Flying with OH on holiday, crew gave me a nice pair of PJs and slippers before take-off. Since there was still some time before take-off and that my glass of champers was empty, I proceeded to the on-board facility to change into the PJs. Now, in the interest of full disclosure, yes, I admit that I go commando when wearing PJs and also that I don't normally keep my shoes on for take-off and landing.

So I did what I normally do which is to put the no longer necessary underwear and socks neatly and discreetly bunched inside my shoes and away from the views of anyone.

I also put my slippers on and returned to my seat where a refilled glass was awaiting me. I placed my shoes at the far end, under the guest seat.

After a few minutes, I finished my glass and was happy as Larry. The crew member came to take away my glass and check if the seat was in the upright position. And then he said: "Sir, you need to put your shoes on for take off."

Although I don't think this is strictly speaking necessary I was more than happy to follow his instructions. And then I remembered - how on earth am I going to put my right shoe on? It is full with my socks. And my pants.

Not thinking straight, I just removed the contents of the shoe and left it under the guest seat, hoping that the crew member would now be happy to see me wearing what can only be called as the latest fashion of shoes and pyjamas. But clearly this wasn't good enough. He came back, and pointing to the otherwise unnoticeable pile of socks and pants he said "Sir, you need to put those away as they are a fire hazard".

Red as a tomato, I managed to grab my pants from the floor and hide them behind my lower back. I was pleased that now the floor area around my seat was completely clear.

I could also see that the crew member had on his face a sense of mission accomplished. One can only imagine the potential for disaster that underwear under the guest seat can cause. I am very pleased that the plane made it without a scratch and to this day I feel that I contributed to a much safer flight.

So does anyone know where can I purchase non-flammable underwear?