Originally Posted by 1KDAN

It's a real and very common problem.

That's why on international flights, I avoid Row 1 if possible.

On 777's, Row 3 is great; there's no galley or lavatory behind you, no place for people to gather.

The problem with simply telling the crew to shut the hell up is:

1. You want to avoid conflict.

2. You don't to have to deal with a resentful crew (or, even more resentful than usual) for the rest of the flight.

3. These days it doesn't take much more than politely requesting that the crew keep quiet to find they've reported you to the TSA.

I do ask them to be quiet when necessary, but I phrase my request very carefully:

"I hate to interrupt, but your voices really carry quite strongly throughout the cabin, and I'm desperate to get some sleep."

Translation: "Hey, jerks! Shut up and go do your jobs somewhere...quietly."