Naptime Knots in Economy Class

There she is, a plus-size woman, sprawled awkwardly in her seat, in the throes of a deep slumber that promises a rude awakening. Contorted in a position that defies the basic principles of ergonomics, her impending neck and back pains seem almost inevitable. One wonders if the flight attendants could have preempted this painful plot twist by offering a seat upgrade or at least a few extra pillows for support.

It’s a snapshot of the universal gamble of airplane sleep—where comfort is often the jackpot not hit. As she snoozes, unaware, fellow passengers pass by, sympathetically cringing at the chiropractic appointment that awaits her landing.