Fashion faux pas or flight risk?
Barbara Bacilieri, a former flight attendant and popular YouTuber, better known as Barbie Bac, warns that certain clothing choices might result in you being removed from a flight quicker than you can say, “Fasten your seatbelt.”
“Airlines won’t always tell you this, but there’s a hidden dress code,” Bacilieri told What’s The Jam.
“And breaking it could get you denied boarding, delayed at security or worse — put in danger during an emergency.”
With 2.65 million YouTube subscribers hanging on her every tip, the 29-year-old is now sounding off on the dos and don’ts of in-flight attire.
The creator cautioned that high heels can damage the evacuation slide. She noted that flight attendants are trained to advise passengers to remove heels or bulky boots in emergency situations.
These types of shoes pose a risk, as Bac explained, because “they can puncture the slide, leading it to deflate or collapse, transforming a quick evacuation into a potential disaster.”
She stressed that “even metal accessories, jewelry, or big belt buckles can do the same.”
And it’s not just stilettos getting the ax.
Bacilieri said skimpy outfits like mini dresses, skirts and hot pants can be downright dangerous in an emergency.
“Sure, they might look cute on Instagram, but during an evacuation, they’re a recipe for burned thighs and scraped skin,” she said.
“Sliding down that inflatable ramp with your skin exposed – ouch. It’s not glamorous; it’s painful and dangerous.”
Speaking of dangerous clothing — fliers should also avoid wearing leggings because most brands are made from fabrics that put people at risk of catching on fire in the event of a survivable air accident, aviation safety specialist Christine Negroni explained to HuffPost.
In the event of a plane fire, the stretchy pants “will either melt on your skin or cause serious burns,” she said.
As for offensive clothing? Bacilieri said the guidelines are as murky as airline coffee.
“That’s the trap,” she said.
“Two women were removed from a flight recently for wearing crop tops. They had simply taken off their sweaters because they were hot. When they asked to see the official policy, they were kicked off the plane. No refund.”
And don’t even think about cosplaying as a pilot or flight attendant.
“Wearing a pilot or flight attendant costume might sound fun. But in an emergency, it could cause serious confusion,” Bacilieri said.
And if you don’t want to be that passenger holding up the security line anytime soon, avoid metal belts, chunky jewelry, heavy coats and high boots.
“Not only will they slow you down — you might forget to grab it back and become an easy target for airport thieves. Yes, they exist. Even inside the secure area,” Bacilieri told What’s The Jam.
So, what should you wear instead?
Bacilieri recommends comfy sneakers, stretchy pants, a light jacket and nothing you’d be embarrassed to sprint through the airport in.
“And remember, you represent yourself,” she added, before suggesting that one dresses “comfortably, but like you could be upgraded to business class at any moment.”
