This topic is not specific to United, so I'll move it to TravelBuzz!

Thanks,

FlyinHawaiian, Co-Moderator
United Mileage Plus Forum

When a FA is thinking to wake up the passengers, I would let the FA doing this.

If a passenger does not want to be awaken, then s/he should notify the flight attendant in advance....

The only way I would intercede would be if the passenger specifically told me to stop the FA before they fell asleep.

Another vote for not interfering unless asked otherwise. By making the decision based on what you would like (wake/not wake) you risk the chance of having the stranger next to you furious because he/she was hungry/thirsty and didn't get anything.

I once saw a pax wearing a sticky Post-It note that said "WILL WAKE FOR FOOD" Made me think of the homeless people with "will work for food" signs.

Why would anyone feel the need to take on responsibility for a stranger without even knowing if the stranger wants them to? If a seatmate asked to have the FA wake them or, or not wake them up, I'd be happy to comply. If they don't say anything one way or another, then I allow nature to take its course. I would never presume to make the choice for them on whether they might want to be awakened or not as psychic abilities are not one of my strong points.

For me, when flying alone I tend to leave things to random chance and 99 percent of the time the FA does not wake me up. With hubby on a long haul, he gives this disclaimer: "YOU can try if you want, but I sure as heck ain't gonna do it!" (I am not a pleasant sort when stirred from a sound sleep.)

As one who's always sitting towards the back of the plane, if I'm sitting next to someone who's traveling alone and is sleeping during cabin service, I usually make sure they get something. If they wake up and want the cup of water or snack box that I got for them, great. If not, more for me.

I usually fall asleep on planes without trying and I've woken up thirsty and hungry with the person sitting next to me munching away when it wouldn't have disturbed me to have lowered my tray and put food and drink there until I woke up. If you are the person who was sitting in seat 23J on Finnair 5 on March 12, please take note of this.

I let the FA make that call.

As for me, I inform the FA beforehand if I want them to wake me up. Sometimes sleep is more important than food

Had a frustrating experience myself just recently in C on a SQ flight to SYD. After many attempts to get the AVOD working, all of which failed, the next best idea was to try get some shut eye (which I can never usually do on a flight anyway but the attempt was a novel idea). Next thing I know, im deep asleep and feel a "tap tap tap" on the shoulder by a (very pretty) SQ FA wondering if I wanted a drink? (...and Skybeds fully extended make you feel like your on the floor, so she went out of her way on this one). This was the same FA that tried to assist in the AVOD drama, and it was the same FA that I mentioned I would try get some sleep instead. Unfortunately, sleep was not an option, as countless efforts to nod off again failed miserably. If it wasn't for her innocent charm and batting eyelids, I probably would have said something.

Moral of the story, I think FA's should use common sense and not wake up PAX especially in the premium cabins. I however would not jump to the aid of a sleeping passenger as their circumstances are none of my business. That said, I believe FA's need to make better calls as to whether to wake someone up or not, such calls are not the responsibility of fellow pax.

Recently, on a very long last flight of several, after having been awake for (yes) 48 hours (lots of it in pain due to a fall), I finally fell asleep on the plane. First time ever in my life I was able to do that.
Had told my husband I brought my water with me (don't drink anything they give me usually) in case of thirst. He knew I'd had a terrible 48 hours, and never could sleep on the plane. The FA does not awaken me; but HE leans over (amost always in across aisle seats) and shakes me awake to see if I want a Coke or whatever. Never got back to sleep. He, of course, did. As always.

If I EVER go anywhere with him again, seeing as how I make the arrangements, he will be in row 33+, in a middle seat. Preferable the last one, that doesn't recline. With a baby with an ear infection, someone very large, and/or smelly. I will spend whatever it takes to not be in the same cabin.

I would have added a smiley face icon to that, but having thought about it, I'm still pissed.

As I recently was cleaning out "stuff" at home, I found several of these stickers in my airline memorabilia. From what I remember, LH offered them in F back in the 60s and 70s. Not sure what other airlines.

No, I don't think it's okay to wake a sleeping pax. I don't like it when the FAs do it to me, and I definitely wouldn't want another pax waking me up (unless I'm blocking his/her access to the aisle/lav/whatever. I prefer aisle seats, but if I'm intent on getting some shut-eye, I'll take the window and hope to be left alone. If I want a drink or anything else, I'll press the call button and ask.

I have found that if a pax is sleeping, that is more important to them than a drink. If they are thirsty, they will wake up and let us know. Better to leave it up to the individual.

I hate being woken up, unless I've asked to.

Not always possible. Yes I'm the one who manages to fall asleep as we push back from the gate (sometimes).