Found an error?
Report now
This TikTok trend can be life-threatening.
Screenshot
Passengers buckle their seatbelts around their feet during the flight to sleep more comfortably. Flight professionals warn urgently - this can be life-threatening in turbulence.
Clicked millions of times and supposedly ingenious: a new "life hack" on Tiktok and Instagram shows flight passengers buckling their seat belts around their feet to prevent them from slipping off while they sleep. The trick is supposed to help them sleep more comfortably in the upright seating position in economy class.
@erikawhite_ Can confirm it is comfier than it looks #planehack #planeseathack #travelhack #travelling #planeseats #travellife ♬ Do You Believe in Magic - The Lovin' Spoonful
But aviation experts are horrified. A flight attendant warns in a Tiktok video: "This trend is life-threatening." In the event of turbulence, it is vital to wear a seatbelt correctly - and that means a tight belt around the hips, not around the feet.
Flights with turbulence are on the increase, partly due to climate change. The flight from London to Singapore in May 2024 demonstrated this dramatically: the plane plummeted 50 meters within seconds. This resulted in over 100 injuries and one death - many because they were not wearing their seatbelts.
Swiss gives the all-clear toBlick: the trend has not yet been widespread on board the Swiss airline. "Our cabin crew thoroughly check whether the safety regulations are being adhered to," said a spokesperson. Any infringements are dealt with in a friendly but firm manner.
In addition, anyone who does not follow the crew's instructions is liable to prosecution. A risk that should not be taken for a nap.