VIRGIN Australia is under fire for refusing to let a family on board a flight because their two-year-old son had lost his shoes.

The airline has a strict policy requiring "anyone who can walk" to wear shoes for safety reasons and made no apology for enforcing the rule.

Karen Darley had flown from Canada with her children aged 4 and 2 and was relieved to reach Brisbane on October 18.

"I thought the hard part of the trip was over. Now we just have to get to Townsville," Ms Darley said.

But when they went to board the 9.45am flight to Townsville she was told they could not get on the flight unless she found shoes for her son.

"He was wearing socks but I was told thongs would be more suitable," Ms Darley said.

She was told that wearing shoes was required by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority.

Virgin Australia then agreed to put the family on another flight for no extra charge after finding a pair of shoes in lost property.

The airline claimed Ms Darley was late for that flight and missed it.

Virgin spokeswoman Emma Copeman said the airline then had to charge Ms Darley more than $800 for a new flight.

Ms Darley wants a refund from Virgin Australia for the $817.50 cost of the second flight - plus the $406.50 paid for the first flight.

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority said the wearing of shoes on a plane was recommended but it was not a regulatory requirement.

A Qantas spokeswoman said they had the same policy as Virgin in relation to shoes.

"It's a safety issue," said a spokeswoman.

Meanwhile, passengers can board trains without shoes but don't expect to get a seat if you're not wearing a shirt.

Queensland Rail has a policy of insisting people who are without a shirt stand rather than sit in a seat.

Originally published as Booted off jet over shoes