of foot diseases if you walk without shoes, especially if you have scratches or wounds that could allow pathogens entry.
It’s even more concerning to walk to and from the airplane lavatory without shoes, as Kennedy did when the infamous photo was taken. “Airplane lavatories are frequently used by many passengers, leading to contamination of high-touch surfaces like door handles and toilet seats,” explained infectious disease expert Dr. Dahlia Philips to HuffPost. Flight attendants discourage this behavior because, as commercial flight attendant Elizabeth Regan put it, “During training, we learned the liquid on the lavatory floor is often more than just water.” Gross.
Going barefoot on a plane could get you the boot
Keeping your shoes on while flying not only spares you from your co-passengers’ disdain but also helps you adhere to airline policies. In 2020, Jetstar shared survey results showing over 20,000 passengers were disgusted by people going barefoot in airports or on planes.
“Taking your shoes off in crowded spaces is off-putting to others,” explained Zarife Hardy, director of the Australian School of Etiquette, who labeled it “impolite.” “The number one rule of etiquette is making others feel comfortable in your presence, and not wearing shoes makes others uncomfortable.”
Many major U.S. airlines, including American Airlines, Delta Airlines, and United Airlines, have strict policies against letting barefoot passengers travel.
However, this doesn’t mean you can never take your shoes off during a flight. According to Zarife, it may be acceptable to let your feet breathe on long, international flights. As for walking around barefoot: that’s your choice, but after reading this, would you still want to?
