Another TikTok trend is putting young Americans in danger.
This time it's happening 30,000 feet in the air.
And one doctor just warned this viral airplane sleeping trick could kill you.
TikTok Users Strapping Feet Into Seat Belts To Sleep
TikTok influencers discovered a new way to get comfortable on long flights.
Videos showing passengers buckling seat belts around their ankles instead of their waists racked up tens of millions of views.
One creator posted a clip with the caption "I owe you my life" after trying the ankle-belt position.
The trend has passengers pulling their knees to their chest, placing their feet on the seat edge, and securing the seat belt around their shins and ankles.
Flight attendants immediately called out the dangerous practice.
"Flight attendant here. Please don't do this," one crew member commented on a viral video. "I know it's comfortable, but if we hit unexpected turbulence or rough air, you're not protected. It happens more than you think!"
Multiple TikTok users reported being stopped by crew members when they attempted the position on actual flights.
"I tried to do this and the flight attendant made me stop," one passenger wrote.
Medical Experts Sound Alarm About Blood Clot Risk
Dr. Carole Lieberman, a Beverly Hills-based board-certified psychiatrist, told Fox News Digital the position increases the risk of deep vein thrombosis.¹
"This trend is very dangerous because it keeps the legs in a tightly compressed position," Lieberman said.
Deep vein thrombosis occurs when blood clots form in deep veins, usually in the legs.
"Deep vein thrombosis can cause pulmonary embolisms, which can be deadly," Lieberman warned.
The Mayo Clinic confirms prolonged sitting during flights increases blood clot risk.
Compression socks and regular leg movement help support circulation.
Travel expert Michael Wallace warned the trend creates a "life-threatening situation" in turbulence.²
The ankle strap forces passengers to waste precious seconds unbuckling and re-buckling during sudden air pocket drops.
"If the plane hits turbulence that causes you to lean forward at an increased rate, even a slight knock to your head on your knees could cause a concussion," Wallace said.
Federal Aviation Rules Make Practice Potentially Illegal
The Association of Flight Attendants-CWA confirmed seat belts must sit "low and tight across your lap" for safety reasons.³
Anna Taylor Garland, the organization's communications director, explained why the ankle position endangers everyone on board.
"If you are not properly buckled in you will likely hurt someone else when thrown in turbulence," Garland stated.
Aviation attorney Mark Lindquist confirmed pilots and flight attendants have authority to order passengers to "properly fasten" seat belts.⁴
Passengers who refuse crew instructions face fines up to $35,000.
"Planes are not flying bars or restaurants," Lindquist explained. "Safety comes first."
Former flight attendant Sabrina Schaller urged travelers to use legitimate alternatives like neck pillows or foot slings.
"Thank God I have never been in a turbulent situation where my personal health was compromised, but I have heard many stories where flight attendants told me they experienced an unexpected situation, in which it went to the ceiling," Schaller said.
TikTok Keeps Finding New Ways To Kill Kids
The ankle-belt hack is just the latest in a long line of TikTok trends sending children to the emergency room.
Over 100 kids have died from viral social media challenges, according to a 2025 analysis from the Omega Law Group.⁵
Eight-year-olds choked themselves to death attempting the Blackout Challenge.
Parents get stuck with medical bills north of $100,000 when their kids end up in the ICU.
And hospital visits from these internet stunts jumped 30% in just the last two years.
TikTok's algorithm amplifies dangerous content because it generates engagement.
The CDC reports more than 300 million people travel on long-distance flights each year.
Anyone traveling more than four hours faces increased blood clot risk from prolonged sitting.
Smart travelers stick to proven methods for comfortable flights.
Walk the aisle every few hours, stay hydrated, and keep that seat belt properly fastened across your lap.
Your life might depend on it.
¹ Kelly McGreal, "Travelers warned as dangerous airplane sleeping position gains popularity," Fox News, December 26, 2025.
² Ibid.
³ Natalie B. Compton, "Don't buckle your feet in a seat belt, no matter what TikTok tells you," The Washington Post, March 1, 2024.
⁴ Ibid.
⁵ "New study reveals dangerous TikTok trends sending kids to ER, costing parents thousands," WWBT Richmond, November 6, 2025.