Ergonomics Expert Explains How to Sleep on a Plane | WSJ Pro Perfected
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- Опубліковано 22 тра 2024
- Over the past 30 years, airplane economy seat width has shrunk by 4 four inches. But in the past year alone, airplane ticket prices have risen by around 25%.
So, how do you sleep more easily on flights? An expert ergonomist gives her tips on how to get comfortable in flight and shows the best positions for sleeping on a plane with a cheaper coach ticket.
0:00 Meet Carla Jaspers, an occupational therapist and professional ergonomist
0:31 Issues with sleeping on the tray table
2:00 How to most effectively sleep in an upright position
3:37 Other helpful tips for sleeping in coach
#Travel #Flight #WSJ
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!
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.
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.
As a shy person who is very self conscious and needs a private environment to sleep, I just don't care about sleep on flights and stay awake for as long as possible playing video games until I reach a private space or our destination where I can sleep, as I cannot sleep in upright positions no matter what. This led me to stay awake for 36 hours and 50 hours straight on flights that I had recently with my mom. I am only 17 years old so it is easy for me to stay awake that long I guess without falling asleep. I never nap during the day as I have a fear and instinct built into me of not wanting to be seen or observed in a state of sleep or unconsciousness, so this is what I do and I am fine with that. I rather save the extra money and stay in economy class as I have a saving mentality and I don't want to waste my mom's money or my money when I get older.
@@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
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
@@Geggo1611 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
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
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.
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.
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.
@@user-vt6td9hp3gbecause 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.
this video told me nothing i dont already knew.
i was so hopeful....
It felt like: "brace yourself, no sleep is possible" 😂
Kind of makes me upset that we can’t build better airplane seats to support these kind of recommendations. Airline industry treats it’s customers terribly without accountability.
True
They will if we're willing to pay more...
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
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.
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 remember that even in economy for international flights, back in the 1990s and earlier, you used to get a little welcome pack that included a mini pillow, headphones, eye mask and small blanket. It came in a clear plastic pack that was sealed so you knew it was fresh pack and it was either sitting on your seat when you boarded or the staff handed them to you Behr take off. After each major meal you would also be handed a refresher towel or a hot towel to freshen your face. And this was all in economy because that’s all my family could afford…it’s still all I can afford :-)
All that is given to you for transatlantic flights
This still happens in transatlantic flights
@@NankitaBR if it’s overnight they give you the sleeping equipment
@strandkorbst9643 I've literally just travelled to Spain during the day and they gave us the package
the good old 90s ❤
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.
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.
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?
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.
Sat in economy for 15 hours on a Atlanta >Johannesburg. My body was sore for 4 days and back ache continued for 2 weeks
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
Well, aren't you special. If you were only like 5'3" or 5'4", huh?
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.
The turtle neck pillow that wraps around is a game changer. The “best” sleep I get in economy is with that gizmo.
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.
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?
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
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.
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
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.
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
@@warmikeSadly trains don’t go on water
@@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
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
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 .
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 😩
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 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 😣
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.
I can sleep between two departure gate seats with armrests. I'm pretty proud of that, honestly.
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
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.
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.
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
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
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.
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.
@@RCHJ2022Emirates don't seem to be going bankrupt. It's not for every airline, but airlines flying long haul should consider it.
tldr: it's horrible unless you're travelling business and above
Wow; thank you for this.
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 🤷🏽♂️
Eye mask, earplugs, hoodie, neck pillow, blanket for me 👍🏼
You forgot drugs.
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.
I have a good system to sleep on flights. It doesn’t work every flight, but it does work amazingly!
What is it
I'm not one to usually say stuff like this, but the fact that this video exists is dystopian.
Pretty. Smart. And pretty smart tips 👍.
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
Thanks for showing me this because i have fibromyalgia and need to make a long flight.
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”
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.
Usually if I just fold the side of the headrest out a bit and lean my head against it, along with reclining the seat a bit. I find that I sleep pretty well.
What this taught me is I should book a seat with extra legroom for long haul flights since I like to sleep on windows but I also go to the bathroom a lot 😂
Learned nothing, but I agree with all this
Groundbreaking reportage
The best pillow is Cabeau. It’s perfect, because it attaches to the seat
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 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.
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 so short so it's constantly pushing my neck forward. My head does not go up above the top of the seat
They should be redesigned like a sub marine... bunks beds/capsules.
Thanks!
Flying more than ten hours in an economy seat is one of my worse childhood and teenagerhood memories. Even now I'm worried when I think 'flight reservations'.
Oh god my hole body hurts for watching this 😢
A professional ergonomist is basically someone who tries to find the best sleeping position at office or during a business trip. I think i can call myself so
Thanks, I’m working so hard so that one day I’ll be travelling in business lol
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.
What do you do if you’re somebody like me that can only truly fall asleep when you’re laying down even with your head down on the table is pretty hard to do. Plus it’s still uncomfortable.
Never had a problem sleeping on airplane until airlines started using the chairs without reclining function. Now every flight is a nightmare.
The neck pillow is meant to turned 180 degrees.
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.
It's interesting YT recommended me this video when I can't sleep at all when flying due to anxiety of being on a plane 😂😂
If you know the person next to you, you could lay across the seats in a spooning position.
I sleep on my knees facing the person behind me. Sometimes I face forward and put my ankles on the headrest in front of me, creating a V shape.
Can you brace on economy seat?
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
This is why I don’t sleep on planes. I just read a book or work on crossword puzzles or something
Hi, can I pay you to NOT recline your seat?
I wish she'd said where she got that really good neck pillow! I've got an overnight flight in a few days and could use one!
a xanny helps to fall into a narcotic doze and the ours fly by quickly. Its propably impossible to fall to sleep by intention. I just one time really fell organicly asleep for six hours on a return flight with no seat neighbour.
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
It’s a case of rack ‘em and stack ‘em when it comes to economy class.
I can confirm I’ve been sleeping the correct way, and ALWAYS end up with a bad neck.
Going on a plane Monday…thank you
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.
An expert in ergonomy basically confirming that economic seat is not ergonomic
what if I ask the two if I could go down even their leg is hitting me its ok but the position is great well
this dude on a flight to Rio took half an Ambien and a glass of wine before take off. Was comatose for all I know during the flight, lucky he woke up at the end.
So crazy how gravity is still relevant mid air.
"It's always worth it to get an upgrade" is a very limited view. A lot of people (aka most people) can't afford an upgrade.
This got me curious..Wasn't there discussions of an airline coming out with a new "program" where they sell stand-up passenger tickets? What happened to that? Anyone?
They did tests with that configuration, but they can't evacuate the plane fast enough to comply with safety regulations
@@andrewwong5455 Oh of course. But how interesting! Do you remember which airline it was?
I'm surprised she didn't talk about the inflatable cubes for resting your legs
Could you plz attach the links for the products that you showed in the video?
Even if almost everyone could afford and upgrade, there are not enough upgrade seats. So a lot of people will still end up in economy.