A recent trend circulating on social media platforms, particularly TikTok and Instagram, is causing a stir among aviation experts and flight attendants. The so-called "travel hack" involves passengers pulling their knees up to their chest and placing their feet at the edge of their seats during flights. While millions have viewed these videos, experts warn that this practice poses significant health risks.
Dr. Nathan Connell, a hematologist at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and an associate professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School, has expressed concern about the potential dangers of this hack. He labeled the practice as "extremely dangerous," highlighting the increased risk of developing blood clots such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or a pulmonary embolism (PE) due to restricted blood flow.
“It’s hard to say whether this purported travel hack will specifically lead to blood clots, but I would be careful with anything that restricts blood flow because that may lead to an increased risk of clots,” – Dr. Nathan Connell
Not only has Dr. Connell voiced his apprehensions, but Sara Nelson, president of the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA, has also strongly advised against this travel hack. She emphasized the potential safety hazards, particularly in the event of turbulence or an emergency.
“Bottom line, this is a violation of federal regulations and instructions from crew members. Stop it,” – Sara Nelson
The practice could lead to leg or ankle injuries if passengers' legs are wrapped up in the seatbelt during unexpected turbulence or emergencies, posing additional risks for blood clots.
“If there was turbulence or an emergency, and someone’s legs were wrapped up in the seatbelt like this, it could lead to a leg or ankle injury, which could also cause blood clots as well.” – Dr. Nathan Connell
Despite millions of people traveling each year, there have been no robust studies evaluating specific factors that contribute to travel-associated blood clots. Dr. Connell acknowledges that more research is necessary to confirm if this hack could be a contributing factor.
“I think the most important piece of advice that I give to my patients is that most people, even those with inherited clotting disorders, will never experience a blood clot, but that it’s the combination of various risks together that may contribute to the chance that someone will develop a DVT or PE,” – Dr. Nathan Connell
The hack's popularity may stem from a general lack of understanding about the risks associated with blood clots during air travel. Although the US government has not issued any official warnings regarding this practice, flight attendants and medical experts are taking steps to inform the public. They emphasize that airlines and aviation authorities do not approve or recommend this as a safety practice.
“The seatbelt is designed to sit low and tight across your lap. This is to best protect you in the event of turbulence, an emergency landing or an accident. This is not only for your safety; if you are not properly buckled in you will likely hurt someone else when thrown in turbulence.” – Sara Nelson
Passengers disregarding safety guidelines may face serious consequences, including fines up to $35,000 for willful refusal to comply with crew instructions.
“Willful refusal will also make you subject to a fine up to $35,000.” – Sara Nelson
