I got nothing out of this video! It’s like you reminded me of all the problems I got to face and have to face in the future… and called me poor at the end.
Let's just admit that there's no ideal way to sleep in the economy class. The size of the space itself is almost inhumane. She might be an expert but her eyes said it all during the talking.
Here’s how to get comfortable: 1) bring two travel pillows. One for head. One to sit on or put behind your lumbar back. 2) wear a coat or blanket. It gets COLD! Especially evening/night flights. 3) take Dramamine or another sleep aid. You will sleep even if uncomfortable. 4) eat a complimentary snack. Helps you relax or bring a few of your own. Don’t forget your water bottle. Maybe a hot cup of tea 🍵 in a travel mug? 5) bring Tylenol or Ibuprofen for pain. You’ll feel better taking a full dose right when boarding a flight. Be proactive! 6) ThermaCare makes back patches that deliver heat to your back up to 16 hours. This will help you back muscles relax putting them at ease. 7) listen to calming music. Helps with coping mind over matter. 8) bring 2 fully charged battery packs. And don’t forget a plug in charger. 9) wear loose fitting clothing. Nothing like sitting in tight clothes traveling. Getting uncomfortable in your jeans. Or work shoes. Wear tennis shoes. You maybe walking a mile or more with flight delays in airports! 10) Happy Travels!
One last tip I discovered by chance: get a seat in the very back of the plane. If it’s not a full flight may not have passengers sitting next to you; Stretch out! I laid down without side by side passengers! I was liberated doing so comfortably!! I am 5’3. I fit with extra room! Nice surprise!!!
One thing I've learned is compression socks, and wear shoes--while comfortable, if there's an incident on the plans and you need to move, sandals might not stay on your feet--this coming from a guy who wears Birks 95% of the time, climbing ladders and running around. For safety, I'll always wear shoes.
I didn’t really think about this until I needed to sleep on a morning flight. I had to pull the strings on my hoodie and make it a little cocoon and actually slept pretty well. Will definitely use a eye mask next time but a hoodie will suffice if you ever forget one
1) which government exactly? Aviation is international and transcends pretty much every single country 2) how do you define minimum comfort? That'll be an interesting one 3) as the other guy asked, how did you come up with 6 hours?
One must think ahead before taking action. More comfort -> more space required -> most cost -> people complaining about price. If government puts in price controls -> companies do not get enough revenue -> shut down -> NO ONE GETS TO FLY. Hooray!
Why? Airline deregulation made flying affordable. The free market has already solved this problem-- if you care about paying a ton of money for some additional comfort, go for it. Otherwise, cheaper options exist and shouldn't be unnecessarily outlawed.
@@139-b7jbecause planes used to be comfortable but the rich got to greedy making seats smaller and price more expensive same goes to other corporations lowering quality and wanting more profit by paying minimum costs and not fair wages. Everything got expensive and wages didn’t improve. You either to young or so privileged in your bubble to understand.
@@desertmoonlee6631 The tickets are expensive because customers are willing to pay for it. That's hardly greediness. Don't like it? Travel by train, then. Maybe I am privileged but what you are is entitled. Flight is a business not charity, a luxury business at that.
As someone who has taken red eyes in First, it's just as bad or worse. The seats in Coach have armrests that can fold up. If you don't have anyone else in your row, you can lift them and then sleep lying down. Seats in First have hard barriers between them. Even if nobody is sitting in the other seat, you can't sleep horizontally. The only time flying Business or First really helps are on overseas flights where they get real beds.
I fly overseas once or twice a year and I found that a "hard" cervical collar such as the "Miami J Select" collar that I use helps keep my head upright on overnight flights. It is still hard to sleep (in economy) but better than not having it.
I always wonder who designed those seats in planes and trains. They are utterly uncomfortable with hollowing in the lower back and neck while pushing forward on the head.
they're not designed for your comfort, they're designed to be sat on during flight, period. One has nothing to do with the other. There's a reason you don't see leather recliners on commercial planes (at least not in cattle class)
On my last flight I devised an adjustable elastic strap with silicone stripes to grip my forehead. A short bungee & hook allows size adjustment and to hook around the head rest at the top of the seat. It worked! It must be not too tight to dig in but tight enough to stop head from rolling or going forward.
There was a company from Australia on Kickstarter that did that, but instead of hooking around the seat, it’s a long piece of fabric (imagine a tie) that follows your spine, so your own back weight holds your forehead upright.
@@KaedeAnimationI think not really, you need to check carefully when you book tickets, there may be at times an option for business class for just a bit more
I find headrests very useful and feel it should be legally required on every airline seat. They can’t possibly cost that much relative to the rest of the seat.
I hate them on planes. I’m short so not only do my feet not touch the ground, but the headrest is above my head so just means I can’t actually sit back at all.
@jeansforbeans6836 exactly. Feel like the seats are designed for taller people so if you're short it just pushes your head forward. If they are there they should be adjustable.
I am tall with a straight back and find that these headrests always push my head forward too. I would prefer the old fashioned flat seats with no sticking out headrest and if people need to, they can use a pillow . The only way I can sleep on flights now with these deep sticking out headrests is putting clothes or blankets behind my back and using another pillow to the side wall for my head to lean against. Even buses are using these deep sticking forward headrests that make it impossible to sleep. Bring back the simple seats from the 90s
Headrests add weights which over many flights cost money in extra fuel. Also, the companies don't want to make you comfortable, they want you to upgrade to comfort
I observed a drastic change in my flight experience before and after the pandemic . The seats in economy have become narrower. It’s a bad design anyway . The recliner should not affect the passenger at the back . 100% greedy and 0 innovation .
The investigative journalism I expect from the WSJ would have had this video start with the metrics the airline seat builders are using to accommodate their model passenger. That way the viewers would know if anything in this video might apply to them. Me? At 6"5" , 235lbs, 38" waist and a 36" inseam, I'm SOL in coach.
I recently argued this point with my HR department, claiming that my height/size could be am ADA covered disability in this situation. Though I was refused any small upgrade for that 15 hour flight of a 20+ hour trip, the policy was later changed to allow for Economy Plus if deemed potentially necessary by the immediate supervisor.
@@761jared Corporate policy was upgrade for all international flights. The "Economy Plus" seat is just an old school bulkhead/exit row seat with more recline. Good luck.
@@Mike_GA Not the flights I've been on. The seats are the same but they have much needed extra legroom between seats, front to back. There are entire sections of Economy Plus (or equivalent) and, of course, incur an additional cost.
last time I was on a plane, I just closed my eyes in the same position I was while sitting, and slept until it landed. No eye mask, noise suppression, pillows and rests, just a plain sitting position with nothing else. I guess I'm lucky to be able to sleep anywhere comfortably.
@@dreamthedream8929 planes are a relaxing environment for me. I can't do anything since I'm in the air, and I don't need to worry about the journey because I know capable people are in control of the plane. It's like pausing my life for a moment, then when I land I can resume my life again
@oh-noe but that feeling of not being able to do anything while up there doesn't cause significant anxiety in you? Especially being stuck on the plane for a while, I think its claustrophobia or something, a lot of people have that. Have you ever had a full blown panic attack in flight? A lot of people have reported that they have had. And very important question and an obvious one is how do you deal with turbulence? What's your trick? What's the worst turbulence that you have had on a flight?
The neck pillow works for me. I just did a little research and found the right one. Plus if I'm sleepy. I'm going to sleep upright or sideways. Either way, I'll figure it out.
Many people don't have that option. I'm required to travel internationally for work and use work travel site/coordinator to do it. BEFORE traveling, I have to get all the details approved first, which doesn't include seating above Economy, no matter how long the flight. Only afterwards can I report the actual expenses, but only to reduce the initial approved total amount to the smallest value. Anything over isn't covered except in extremely unusual circumstances. And if you're paying $1000 for a one way domestic flight, that's just wasteful spending for such a short event.
@@761jared I 1000% agree with your response. I was being VERY sarcastic. I am a taller than average woman so flights can be extremely uncomfortable (even painful) so it really sucks that those things aren't taken into account for flyers, other than fork up more money 😕
@@Lifeofkash AH, ok. Unfortunately, sarcasm isn't easily noted in written language, especially if we write the same as we speak. I appreciate the clarification! 👍
Tip - i carry a neck pillow and a back pillow both memory foam. And wear eye mask ear plugs . Put my foot on my underseat bag . Wear a hoodie. And drink lots of water . It does the trick
On my last 9 hour flight the. Crew fed everyone at lightning speed, quickly gave a cookie and coffee and…turned off the lights for the next 6 hours. I have short legs so just keeping my feet on the floor is uncomfortable. I have a backpack that I put under the seat in front of me, then I take off my shoes and nestle my feet on top of the backpack. I do recline my seat and wear a neck pillow and it actually feels close to comfortable. Ear plugs or noise cancelling headphones help. The crying babies actually fell asleep with the lights off.
Tips I’ve learned from traveling constantly- The first big tip is to tighten your seat belt over your hips much as you can while sitting in an upright position, this keeps you from slumping and having pad posture which will wake you up. Cross your arms. Earplugs and eye mask a must. Supportive neck pillow that you can tighten.. pop an ibuprofen if you are really struggling.
I am 68 and can sleep hours at a time in economy class seats. I use a soft eye mask, inflatable U-shaped neck pillow, and inflatable lumbar pillow. I wear my lightweight down jacket backwards. The one thing I keep forgetting to fix is contact of my arms to the hard armrests. I can sleep 4-5 hrs at a time. I trained myself to fall asleep during takeoff. I sometimes fall asleep before the wheels leave the ground and then 30 minutes later I wake up and have to adjust my inflatables. I like the idea of the neck wrap. I may give them a try.
Window is absolutely the best. You won’t be disturbed, and you can lean your head against the window. Also you have no idea how amazing it feels to be watching this comfortably in my bed. It’s gonna suck when I fly 16 hrs to Rome 😩
I noticed that the people used in this video are average or below average size. I wonder if this ergonomics expert can provide advice on at what point does above average height become a disability in economy seating? I'm above average height and my knees have little room from the seat in front of me. This doesn't allow me to move my feet under that seat very well and if I can, it's usually uncomfortable and restrictive, if not diagonally into the foot area of the seat next to me. I travel for work but my employer seems to think that all employees are of the same proportions, fitting all of us into the same category seats except for exceptional circumstances. I also find myself paying more for overweight/excess baggage since my clothing consists of more material than a shorter co-worker, despite probably having fewer items.
Last summer, I tried a ring pillow with a window seat. I was able to get some sleep. That’s my best advice. Book early and get a window seat.. Otherwise, fly during non popular times and on non popular airlines. Otherwise, go for the splurge on a low cost carrier.
Well, to me most of the positions and settings presented on this video seem too unpractical to feel comfortable. I usually pay for aisle, put something behind my ankles (like a cushioned handbag) to rest both my knees and feet to avoid knee pain for having them on the typical 90° position. And probably invest on a good neck pillow with the blanket and a blindmask to take some naps. Turbulence and flight schedules usually won't allow you to sleep though. If you could ever pay for window on a premium economy for having more leg room and therefore have 1. Free access to the toilet and 2. Head support on the wall that is 1000x better
On a long haul or oceanic flight, I upgrade to first class business class everytime. Yes it’s expensive , my personal comfort is worth the added cost. Plus you get a level of pampering and dining experience you just don’t get back in economy. One key to lowering the cost of first class business class is not flying out of the United States. Take a short hop to Canada or Mexico or Latin America. Then hop on that long haul oceanic flight. You will find savings in the thousands of dollars. One more option is to have a travel points credit card. I use mine to pay for everything then I pay it off at the end of every month.
Thank you, really helpful. What is the best position? Will you give money for upgrade? I use the feet hammock to help me a little bit. But, I think the airplanes should take out some lines and change for seat with support for the feet as a coach class on the train.
If economy then window seat for leaning against the fuselage. I actually sleep on my side, slide down a bit on the seat and rest head against the fuselage. So curve your upper but try to have your legs straight as possible. Yes blankets on top. Headband covering eyes and ears. Then I'm okay for 4-5 hour sleep. Breath through nose so your aren't dehydrated.
I always take a very thin woolen scarf/ pashmina that I can roll and use as a lumbar support for my lower back - the heat and support really soothe back strain. It can also be used to support my neck and head, or as a blanket if the cabin gets cold (never happens on my flights). I find the u-shaped or inflatable neck supports are too big in diameter to be comfy for me, although if I underinflate them they can work. But flying nowadays is just awful, no matter what you do 😣
I paid twice as much to upgrade to business class for the 15 hour leg of my entire 30 hour journey. The business class upgrade didn't provide the sleep I needed. The seat was hard and stretching out the legs was comfortable but my lower back and hips felt the board I was resting on. A gel foam topper would have helped. I had upgraded for few hours of sleep during the 30 hour journey. The initial journey started out at 4am which meant I started sleep deprived. On long train journeys, as a child, we had 3 bunks.During the day the 3 passengers shared the lowest bunk and at night we would sleep in our assigned 3 bunks. It required that all 3 passengers coordinated their waking and sleeping times. I wish they could design planes so sleeping would be possible without breaking the bank.. At the end I felt short of breath and nauseated due to lack of sleep. Next time I'll just break the journey and spend a night at a hotel rather than do the 30 plus hours in transit. And economy is getting more cramped.
Bose Quietcomfort headphones. Worth every penny. Earbud version is great too, but the headphones block a little more plane noise. A big neck pillow can get in the way of the headphones though.
Start at 2.47 for the tips/ which basically include such “gems” as bring neck cushions/wraps, use a pillow, adjust the headrest to support your neck, recline the chair a few degrees. Lol
The way to sleep comfortably in economy is to regulate airlines and force them to create more comfort in economy. This should be done by reducing number of seats and also increasing leg room. At the very least this needs to happen for flights that are more than 5 hours long.
I got decent sleep during overnight flights in economy class when I was lucky enough to travel on a half empty plane and I got to use the empty seat next to mine as well. One glass of wine (one!) helped too. I got far worse nights, the worst of my life actually, in airports and ships.
okay this was a terrible video so allow me to provide my personal favorite sleeping pos for cattle class: 1) blanket folded and placed behind lower back for support 2) feet braced against front seat's legs for stability 3) firm backpack in lap, propped up on a book or two so the top reaches your chin 4) rest neck forward on bag and hug said bag it's fairly comfortable and only requires a full/firm backpack. hope this helps someone, and sleep well(-ish), friends!
I have a 1 1/2 hour commute to work. My coworkers and i travel in a van so the leg space is similar to that in an airplane, minus footspace under the seat in front of me. I have a TRTL travel "pillow" and it is the best invention ever. I fall asleep in minutes after putting it on. Ive tried all other types of neck pillows and didn't like any of them. Post-covid, the prices for a TRTL are utterly ridiculous. Temu has a perfect knockoff for well inder $10. The only difference is the fleece cover is a slightly lower quality, but the frame is exactly the same.
I've never been able to sleep on a plane in my life. Luckily, time doesn't really exist on planes for me either, so i just get on, settle down, eat & drink everything they offer me, always wear travel socks and try to stretch and clench feet etc. And knuckle down to a movie marathon. I'm just glad i'm not still doing 11-12hour flights with ONE movie that they choose for everyone, like we did in the 80s/90s.
@amatvkhmer No not at all. I say this because I like airplanes and just as there are old and new things, new airplanes are quieter and better to fly. And economy is different in many aircraft and models. So yeah, that is somthing to have in mind but again, economy is still economy 🤷🏽♂️
Try sleeping when your 6' 4" and wide shoulders - If taller bigger frame stay out of aisle seat since EVERY single person walking up aisle will bump your shoulder
Ergonomics and the aerial travel industry is a very close topic for economic development in the next second that needs to be brought to serious discussion due.
I usually don't care if the person in front of me reclines but, on my last flight, the guy slammed his seat back and hit me in the head. I don't recommend trying to sleep by leaning forward.
Get seats next to the emergency doors. You'll have more leg space and will be next to the bathroom. Sleeping will still be an issue, but at least your legs won't be hurting and you won't be queuing up to use the toilet.
Listen up airline bosses: more leg space, wider armrests, higher armrests & a fold-out partition in the armrest. But then, airline bosses don't watch videos like these (and their comments) because they fly first class or in a private jet, so.... those of us who fly long haul cattle class and are taller than 5 foot nothing are basically screwed.
I'm 6'1", and struggle for leg room. I am also conscientious of the person behind me, not that the seats lean back far enough. The worst part is my neck.
A pillow or a rolled towel behind your lower back in a seat definitely helps !! I personally find Virgin Atlantic airlines economy products very very comfy !! I highly recommend. I flew to London in summer of 2022 in economy de light class & premium economy on my way back ,both were very very comfy !! 👍💜🥁🐉🎤🎶✈️💞
I'm laughing reading the comments because I have zero problems sleeping in economy. I have a puff blanky that I bought at costco for 10 bucks that i cover myself with entirely. I also double with sleeping masks and earplugs.
Separation panels at the top between chairs could be cheap to install, and provide surface to lean head and shoulders on, just like the window seats (when that give support leaning on the wall).
That only works if you’re over 6 feet tall. For 5’2” me, the headrest on planes does not adjust up or down, so my chin ends up pressed down towards my chest.
I've literally never had a problem sleeping in economy class seats, I usually just fall asleep during takeoff and depending on the length of the flight I'll wake up during landing.
Ye, I'm 6'5" and can barely fit in the chair, never mind that my body is way above the headrest. My "solution" is to sit next to a window and try to lay my head on it. Otherwise, beyond flying a higher class, no sleep is possible.
The southwest economy seats reclined position look like the starting position of the seats in the video lol. I feel like I'm leaning forward on take off and landing, and seated normally while reclined.
more than a century of experience in ergonomics science & tech and we've evolved to barely-there foam 'cushions' on awkward metal structures that fit to nobody's bodyshape but we absurdly expect some comfort from them .
I didn't really find this helpful. I kept waiting for a conclusion of the best position you can sleep in for maximizing relief on joints with the conditions we have. If that inflatable pillow only works if the person behind you doesn't recline, and the only advice is to use a well known neck pillow, while reclining... Is that really new information? The final conclusion of upgrading doesn't really help anyone in economy. I would have liked a "best of" format and more exploration on unique alternatives that are on the market.
I got nothing out of this video!
It’s like you reminded me of all the problems I got to face and have to face in the future… and called me poor at the end.
I have ADVICE. WE HAVE TO LEARN SKILLS AND SRUDY HARD TO GET A HIGH PAYING JOB SO WE CAN FLY BUSINESS CLASS EVERYTIME 😂
This comment made me laugh a little too much!! youre so right!
so don't be poor! hehe
So true... hahaha
hahah exactly thinking the same.
The best way to sleep in economy is to put the luggage on the seat and sleep inside the overhead compartment.
Best comment so far. Lol
Pure dead brilliant 😂❤😂
@@barbarahallowell2613a more brilliant idea is to actually just IDK fly business. Work hard and you can afford it
You qualify for the Nobel price!
lol omg I literally LOL’d
Thank you!
Let's just admit that there's no ideal way to sleep in the economy class. The size of the space itself is almost inhumane. She might be an expert but her eyes said it all during the talking.
But her great tips! Like "Avoid the Middle Seat." 🤣🤣 What a waste of a video.
@rohandhanota9944a simple solution is to study hard, work hard, invest smartly, be rich and always fly business 😂
BUT make sure that you have too much money to spend, then just spend it. You never know how rich you can be
I’m not spending 6 to 7,000 on buisness. Thats more than my rent money
@@alexhein1738 if you're rich you can like maybe 15k/month?
Here’s how to get comfortable:
1) bring two travel pillows. One for head. One to sit on or put behind your lumbar back.
2) wear a coat or blanket. It gets COLD! Especially evening/night flights.
3) take Dramamine or another sleep aid. You will sleep even if uncomfortable.
4) eat a complimentary snack. Helps you relax or bring a few of your own. Don’t forget your water bottle. Maybe a hot cup of tea 🍵 in a travel mug?
5) bring Tylenol or Ibuprofen for pain. You’ll feel better taking a full dose right when boarding a flight. Be proactive!
6) ThermaCare makes back patches that deliver heat to your back up to 16 hours. This will help you back muscles relax putting them at ease.
7) listen to calming music. Helps with coping mind over matter.
8) bring 2 fully charged battery packs. And don’t forget a plug in charger.
9) wear loose fitting clothing. Nothing like sitting in tight clothes traveling. Getting uncomfortable in your jeans. Or work shoes. Wear tennis shoes. You maybe walking a mile or more with flight delays in airports!
10) Happy Travels!
Your post is 100 times more informative & more useful than this video. 👍
One last tip I discovered by chance: get a seat in the very back of the plane. If it’s not a full flight may not have passengers sitting next to you; Stretch out! I laid down without side by side passengers! I was liberated doing so comfortably!! I am 5’3. I fit with extra room! Nice surprise!!!
Thank you so much ❤
One thing I've learned is compression socks, and wear shoes--while comfortable, if there's an incident on the plans and you need to move, sandals might not stay on your feet--this coming from a guy who wears Birks 95% of the time, climbing ladders and running around. For safety, I'll always wear shoes.
this was eighty five times more helpful then the entire video
So what we learned is that best way to sleep in economy class is to upgrade to business 😂
😂
And if you need privacy, FIRST CLASS is always there for you 😂🤣
It's just as loud and stuffy in business class
@@RegenTonnenEnte nope
@@tesla-spectre yes since it's in the same plane you genius
A technical way of explaining what we already know.
Yep, no way to sleep comfortably!
"Avoid The Middle Seat" What a great video. 🤣🤣
The best advice how to comfortably sleep on an airplane comes in the last two seconds of the video😅
Let them eat cake.
thanks a bunch. she just talks and talks around the issue, seems like never getting there.
If we could afford an upgrade we wouldn't be here though
@@sandwitht6264 yep
No. For most situations business class wouldnt bring ideal sleeping situations
this video told me nothing i dont already knew.
i was so hopeful....
I can confirm that eye-masks are a definite game-changer to better sleep (on a plane or otherwise)
I didn’t really think about this until I needed to sleep on a morning flight. I had to pull the strings on my hoodie and make it a little cocoon and actually slept pretty well. Will definitely use a eye mask next time but a hoodie will suffice if you ever forget one
They are good at blocking out light. But having something banded around my head is not relaxing.
Just started traveling for work and after multiple trips purchasing a eye mask has been a definite game changer for me.
@@cisium1184 You get used to it. Then, putting the mast actually puts you in a mind state for sleep.
@@Lisekplhehe ehhhhhhhhh maybe I tried that myself on a 7 hour flight recently didn't work out all too well
It felt like: "brace yourself, no sleep is possible" 😂
Or maybe the government can step in and regulate minimum confort for flights that last more than 6 hours?
Why 6 hours? Arbitrary or calculated number?
@@TTGTanner similarly, can you name a number minimum hair required to be not bald? Any number will seem arbitrary.
1) which government exactly? Aviation is international and transcends pretty much every single country
2) how do you define minimum comfort? That'll be an interesting one
3) as the other guy asked, how did you come up with 6 hours?
One must think ahead before taking action. More comfort -> more space required -> most cost -> people complaining about price. If government puts in price controls -> companies do not get enough revenue -> shut down -> NO ONE GETS TO FLY. Hooray!
Why? Airline deregulation made flying affordable. The free market has already solved this problem-- if you care about paying a ton of money for some additional comfort, go for it. Otherwise, cheaper options exist and shouldn't be unnecessarily outlawed.
If we need a scientist to explain the perfect mathematical position to sleep in, maybe we should just demand more legroom on planes
Maybe you should stop being poor and buy first class
@@tylerparkinson2361not everyone has the money for it bro 💀
@@franana_ So you want more comfort but you also don't want to pay more for it? Perhaps, you should also try wanting a job then.
@@139-b7jbecause planes used to be comfortable but the rich got to greedy making seats smaller and price more expensive same goes to other corporations lowering quality and wanting more profit by paying minimum costs and not fair wages. Everything got expensive and wages didn’t improve. You either to young or so privileged in your bubble to understand.
@@desertmoonlee6631 The tickets are expensive because customers are willing to pay for it. That's hardly greediness. Don't like it? Travel by train, then. Maybe I am privileged but what you are is entitled. Flight is a business not charity, a luxury business at that.
There is a bit of a face reveal in this video when WSJ uploads a video basically saying you can't sleep on a plane unless you get first class
As someone who has taken red eyes in First, it's just as bad or worse. The seats in Coach have armrests that can fold up. If you don't have anyone else in your row, you can lift them and then sleep lying down. Seats in First have hard barriers between them. Even if nobody is sitting in the other seat, you can't sleep horizontally.
The only time flying Business or First really helps are on overseas flights where they get real beds.
Business class is good enough. Got upgraded once from Amsterdam to Hong Kong. Super comfortable.
Well said.
I fly overseas once or twice a year and I found that a "hard" cervical collar such as the "Miami J Select" collar that I use helps keep my head upright on overnight flights. It is still hard to sleep (in economy) but better than not having it.
This video is just a nicer way to say There are no known ways yet where we can sleep comfortably in economy..
I always wonder who designed those seats in planes and trains. They are utterly uncomfortable with hollowing in the lower back and neck while pushing forward on the head.
Airlines to save money and reduce weight
they're not designed for your comfort, they're designed to be sat on during flight, period. One has nothing to do with the other. There's a reason you don't see leather recliners on commercial planes (at least not in cattle class)
@@aloysiusdrake7471 I can design a plastic bucket seat that's more comfortable than the stuff I sit on in airplanes.
Must be a little person getting his back for being mocked all his life.
"The best part is, I am getting paid for this! MWAH-HA-HA-HA!"
Ah trains aren't so bad planes are worse seat wise at least with a train you can stretch your legs
On my last flight I devised an adjustable elastic strap with silicone stripes to grip my forehead. A short bungee & hook allows size adjustment and to hook around the head rest at the top of the seat. It worked! It must be not too tight to dig in but tight enough to stop head from rolling or going forward.
There was a company from Australia on Kickstarter that did that, but instead of hooking around the seat, it’s a long piece of fabric (imagine a tie) that follows your spine, so your own back weight holds your forehead upright.
How to sleep?
Get rich and fly Business.
Just had a 10h flight in economy, only Chance for me Personally: get drunk
Ah good strategy
Or take the night train if possible.
Only millionaires can afford business class
@@KaedeAnimationI think not really, you need to check carefully when you book tickets, there may be at times an option for business class for just a bit more
I find headrests very useful and feel it should be legally required on every airline seat. They can’t possibly cost that much relative to the rest of the seat.
I hate them on planes. I’m short so not only do my feet not touch the ground, but the headrest is above my head so just means I can’t actually sit back at all.
@jeansforbeans6836 exactly. Feel like the seats are designed for taller people so if you're short it just pushes your head forward. If they are there they should be adjustable.
I am tall with a straight back and find that these headrests always push my head forward too. I would prefer the old fashioned flat seats with no sticking out headrest and if people need to, they can use a pillow . The only way I can sleep on flights now with these deep sticking out headrests is putting clothes or blankets behind my back and using another pillow to the side wall for my head to lean against. Even buses are using these deep sticking forward headrests that make it impossible to sleep. Bring back the simple seats from the 90s
Headrests add weights which over many flights cost money in extra fuel. Also, the companies don't want to make you comfortable, they want you to upgrade to comfort
I observed a drastic change in my flight experience before and after the pandemic . The seats in economy have become narrower. It’s a bad design anyway . The recliner should not affect the passenger at the back . 100% greedy and 0 innovation .
Sat in economy for 15 hours on a Atlanta >Johannesburg. My body was sore for 4 days and back ache continued for 2 weeks
This came at the perfect time, I'm about to embark on a 27 hour trip in 4 hours !
Girl where are you flying to, the moon?
@@stefanalin9489 If you fly to the other side of the planet, you're going to be flying for at least 24 hours
So probably Australia
i did 34 hrs last time, it helped that on my 2nd flight leg, i had the whole row to myself its amazing loi
but both are like 12 + 10 hrs
@@Banom7a 🤣 lucky wait 34 hours what were you traveling to Africa or something?
The investigative journalism I expect from the WSJ would have had this video start with the metrics the airline seat builders are using to accommodate their model passenger. That way the viewers would know if anything in this video might apply to them. Me? At 6"5" , 235lbs, 38" waist and a 36" inseam, I'm SOL in coach.
I recently argued this point with my HR department, claiming that my height/size could be am ADA covered disability in this situation. Though I was refused any small upgrade for that 15 hour flight of a 20+ hour trip, the policy was later changed to allow for Economy Plus if deemed potentially necessary by the immediate supervisor.
@@761jared Corporate policy was upgrade for all international flights. The "Economy Plus" seat is just an old school bulkhead/exit row seat with more recline. Good luck.
@@Mike_GA Not the flights I've been on. The seats are the same but they have much needed extra legroom between seats, front to back. There are entire sections of Economy Plus (or equivalent) and, of course, incur an additional cost.
last time I was on a plane, I just closed my eyes in the same position I was while sitting, and slept until it landed. No eye mask, noise suppression, pillows and rests, just a plain sitting position with nothing else. I guess I'm lucky to be able to sleep anywhere comfortably.
Did you take Xanax or another sleep or relax medicine?
@@dreamthedream8929 No, I was completely unmedicated at the time
@@oh-noe how could you relax and calm down enough to sleep?
@@dreamthedream8929 planes are a relaxing environment for me. I can't do anything since I'm in the air, and I don't need to worry about the journey because I know capable people are in control of the plane. It's like pausing my life for a moment, then when I land I can resume my life again
@oh-noe but that feeling of not being able to do anything while up there doesn't cause significant anxiety in you? Especially being stuck on the plane for a while, I think its claustrophobia or something, a lot of people have that. Have you ever had a full blown panic attack in flight? A lot of people have reported that they have had. And very important question and an obvious one is how do you deal with turbulence? What's your trick? What's the worst turbulence that you have had on a flight?
Good thing the Army taught me how to sleep anywhere. I can fall asleep standing up, and I have no problem sleeping in economy class.
You'll be a millionaire if you teach people how lol
I'm 6'7" and there's no way I can sleep in an economy seat. I have to get a window seat on any flight because my shoulders are wider than the seat.
agreed at 6'5. I'm taller than the seat back on economy seats
buy business class
You are very good at joking
I know, me too. At 6'2", my johnson is so big, that I have to get another ticket for the seat in front of me.
did not know humans could be that tall
The turtle neck pillow that wraps around is a game changer. The “best” sleep I get in economy is with that gizmo.
The neck pillow works for me. I just did a little research and found the right one. Plus if I'm sleepy. I'm going to sleep upright or sideways. Either way, I'll figure it out.
Oh haha that's the moral of this story: pay $1000 for your flight (one way) and you'll get better rest while flying
Many people don't have that option. I'm required to travel internationally for work and use work travel site/coordinator to do it. BEFORE traveling, I have to get all the details approved first, which doesn't include seating above Economy, no matter how long the flight. Only afterwards can I report the actual expenses, but only to reduce the initial approved total amount to the smallest value. Anything over isn't covered except in extremely unusual circumstances. And if you're paying $1000 for a one way domestic flight, that's just wasteful spending for such a short event.
@@761jared I 1000% agree with your response. I was being VERY sarcastic. I am a taller than average woman so flights can be extremely uncomfortable (even painful) so it really sucks that those things aren't taken into account for flyers, other than fork up more money 😕
@@Lifeofkash AH, ok. Unfortunately, sarcasm isn't easily noted in written language, especially if we write the same as we speak. I appreciate the clarification! 👍
@@761jared 🤣 indeed so
@@Lifeofkash ah join the club kissy lady ain't comfortable me me either it actually hurts pile that on with long legs and you just about got it
Please advise what to do when the guy next to you doesn't properly fits in their seat, or he can't keep his legs from spreading widely?
watch a video about manspreading on max volume
Tip - i carry a neck pillow and a back pillow both memory foam. And wear eye mask ear plugs . Put my foot on my underseat bag . Wear a hoodie. And drink lots of water . It does the trick
On my last 9 hour flight the. Crew fed everyone at lightning speed, quickly gave a cookie and coffee and…turned off the lights for the next 6 hours. I have short legs so just keeping my feet on the floor is uncomfortable. I have a backpack that I put under the seat in front of me, then I take off my shoes and nestle my feet on top of the backpack. I do recline my seat and wear a neck pillow and it actually feels close to comfortable. Ear plugs or noise cancelling headphones help. The crying babies actually fell asleep with the lights off.
Good ain't nothing worse that that when you're trying to get some shut eye
Must be an american carrier judging from the service lolol
@@ondreiii 🤣 quite possibly but it was a 9 hour flight so I'm guessing op went to Europe or somewhere else far
I love how I spent 4 minutes learning about something we all already know.
Tips I’ve learned from traveling constantly-
The first big tip is to tighten your seat belt over your hips much as you can while sitting in an upright position, this keeps you from slumping and having pad posture which will wake you up. Cross your arms. Earplugs and eye mask a must. Supportive neck pillow that you can tighten..
pop an ibuprofen if you are really struggling.
I am 68 and can sleep hours at a time in economy class seats. I use a soft eye mask, inflatable U-shaped neck pillow, and inflatable lumbar pillow. I wear my lightweight down jacket backwards. The one thing I keep forgetting to fix is contact of my arms to the hard armrests. I can sleep 4-5 hrs at a time.
I trained myself to fall asleep during takeoff. I sometimes fall asleep before the wheels leave the ground and then 30 minutes later I wake up and have to adjust my inflatables.
I like the idea of the neck wrap. I may give them a try.
Window is absolutely the best. You won’t be disturbed, and you can lean your head against the window.
Also you have no idea how amazing it feels to be watching this comfortably in my bed. It’s gonna suck when I fly 16 hrs to Rome 😩
tldr: it's horrible unless you're travelling business and above
The solution is for airlines to increase space on the plane so passengers in economy are more comfortable.
And they would go bankrupt. More space=Less seats. Flights would become unaffordable. They already operate on razor thin margins.
@@RCJH2022Emirates don't seem to be going bankrupt. It's not for every airline, but airlines flying long haul should consider it.
Here’s the secret: Travelrest Ultimate pillow in combo with a foot rest support that you hang off the tray table.
BS. Pillows are rubbish
I‘m getting anxious thinking of the next time I‘ll be trying to sleep in a cramped plane with crying babies.
Buy ANC headphones/earphones
I noticed that the people used in this video are average or below average size.
I wonder if this ergonomics expert can provide advice on at what point does above average height become a disability in economy seating? I'm above average height and my knees have little room from the seat in front of me. This doesn't allow me to move my feet under that seat very well and if I can, it's usually uncomfortable and restrictive, if not diagonally into the foot area of the seat next to me. I travel for work but my employer seems to think that all employees are of the same proportions, fitting all of us into the same category seats except for exceptional circumstances. I also find myself paying more for overweight/excess baggage since my clothing consists of more material than a shorter co-worker, despite probably having fewer items.
Above average is practically always a disadvantage in a high performance vehicle. Meatspace compromises on its size and functionality.
Last summer, I tried a ring pillow with a window seat. I was able to get some sleep. That’s my best advice. Book early and get a window seat.. Otherwise, fly during non popular times and on non popular airlines. Otherwise, go for the splurge on a low cost carrier.
Hi, can I pay you to NOT recline your seat?
Well, to me most of the positions and settings presented on this video seem too unpractical to feel comfortable. I usually pay for aisle, put something behind my ankles (like a cushioned handbag) to rest both my knees and feet to avoid knee pain for having them on the typical 90° position. And probably invest on a good neck pillow with the blanket and a blindmask to take some naps. Turbulence and flight schedules usually won't allow you to sleep though. If you could ever pay for window on a premium economy for having more leg room and therefore have 1. Free access to the toilet and 2. Head support on the wall that is 1000x better
On a long haul or oceanic flight, I upgrade to first class business class everytime. Yes it’s expensive , my personal comfort is worth the added cost. Plus you get a level of pampering and dining experience you just don’t get back in economy. One key to lowering the cost of first class business class is not flying out of the United States. Take a short hop to Canada or Mexico or Latin America. Then hop on that long haul oceanic flight. You will find savings in the thousands of dollars. One more option is to have a travel points credit card. I use mine to pay for everything then I pay it off at the end of every month.
I tried this on my 4 hour red eye. I got a total of 4 hours of no sleep! Thanks 🙏
Thank you, really helpful. What is the best position? Will you give money for upgrade? I use the feet hammock to help me a little bit. But, I think the airplanes should take out some lines and change for seat with support for the feet as a coach class on the train.
Eye mask, earplugs, hoodie, neck pillow, blanket for me 👍🏼
You forgot drugs.
If economy then window seat for leaning against the fuselage. I actually sleep on my side, slide down a bit on the seat and rest head against the fuselage. So curve your upper but try to have your legs straight as possible. Yes blankets on top. Headband covering eyes and ears. Then I'm okay for 4-5 hour sleep. Breath through nose so your aren't dehydrated.
I always take a very thin woolen scarf/ pashmina that I can roll and use as a lumbar support for my lower back - the heat and support really soothe back strain. It can also be used to support my neck and head, or as a blanket if the cabin gets cold (never happens on my flights). I find the u-shaped or inflatable neck supports are too big in diameter to be comfy for me, although if I underinflate them they can work. But flying nowadays is just awful, no matter what you do 😣
I paid twice as much to upgrade to business class for the 15 hour leg of my entire 30 hour journey. The business class upgrade didn't provide the sleep I needed. The seat was hard and stretching out the legs was comfortable but my lower back and hips felt the board I was resting on. A gel foam topper would have helped. I had upgraded for few hours of sleep during the 30 hour journey. The initial journey started out at 4am which meant I started sleep deprived. On long train journeys, as a child, we had 3 bunks.During the day the 3 passengers shared the lowest bunk and at night we would sleep in our assigned 3 bunks. It required that all 3 passengers coordinated their waking and sleeping times. I wish they could design planes so sleeping would be possible without breaking the bank.. At the end I felt short of breath and nauseated due to lack of sleep. Next time I'll just break the journey and spend a night at a hotel rather than do the 30 plus hours in transit. And economy is getting more cramped.
How lucky we were !we had expert to tell something we already know
Bose Quietcomfort headphones. Worth every penny. Earbud version is great too, but the headphones block a little more plane noise. A big neck pillow can get in the way of the headphones though.
I've been travelling (not a lot but enough) and I never needed any experts to tell me how to sleep on a plane. Just lean your head back & sleep
I have a good system to sleep on flights. It doesn’t work every flight, but it does work amazingly!
What is it
Avoiding 5 min of lost time : there is no way to sleep comfortably in economy class.
I have two 8-hour legs to the US, and a 15-hour flight back. Looking forward to it....
Learned nothing, but I agree with all this
Start at 2.47 for the tips/ which basically include such “gems” as bring neck cushions/wraps, use a pillow, adjust the headrest to support your neck, recline the chair a few degrees. Lol
As a business class passenger, i cannot comprehend
Critical comment: you should not have used short actors. Most people are taller than the seat. See the one tall guy who is flashed in the video
I'm not one to usually say stuff like this, but the fact that this video exists is dystopian.
The way to sleep comfortably in economy is to regulate airlines and force them to create more comfort in economy. This should be done by reducing number of seats and also increasing leg room.
At the very least this needs to happen for flights that are more than 5 hours long.
I got decent sleep during overnight flights in economy class when I was lucky enough to travel on a half empty plane and I got to use the empty seat next to mine as well. One glass of wine (one!) helped too.
I got far worse nights, the worst of my life actually, in airports and ships.
Basically, it's hard to sleep on a plane, try using a neck pillow, and avoid the middle seat. Thanks, ergonomics expert!
Easy, you don't 😅
No choice if you're flying halfway around the world
Thanks for showing me this because i have fibromyalgia and need to make a long flight.
I can sleep between two departure gate seats with armrests. I'm pretty proud of that, honestly.
okay this was a terrible video so allow me to provide my personal favorite sleeping pos for cattle class:
1) blanket folded and placed behind lower back for support
2) feet braced against front seat's legs for stability
3) firm backpack in lap, propped up on a book or two so the top reaches your chin
4) rest neck forward on bag and hug said bag
it's fairly comfortable and only requires a full/firm backpack. hope this helps someone, and sleep well(-ish), friends!
I have a 1 1/2 hour commute to work. My coworkers and i travel in a van so the leg space is similar to that in an airplane, minus footspace under the seat in front of me. I have a TRTL travel "pillow" and it is the best invention ever. I fall asleep in minutes after putting it on. Ive tried all other types of neck pillows and didn't like any of them. Post-covid, the prices for a TRTL are utterly ridiculous. Temu has a perfect knockoff for well inder $10. The only difference is the fleece cover is a slightly lower quality, but the frame is exactly the same.
The "traveling with young kids" version: sleep when your dead
I've never been able to sleep on a plane in my life. Luckily, time doesn't really exist on planes for me either, so i just get on, settle down, eat & drink everything they offer me, always wear travel socks and try to stretch and clench feet etc. And knuckle down to a movie marathon. I'm just glad i'm not still doing 11-12hour flights with ONE movie that they choose for everyone, like we did in the 80s/90s.
If you know the person next to you, you could lay across the seats in a spooning position.
The neck pillow is meant to turned 180 degrees.
Also depends on the plane you fly. Bit agree economy is economy. Really glad I found this!
Have you ridden it many times?
@amatvkhmer No not at all. I say this because I like airplanes and just as there are old and new things, new airplanes are quieter and better to fly. And economy is different in many aircraft and models. So yeah, that is somthing to have in mind but again, economy is still economy 🤷🏽♂️
Try sleeping when your 6' 4" and wide shoulders - If taller bigger frame stay out of aisle seat since EVERY single person walking up aisle will bump your shoulder
Ergonomics and the aerial travel industry is a very close topic for economic development in the next second that needs to be brought to serious discussion due.
I usually don't care if the person in front of me reclines but, on my last flight, the guy slammed his seat back and hit me in the head. I don't recommend trying to sleep by leaning forward.
Happened to me only I couldn't move my legs
Get seats next to the emergency doors. You'll have more leg space and will be next to the bathroom. Sleeping will still be an issue, but at least your legs won't be hurting and you won't be queuing up to use the toilet.
4:51 minute video of telling us all how poor we are.
Listen up airline bosses: more leg space, wider armrests, higher armrests & a fold-out partition in the armrest.
But then, airline bosses don't watch videos like these (and their comments) because they fly first class or in a private jet, so.... those of us who fly long haul cattle class and are taller than 5 foot nothing are basically screwed.
So crazy how gravity is still relevant mid air.
Having flown across the Pacific multiple times the easiest solution is…to purchase a ticket in economy plus or first class
I'm 6'1", and struggle for leg room. I am also conscientious of the person behind me, not that the seats lean back far enough. The worst part is my neck.
The video should be called, "If you're poor, life sucks!"
A pillow or a rolled towel behind your lower back in a seat definitely helps !!
I personally find Virgin Atlantic airlines economy products very very comfy !! I highly recommend. I flew to London in summer of 2022 in economy de light class & premium economy on my way back ,both were very very comfy !! 👍💜🥁🐉🎤🎶✈️💞
I'm laughing reading the comments because I have zero problems sleeping in economy. I have a puff blanky that I bought at costco for 10 bucks that i cover myself with entirely. I also double with sleeping masks and earplugs.
I think this is the kind of video we’re gonna watch 20 years from now and be like “wow I can’t believe people would fly like that”
Pretty. Smart. And pretty smart tips 👍.
Separation panels at the top between chairs could be cheap to install, and provide surface to lean head and shoulders on, just like the window seats (when that give support leaning on the wall).
That only works if you’re over 6 feet tall. For 5’2” me, the headrest on planes does not adjust up or down, so my chin ends up pressed down towards my chest.
I've literally never had a problem sleeping in economy class seats, I usually just fall asleep during takeoff and depending on the length of the flight I'll wake up during landing.
At @2:00 she's basically saying our body would prefer business class. Mine definitely does 😂
I'm so short so it's constantly pushing my neck forward. My head does not go up above the top of the seat
Thanks, I’m working so hard so that one day I’ll be travelling in business lol
Ye, I'm 6'5" and can barely fit in the chair, never mind that my body is way above the headrest. My "solution" is to sit next to a window and try to lay my head on it. Otherwise, beyond flying a higher class, no sleep is possible.
The southwest economy seats reclined position look like the starting position of the seats in the video lol.
I feel like I'm leaning forward on take off and landing, and seated normally while reclined.
more than a century of experience in ergonomics science & tech and we've evolved to barely-there foam 'cushions' on awkward metal structures that fit to nobody's bodyshape but we absurdly expect some comfort from them .
Groundbreaking reportage
I didn't really find this helpful. I kept waiting for a conclusion of the best position you can sleep in for maximizing relief on joints with the conditions we have. If that inflatable pillow only works if the person behind you doesn't recline, and the only advice is to use a well known neck pillow, while reclining... Is that really new information? The final conclusion of upgrading doesn't really help anyone in economy. I would have liked a "best of" format and more exploration on unique alternatives that are on the market.
As a 6'2" inch tall person, I just cry watching this... =)