An ex-flight attendant has revealed the biggest mistakes passengers make when trying to sleep on long-haul flights as England fans prepare for trips across the Atlantic.
Barbara Bacilieri, who spent 14 years working as cabin crew, has shared a list of dos and don’ts for travellers hoping to get some shut-eye in the air.
The social media star, known online as Barbie Bac, says some popular sleeping positions could be uncomfortable, unhygienic and even dangerous.
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“Although passengers sleep in very strange ways on the plane, there are some things that could put you in danger,” Barbara, told Whats The Jam.
“And don’t sleep on the floor of the plane.
“The carpet is very dirty and you have to wear your seatbelt.”
The former flight attendant also warned passengers against sitting backwards on their seat while trying to sleep.
The 33-year-old said travellers should think twice before reclining their seats if the person behind is eating, as it could send food and drinks flying.
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She explained this is because the tray table is attached to the seat in front.
Barbara, who has 4.9 million followers on TikTok and 2.8 million YouTube subscribers, also advised against sleeping with your head hanging into the aisle.
She said: “Don’t sleep lying down with your head in the aisle.
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“The flight attendants can accidentally bump into you when they pass by with the cart.”
She also urged passengers not to sleep sprawled across armrests or with their head resting directly on the tray table.
Barbara, originally from Argentina and now living in Spain, said the surfaces can be dirty and could inconvenience fellow travellers.
She said: “But above all, don’t sleep two to a bed in the same seat.”
To make her point, she shared a viral video showing herself stretched across a row of seats with a travelling companion.
The travel expert has also shared other plane etiquette tips with her followers.
In one clip, she urged passengers not to leave used tissues in the seat pocket.
She said: “This pocket is very difficult to clean, it’s better to put them in a bag and throw them away later.
“Believe it or not, I’ve seen this a lot on the plane.”
Barbara also recommends placing liquids inside protective silicone pouches to prevent spills in hand luggage.
And parents should avoid changing nappies on tray tables.
She said: “Don’t change your baby’s nappy on the seat table, you’ll bother other passengers.”
When it comes to food, Barbara suggests bringing snacks onboard in case meal services are interrupted by turbulence.
She said: “It’s better to bring tasty things with you, like crisps, chocolate, tuna, and a hamburger.”
To beat boredom on long flights, she also recommends downloading films and TV programmes before travelling in case onboard entertainment systems are unavailable.
In another viral video, Barbara revealed several surprising rules she claims cabin crew must follow while in uniform.
She added: “Kissing and public displays of affection are prohibited.
“We’re also banned from smoking, whether tobacco or vape pens.
“And for any cabin crew member who has recently quit smoking, they aren’t allowed to chew gum either.”
“Drinking coffee at the boarding gate is also forbidden.
“And of course, alcohol is strictly prohibited.”
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