Being too comfortable on a flight can put you off the plane

You probably want to be comfortable while flying for hours at a time, but some airlines have limits on how far passengers can go to increase their comfort.

Social media users on TikTok have been sharing flight experiences with fellow passengers who have knocked their socks off on commercial flights.

The videos have led many to call for education on airplane etiquette.

Many popular airlines may even remove a passenger from a flight if the person violates a no-barefoot policy.

American Airlines carefully details what is required of passengers in its “conditions of carriage” contract.

In an effort to create a safe environment for everyone on board, airlines require everyone to be “dressed appropriately,” meaning “bare feet or offensive clothing is not permitted,” according to American Airlines.

Rule No. 21 of United Airlines’ “Contract of Carriage” is “Denial of Carriage,” which lists a number of reasons that someone may be denied entry to the plane or possibly removed.

One of the variables listed includes “passengers who are barefoot, improperly clothed, or whose clothing is indecent, obscene or offensive.”

Some airlines only allow those of a certain age to walk barefoot during the flight.

For the “comfort and safety” of those on the carrier, Southwest Airlines notes that its staff may remove people if they are barefoot and over the age of 5, or without a disability that requires them to be barefoot.

JetBlue Airways is another airline that adheres to the same age rule, according to its contract of carriage.

While this rule seems to be popular among US-based airlines, not all foreign airlines have this prohibition listed in their contracts of conduct.

Air Canada, Air France or even British Airways, to name a few, have no rule listed in the airline’s contract of carriage that allows a passenger to be removed for being barefoot.

When an airline implements a no-barefoot policy, enforcement is said to be up to the flight attendant.

Each contract uses the word “may be required” – meaning there is no hard and fast rule that passengers must follow.

Although wearing socks isn’t necessarily necessary, there may be some legitimate reasons to keep your toes stuffed while on board.

Jacqueline Whitmore, a Florida-based etiquette expert, said it’s best to keep your legs somewhat covered.

“From a courtesy point of view, it’s rude to walk barefoot in a public place because a lot of germs can be transmitted from your feet,” Whitmore told Fox News Digital.

“If you plan to take your shoes off on a longer flight, it’s best not to go without slippers for your health and safety,” she said. The floor of the plane is extremely dirty, especially in the lavatory. The water on the floor is most likely not water at all.

Whitmore also said being barefoot can affect those around you.

“For fellow passengers, seeing someone walking around barefoot may be considered uncomfortable or unhygienic, which can negatively impact their flight experience.”

If you want to be comfortable but stay hygienic, Whitmore suggested wearing a pair of clean socks, using slippers or wearing more comfortable shoes.

Fox News Digital reached out to American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Spirit Airlines, Southwest Airlines and JetBlue Airways for comment.