Sleeping on long flights is tough, but a viral TikTok hack has experts alarmed. It involves pulling knees to the chest, placing feet on the seat edge, and securing the seatbelt around the ankles. While it may seem like a smart trick, flight attendants warn it’s extremely dangerous.
Sara Nelson, president of the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA, commented on CNN Travel that seatbelts must be worn low and tight across the lap for safety. Misusing them increases injury risks during turbulence and violates federal regulations, potentially leading to fines up to $35,000.
Medical experts also caution that restricting circulation this way raises the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE), especially on long flights. To stay safe, move around, stay hydrated, and follow proper seatbelt use.
Instead of risky hacks, prioritize safety and comfort by following airline guidelines on your next flight.