Jody Serrano
Editor in chiefEditor in Chief at Xataka On. Before joining Webedia, I was a tech reporter at Gizmodo and The Messenger. While I've covered all sorts of things related to technology, I'm specialized in writing about social media, Internet culture, Twitch, and streamers.
As many of us who travel in economy class know, sleeping comfortably on planes (or at all) tends to be a luxury only the rich can afford. The small spaces and lack of flexibility in cheaper seats doesn’t exactly invite a good snooze, though there are still some of us who try.
A travel hack on TikTok claims to have finally figured out the secret to sleeping comfortably in economy class—without breaking the bank. But like many so-called hacks on the social media platform, it’s not advisable. In fact, experts can put you and others in danger and cost you thousands of dollars in fines.
The TikTok travel hack for sleeping in economy class. The travel hack is simple. All you need to do, according to various videos, is buckle your seatbelt around your ankles. This keeps your legs in place and effectively allows you to use them as a pillow.
“To whoever it was that said to put the plane belt around your ankles… I owe you my life!!!!” the TikTok user @alexisburnaby1711 said in a 2024 video that showed her on a plane with the seatbelt around her ankles. Her video has been viewed nearly 22 million times.
The practice isn’t new. As noted by CNN, it’s been making the rounds on TikTok for about a year.
Dangers. Although the hack may seem harmless, if a little strange, using your seatbelt incorrectly on a plane can put you and others in danger. Sara Nelson, the president of the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA, told CNN that the TikTok nap hack is “extremely dangerous.”
“The seatbelt is designed to sit low and tight across your lap. This is to best protect you in the event of turbulence, an emergency landing or an accident,” Nelson said. “This is not only for your safety; if you are not properly buckled in you will likely hurt someone else when thrown in turbulence.”
The hack could also affect your health. While doctors didn’t comment on the specific effects of the travel hack, they pointed out that anything that restricts blood flow may increase the risk of blood clots.
A blood clot known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can sometimes form in your legs during air travel because you don’t move for long periods of time, according to the American Society of Hematology. Most cases of DVT go away on their own. However, in serious cases, the blood clot can lead to pain, swelling, and warmth in the affected leg. If the blood clot breaks off, it can potentially cause a pulmonary embolism.
Fines. Besides risks to your safety and health, Nelson points out that this practice is against federal flight regulations and instructions from crew members. If you’re caught doing it and refuse to stop, you could be fined up to $35,000.
Reception. While videos of people trying out the hack have continued to appear on TikTok, the hack hasn’t been universally embraced. Many commenters have taken issue with people in the videos putting their shoes on the seats that others will have to use. Others have pointed out that the hack won’t work for tall people or people who are heavier.
“As a flight attendant, this is a no,” a user named Scottie said in a response to a video showcasing the hack.
Image | Gus Ruballo
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