There is no specific universal etiquette dictating how far away you should sleep from other passengers on a flight. However, there are some unwritten rules and common considerations that many travelers follow to ensure a comfortable and respectful experience for everyone onboard:
Use your allocated space: Respect the boundaries of your own seat and avoid spilling into the personal space of the passengers seated next to you. Keep your belongings in your designated area.
Recline your seat thoughtfully: If you have the option to recline your seat, do so gradually and be mindful of the person behind you. If you want to recline, it's considerate to turn around and let them know beforehand, especially during meal service or if they have a laptop open.
Consider the time: If it's a long-haul flight and the cabin lights are dimmed for rest, it's generally expected that passengers try to rest as well. If you prefer to stay awake, keep activities that might disturb others to a minimum.
Be mindful of noise: If you're wearing headphones or watching a movie, make sure the volume is at a level that doesn't disturb those around you. Avoid loud conversations or noises that could disrupt others' rest.
Respect armrests: On shared armrests between seats, the common etiquette is to allow the middle seat passenger to use both armrests. The window and aisle passengers should use the armrests on their respective sides.
Communicate with courtesy: If you need to get up during the flight, try to avoid climbing over your seatmates. Instead, politely ask them to move or let them know you need to get up, especially if they're sleeping.
Personal hygiene: Be mindful of your own personal hygiene and avoid actions that might disturb others, such as taking off your shoes or engaging in activities with strong odors.
Use the lavatory thoughtfully: If you are sitting by the window and need to use the restroom, try to minimize the number of times you have to disturb others by going when your seatmates are already up or during a natural break in the cabin service.
Remember that everyone's comfort is important, and showing consideration for fellow passengers can make the flight more enjoyable for everyone. While there are no strict rules regarding sleeping distance, being respectful and considerate of others' personal space and comfort is always appreciated.