Help, I'm Sleeping Next to a Stranger!

Image: PHOTO: What's proper conduct when a fellow flier/row-mate dozes off? (photo courtesy of Thinkstock)
Image: PHOTO: What's proper conduct when a fellow flier/row-mate dozes off? (photo courtesy of Thinkstock)
Holly Johnson
by Holly Johnson
Last updated: 9:00 PM ET, Thu November 30, 2017

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.

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.

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.


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