The simple question you should ask flight attendants if you want to sleep on the plane

It can be difficult to turn a blind eye on a flight, especially in crowded conditions.

But one sleep expert has uncovered the one question that will help you chart your sleep schedule on a plane.

2

A Recent study found that only 5 percent of people manage to sleep properly on a plane

Martin Seeley, CEO and sleep expert at MattressNext Daysaid asking the crew when food would be served was the best way to get some sleep without starving.

He said: “There’s nothing worse than falling asleep and being interrupted by those who are sitting next to you eating their food and turning on the light.”

“So once the plane has taken off and the seat belt sign is off, ask the flight attendants what time the food will be served.

“That way you can balance your sleep with the food and make sure you aren’t disturbed by the service.”

He shared some other top tips, including bringing enough warm layers and avoiding seats next to the toilet.”

Kris Major, who has worked as a flight attendant on both short-haul and long-haul flights for 24 years, went a step further and said to avoid eating altogether.

He said CNN Travel: “The experienced travellers, after take-off you go into the cabin and see that they are gone – they have covered themselves and are asleep.”

“Most airlines don’t particularly plan their flights [food] Service around passenger and acclimatization and time zone crossing.”

Kris recommended prioritizing sleep instead of “eating dinner at 3am” – and eating before boarding at the airport instead.

An airline has a very clever trick if you want to sleep on the plane.

Each person on board Icelandair flights will receive a set of three stickers, one red, one yellow and one blue.

The red means don’t disturb your sleep, the yellow means you wake up for the food and the blue means you wake up for the duty free.

And don’t worry if you wake up hungry—the crew will often save a meal so you can eat anyway.

2