A former airline employee has shared an important safety tip that many travelers overlook: avoid wearing shorts when flying.

In the rare event of an emergency evacuation, passengers may need to use the inflatable escape slide. These slides are designed to get people off the aircraft as quickly as possible—but the high speed and rough material can cause severe friction burns. Exposed skin on your legs and hands could suffer painful injuries during the slide down.

The former Emirates employee also reminded passengers to keep their hands crossed over their thighs while descending, as trying to slow yourself down with your hands can result in serious burns.

It’s not just emergency safety to consider. Travel experts also recommend avoiding overly flowy dresses, which can sometimes trigger additional airport security screening, and tight, sweat-soaked clothing, as excess moisture may cause body scanners to flag an alarm.

For a more comfortable and safer journey, choose lightweight, breathable clothing such as cotton and consider wearing long pants, especially on longer flights.

While emergencies are extremely rare, dressing wisely can make a significant difference if the unexpected happens.