An ex-flight attendant has warned passengers about the risks of certain sleeping positions on long-haul flights. Barbara Bacilieri, who worked as cabin crew for 14 years, said some popular ways to sleep could be uncomfortable, unhygienic and even dangerous.
She advised against sleeping on the floor, noting that the carpet is very dirty and passengers must wear their seatbelt. Other positions to avoid include sitting backwards on the seat, lying with your head in the aisle, and sleeping sprawled across armrests or with your head on the tray table. Bacilieri also said that reclining your seat while the person behind is eating could send food and drinks flying because the tray table is attached to the seat in front.
The former flight attendant highlighted hygiene issues, warning passengers not to change nappies on tray tables or leave used tissues in the seat pocket, which is difficult to clean. She recommends placing liquids in protective silicone pouches to prevent spills and bringing snacks on board in case meal services are disrupted by turbulence.
Bacilieri also revealed rules cabin crew must follow while in uniform, including a ban on kissing, public displays of affection, smoking, vaping, and drinking alcohol. Crew members who have recently quit smoking are not allowed to chew gum, and drinking coffee at the boarding gate is also forbidden.
