Can you take flip flops in hand luggage

TSA and most civil aviation authorities list footwear among permitted items; there are no specific dimensional or quantity limits for casual sandals, only standard security screening. Expect X‑ray inspection and potential manual checks; metal buckles, studs or embedded hardware can trigger a secondary screening and add a short delay.

Packing recommendations: wear a lightweight pair through the terminal to save space, stash a spare pair inside a dedicated shoe bag or zippered pouch, and stuff each sandal with socks to preserve shape. Place them near the top of the cabin bag to avoid crushing and to speed access during security checks. Many carriers allow one carry‑on plus one personal item, so wearing sandals reduces the chance they occupy limited carry capacity.

International travel notes: some biosecurity regimes (Australia, New Zealand and certain island nations) prohibit footwear contaminated with soil, plant matter or animal residue – clean and dry all soles before departure to avoid quarantine confiscation. Security procedures vary by airport; passengers may be asked to remove open footwear or submit it for testing, so allow extra time at busy checkpoints.

Onboard guidance: store sandals inside the overhead bin or under the seat in a protective pouch to keep cabin surfaces clean. If sandals contain sharp decorative elements, consider swapping to a plain pair for the flight to prevent damage to personal items and to comply with crew requests regarding safe footwear during boarding and disembarkation. Quick check: confirm airline-specific policies on the carrier’s website when flying low‑cost or regional operators.

TSA, EASA and other security checkpoints: Are open-toe sandals permitted through carry-on screening?

Recommendation: Wear or pack easy-to-remove open-toe sandals in carry-on; most TSA and European checkpoints permit them through X-ray, but expect occasional removal for secondary inspection or swab testing.

Regulatory overview

TSA policy treats footwear as allowable carry-on items; shoes typically pass through X-ray machines. EASA does not set passenger screening rules directly–national civil aviation and airport security authorities implement screening procedures across EU states. As a result, common practice across major jurisdictions (US, EU, UK, Canada, Australia) is acceptance of lightweight sandals, with specific procedures determined locally at the checkpoint.

Screening scenarios and triggers

Removal or extra screening of open-toe sandals is triggered by: metal decorations or thick soles that produce anomalous X-ray signatures, random secondary checks, alerts from body scanners, or intelligence-led heightened-security periods. Barefoot screening or screening in socks is permitted at many US and EU airports; passengers with medical needs may request alternative screening protocols.

Packing tips: keep sandals accessible for quick removal by stowing them in an external pocket of a tote or a duffel-style backpack designed for travel–ideal choices include best totes for airline travel and best duffel backpack for international travel. Choose models with minimal metal, slip-on design, and a thin sole to reduce likelihood of additional screening at checkpoints.

Packing tips: How to stow sandals to avoid delays, odors and damage

Store thong sandals in a clear, resealable pouch and place near the top of the cabin bag for rapid visual inspection.

1. Pre-clean and dry
   • Brush off sand and grit; shake soles outside the terminal.
   • If damp, blot with a towel and air-dry until surface moisture is gone; pack only mostly dry pairs to prevent mildew and leaks.
2. Odor control (quantities and placement)
   • Place 1 teaspoon of baking soda into a small breathable pouch per pair; reseal after travel.
   • Alternatively use 1–2 activated charcoal sachets (each ~5–10 g) per pair for multi-day trips.
   • For short trips, tuck a folded dryer sheet inside each sandal to mask smells.
3. Shape and damage prevention
   • Stuff toe area with a rolled sock or packing tissue to keep straps from collapsing.
   • Wrap thin straps with a strip of soft foam or tissue to avoid rubbing and deformation.
   • Place pairs inside a soft shoe bag or old shower cap to protect uppers and other items.
4. Packing placement to reduce delays
   • Use a transparent pouch so security officers can instantly verify contents without opening multiple bags.
   • Put sandals in an exterior or top compartment rather than buried under clothing to speed inspections.
   • Avoid hiding chargers, batteries or prohibited items inside footwear; loose concealed items increase the chance of manual search and delay.
5. Wet or muddy pairs
   • Contain in a waterproof zip bag, double-bag if heavily soiled; place on top of other items to avoid contamination.
   • If odor or moisture persists on return, remove and air outside before repacking to prevent mould spread.
6. Special equipment note
   • If transporting compressed-air tools or inflatable gear, fully release pressure before stowage – see how to safely release pressure from an air compressor.

Quick checklist

• Brush off debris; towel-dry if damp.
• Use baking soda or charcoal sachet inside a breathable pouch.
• Stuff with sock/tissue; wrap straps with foam.
• Place in clear resealable bag at top of cabin bag.
• Keep free of hidden electronics or batteries.

Best materials to carry

• Clear zip pouches (PVC-free), small mesh shoe bags, shower caps.
• Activated charcoal sachets or travel silica gel packets (2–4 per pair).
• Soft foam strips, packing tissue, lightweight shoe trees for long trips.

Material and design red flags: Thong sandals that trigger extra inspection or denial

Avoid thong sandals with concealed cavities, metal hardware, built-in power sources or dense multilayered soles – these features routinely prompt secondary checks or refusal at security checkpoints.

Metal components: buckles, studs, rivets, spring steel shanks and decorative chains produce strong high-density signatures on X‑ray/CT and often set off metal detectors. Select models with plastic or fabric fasteners, or remove metal-decorated pairs before screening to reduce delays.

Hidden compartments and removable footbeds: any zipper, pouch, hollowed sole or detachable insole large enough to conceal small objects will be inspected manually. Designs with internal voids or glued chambers are treated as deliberate concealment and may be confiscated.

Embedded electronics and batteries: LEDs, heaters, vibration motors or battery pouches inside sandals trigger curiosity and extra screening. Lithium cells inside footwear frequently require hands‑on inspection; avoid electronic features for cabin screening to prevent prolonged checks.

Dense or layered composites: thick cork soaked in resin, heavy cork‑rubber sandwiches, carbon‑fiber inserts or multilayered glued soles create ambiguous X‑ray signatures that can mask shapes. Prefer single‑material, low‑density soles (EVA, simple rubber) and open designs that reveal internal structure.

Powders, granules and sealed liquid bladders: any porous filler or sealed pouch inside a sole (sand, beads, gels) can lead to swabbing for residue and may be treated as suspicious. Footwear with visible fill or sealed compartments should be avoided for screening zones.

Practical checklist for selection and presentation: choose lightweight, single-piece molded sandals without metal or electronics; avoid decorative pockets or layered constructions; present pairs visibly and accept manual inspection if requested. Items matching the red-flag descriptions are likely to cause added scrutiny and potential denial at checkpoints.

Airline and destination rules: When sandals may be restricted on board or at arrival

Recommendation: Verify carrier policies and destination biosecurity or venue rules before travel; carry at least one clean pair of enclosed shoes and one lightweight open-toe pair for situations that require removal.

Airlines sometimes refuse boarding to passengers who are barefoot or wearing footwear judged unsafe for evacuation via slides or stairs. Restrictions are more common on regional flights, wet-weather operations, and when passengers must transfer by airstairs to tarmac ramps.

Some cruise lines and tour operators require enclosed shoes for shore excursions, gangway access and safety briefings; worn-for-boarding sandals may be denied for certain excursions or not permitted during emergency drills.

Border biosecurity in Australia and New Zealand routinely inspects soles for soil, seeds and organic residue. Contaminated footwear can be subject to cleaning, quarantine, decontamination or disposal; failing to declare risk items may trigger fines or additional screening procedures.

Cultural and religious sites across South and Southeast Asia, the Middle East and parts of Europe commonly mandate shoe removal at entry. Plan for easy on/off options and a small carry pouch to avoid delays at temple, mosque or shrine entrances.

Healthcare facilities, industrial sites and some tour venues enforce closed-toe footwear for hygiene and safety; failure to comply can result in denied access to wards, factories or guided activities.

Practical steps: consult the carrier’s published dress/boarding rules, check destination agriculture/quarantine pages, pack an enclosed pair in cabin baggage and keep open-toe sandals clean and in a transparent bag for rapid inspection or removal.