Help, I'm Sleeping Next to a Stranger!

You know that awkward feeling when you wake up next to a stranger? Wait a minute, you know we’re talking about sleeping on a plane, right?

Anyone who flies and hopes to snooze can expect to wind up sleeping with a stranger at one point or another. But, what’s the best way to go about it? And what kind of etiquette should one follow?

To help with these questions, British Airways just came out with a new study that tells us exactly how to avoid any drama or awkward moments.

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Some of the questions they asked include:

—Who really owns the armrest?

—How do you get past a sleeping neighbor?

—How much chit chat with a neighbor is acceptable?

—Should you ever take your shoes and socks off in-flight?

The airline surveyed travelers across the U.S., U.K., Germany, France and Italy to see what people thought:

—According to the British Airways study, 67 percent of all travelers worldwide said the proper etiquette is to take one armrest and leave the other for your neighbor. In the middle seat, British and American fliers are more likely to claim both armrests for themselves since their seatmates get the rests on each end.

—Travelers overwhelmingly agree it’s unacceptable to take your socks off when you fly. Removing shoes seems to be more acceptable, however, since 59 percent of all travelers said it’s fine to them off.

READ MORE: British Airways to Launch Zoned Boarding

—Should you climb over your neighbor when they’re sleeping? Now, this is where things can get interesting.

Let’s say your aisle seat neighbor is dead asleep and you need to use the restroom. Eighty percent of travelers said it’s okay to wake your neighbor for a toilet break in this instance, but 40 percent say you should do it only once per flight. A third of travelers said they would step over a sleeper to get to the aisle, although they were torn on how to climb across.

—Last but not least, survey results confirm nobody likes a chatty traveler unless both parties are in the mood.

A quick hello and a smile is appropriate, according to 83 percent of respondents. Funny enough, 42 percent of U.S. travelers said it is unacceptable to share personal stories, but that they would squash the issue by thanking the person and putting on headphones.

How to Have a More Peaceful Flight

While air travel is notoriously uncomfortable–especially in economy class, British Airways offers some sensible solutions to sleep better or help others sleep. For starters, be aware of bright lighting.

“Switch iPads, phones and laptops to night mode or dim the brightness on the screen to help your own eyes adjust and reduce impact on others,” they said in a press release.

READ MORE: Can $5.9 Billion Restore British Airways?

Also, try to prepare your own environment to minimize external environmental factors. Bring eye shades, earbuds or headphones, along with layered clothing.

Try to relax with some calming TV or music along with avoiding coffee and choosing herbal tea instead. Last but not least, bring soft, comfortable socks and some light snacks with you to make your ride more comfortable.