For many travelers, getting quality sleep on a plane is nearly impossible, especially in cramped economy-class seats. Some passengers are resorting to creative—and sometimes questionable—methods to rest comfortably. A viral TikTok hack that involves securing the seatbelt around the ankles to prevent slipping has gained traction, but experts are warning against it, citing serious safety risks.
The Viral Trend and How It Works
Passengers looking for a more comfortable sleep position have taken to TikTok and Instagram to share a new trick: pulling their knees to their chest, placing their feet on the seat’s edge, and looping the seatbelt around their ankles. The idea is to keep the feet in place, allowing travelers to rest their heads on their knees without sliding down. Millions of viewers have watched these videos, with some eager to try it and others skeptical of its practicality.
Flight Attendants Say It’s Dangerous
Flight attendants strongly oppose this trend, emphasizing that it puts passengers at risk during turbulence or emergencies. Sara Nelson, president of the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA, expressed serious concerns:
“This 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. This is not only for your safety; if you are not properly buckled in, you will likely hurt someone else when thrown in turbulence,” Nelson told CNN Travel.
She also warned that passengers using this method could face legal consequences. “Bottom line, this is a violation of federal regulations and instructions from crew members. Stop it. Willful refusal will also make you subject to a fine up to $35,000,” she added.
Health Risks: The Blood Clot Concern
Beyond the risk of injury, medical professionals warn that wrapping the seatbelt around the ankles could lead to circulation problems and increase the risk of blood clots. Dr. Nathan Connell, a hematologist at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and associate professor at Harvard Medical School, explained:
“It’s hard to say whether this purported travel hack will specifically lead to blood clots, but I would be careful with anything that restricts blood flow because that may lead to an increased risk of clots,” Connell stated.
While blood clots on flights are rare, they are more common on long-haul trips exceeding eight hours. Connell advised passengers to stay hydrated, wear loose clothing, and move around periodically to minimize the risk.
The Bigger Issue: Uncomfortable Economy Seats
Some travelers defend the hack, blaming airlines for shrinking seat sizes and failing to provide comfortable travel conditions. They argue that passengers wouldn’t resort to such extreme measures if seating were more spacious. However, experts insist that prioritizing safety should always come first.
While the TikTok seatbelt hack might seem like a clever way to get comfortable, it poses significant dangers. Flight attendants and medical professionals warn against it, emphasizing the risks of injury and blood clots. Instead, travelers should explore safer ways to improve their inflight comfort—without violating safety regulations.