Sleeping comfortably on a plane can be a struggle, especially in economy-class seats. Travelers often experiment with different hacks to improve their in-flight rest, from investing in neck pillows to trying out foot hammocks. However, a viral TikTok trend involving seatbelt use has sparked concerns among aviation and medical experts, who warn that it poses serious risks.
Social media users have been sharing videos demonstrating an unconventional method to stay in place while sleeping. The technique involves pulling the knees to the chest, placing the feet on the seat, and wrapping the seatbelt around the ankles to prevent slipping. While some travelers claim this setup helps them rest better, aviation professionals are sounding the alarm.
Sara Nelson, president of the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA, has strongly opposed the hack, calling it “extremely dangerous.” She emphasizes that seatbelts are designed to sit low and tight across the lap to protect passengers in the event of turbulence or emergencies. Misusing the seatbelt could result in severe injuries, not just for the individual but also for others nearby.
“This is a violation of federal regulations and instructions from crew members,” Nelson stated. “Willful refusal could make passengers subject to fines of up to $35,000.”
While many travelers look for ways to improve their comfort on long-haul flights, using seatbelts in unintended ways can lead to various risks, including:
- Increased Injury Risk – Severe turbulence can cause sudden movements. If a passenger is improperly secured, they could suffer broken bones, head injuries, or even be thrown from their seat, endangering others.
- Legal Consequences – Federal aviation rules require passengers to follow crew instructions regarding seatbelt use. Ignoring these regulations could lead to fines or other penalties.
- Restricted Blood Flow – Tightly wrapping the seatbelt around the ankles can cut off circulation, increasing the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a condition that causes dangerous blood clots.
Dr. Nathan Connell, a hematologist at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and an associate professor at Harvard Medical School, warns that anything restricting blood flow could contribute to clot formation. While flight-associated blood clot risks are generally low, the danger increases on long-haul flights.
“The data suggests that flights over four hours can slightly increase clot risks, but those over eight hours pose a more significant concern,” Dr. Connell explained.
Instead of risky seatbelt hacks, travelers can adopt safer methods to rest more comfortably:
Use Proper Support – A quality neck pillow and lumbar support cushion can improve posture and make sleeping easier.
Adjust the Seatbelt Correctly – Keep the belt fastened across the lap at all times to stay secure during turbulence.
Stretch and Move – Regular leg movements and stretches can improve circulation and reduce the risk of blood clots.
Hydration and Compression Socks – Drinking plenty of water and wearing compression socks can help maintain proper blood flow during flights.
While the TikTok seatbelt hack may seem like a clever way to get comfortable, it comes with serious safety risks. Aviation experts and medical professionals strongly advise against it due to the potential for injury and legal consequences. Instead, travelers should prioritize safer sleep strategies to ensure a comfortable and risk-free journey.
