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WHAT A FLOP

Why you should never wear sandals at an airport

IF you don't want to risk missing your flight, there is a kind of shoe you should leave in your suitcase rather than wear.

Wearing comfy airport clothes makes long flights much easier.

Leave the sandals in your luggage or you risk getting stuck at airport security
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Leave the sandals in your luggage or you risk getting stuck at airport securityCredit: Getty

However, you might want to leave your Birkenstocks in your suitcase rather than wear them at airport security.

Annabelle Spranklen, who says she is a "seasoned traveller," explained why.

She wrote on : "Slides like trusty Birkenstocks are an undeniably comfy travelling choice but probably one that will hold up your airport journey.

"The metal buckles often set off the security alarm which means you'll be heading through that filthy floor barefooted."

Read more on travel tips

It's not just Birkenstocks, but you should avoid flip flops too.

Flight attendant Andrea Fischbach previously said: "If you have a quick transfer and need to move between terminals, it's best to have a shoe that supports mobility.

"I would really advise against high heels or flip-flops or any slides, mostly for safety purposes."

CNN aviation analyst Mary Schiavo backed this up saying it could cause problems on the flight in an emergency.

She said: "Please wear sensible shoes and leave them on until after take-off.

"I see people boarding with flip flops and I think if you have to get up and run and you fall down or you can't run, you're not only going to hurt yourself, you're going to hurt dozens of other people on this plane.

You might think trainers were a safe bet - but lace-up options come with their own problems.

If you're in a rush, they can stress you out when taking your shoes off at airport security.

Founder of , Lisa Kay said: "Taking them on and off means un-tying the laces and then re-tying them back up again, which can make you feel a bit rushed and flustered as you gather your things."

The best shoes to wear, she said, were slip on shoes or trainers with zips.

Make sure to keep a spare pair of socks in your back too, or you risk catching up a fungal infection when walking barefoot at security.

And here are some other clothes you should avoid wearing to the airport.

Opt for metal free shoes or ones that are slip ons
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Opt for metal free shoes or ones that are slip onsCredit: Alamy
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