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Frequent flyer reveals the free item he never uses on the plane – and even says they could soon be scrapped
The gadget is particularly people for those who haven't made the switch to Bluetooth
A TRAVEL expert has revealed the common travel item that passengers should never use during flights.
Headphones make it easier than ever before to stay entertained on planes, but not all of them are appropriate for air travel.
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However, one frequent flyer has sworn against accepting the free earbuds provided when you board your flight.
Thomas G. Mockler, CEO of InflightDirect, one of the world’s leading suppliers of earbuds to airlines, alluded to the detrimental environmental consequences the item carries.
It comes as a 2010 report estimated 9,000 tons of plastic goes straight from planes to landfills every year.
"Environmental sustainability is an ongoing issue with all of the world’s airlines,” Thomas told Thrillist.
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“Many strides have taken place over the past 20 years on making most of the items used onboard environmentally friendly.
"This extends to the actual products themselves and packaging for each product.”
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It comes after one flight attendant revealed the reason why passengers should never wear short sleeves on a plane.
American Airlines crew member Andrea Fischbach issued an important warning to holidaymakers - that could protect them from serious harm.
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Most people know not to wear restrictive clothing or any flimsy footwear - but many won't have heard of this little-known tip.
Seasoned traveller Andrea told whowhatwear.com: "One rule my mother made me follow that I continue to follow to this day is to always have my body covered.
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"Emergency slides are not fun to go down and hurt—a lot—and it's not a smooth landing once you reach the end of the slide.
"The more you cover the surface of your skin, the more protection for your largest organ."
The savvy flight attendant also revealed why you should leave any tight clothing in your suitcase.
During the journey, it's common for people to experience some swelling.
Items such as jeans could slow down your blood flow if you don't keep moving.
Six things you should never wear on the plane
Shorts
This advice comes from TikTok user Tommy Cimato has warned against bottoms that end above the knee in a viral video, because the chairs aren't regularly cleaned.
He said: "Don't or try not to wear shorts when you're on an plane.
"You never know how clean it's gonna be, so if you have pants [trousers], you're going have less germs."
Tight clothes
Andrea also recommended leaving restrictive clothing in your suitcase when flying.
"It's very important to be able to move around a bit in your seat—very difficult, I know—and keep your blood flowing," she said.
"If you are tall, travel a lot, or are on a long flight, this is extremely important because you face the risk of developing DVT.
"Bloating is a major issue, even for flight attendants, so wear something comfortable around your waist like elastic."
High heels
Andrea continued: "I would really advise against high heels, mostly for safety purposes.
"If there is an evacuation and slides are required, your high heels will have to come off, as they can puncture the slide.
“Plus, they aren't very practical running gate to gate."
Leggings
Aviation expert Christine Negroni, who released a book on the world’s most mysterious air disasters, revealed that leggings could prove fatal if the plane you are travelling on crashes or has a fire in the cabin.
She told Sun Online Travel: "You might have to escape through a cabin fire or there could be a separate fire on the ground once you leave the aircraft.
"Everyone is wearing yoga pants on planes now, but I avoid all artificial fibres because they are more likely to burn and stick to you if there is a fire.
"I’d advise wearing cotton clothes or anything made of natural fibres."
Flip Flops
CNN aviation analyst Mary Schiavo's main recommendation when travelling is to always avoid wearing flip-flops.
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.
"So get some shoes."
Jeans
Speaking to Mamamia, Flight attendant Katie Ellen revealed that jeans are always best avoided because your legs can swell when up in the air.
Katie said: "I'm a flight attendant and previous ground crew. The swell is real.
"You can start the day with a flat stomach and by the time you reach the other side, you have a swollen gut."
"If you are tall, travel a lot, or are on a long flight, this is extremely important because you face the risk of developing DVT," Andrea explained.
Elsehere, other flight attendants have revealed the weirdest antics passengers get up to on board.
Some confessed their most bizarre client requests - and the industry's best kept secrets.
One cabin crew member told holidaymakers the five holy grail tips for avoiding jet lag.
Meanwhile another exposed the "evil" thing passengers do on planes that could ruin your luggage.
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Plus, a private jet staff member confessed the craziest and worst requests from the most demanding clients she's served on board.