What to do if your neighbor's feet invade your space on an airplane: advice from an etiquette expert

Many passengers are familiar with the situation when their already limited space on an airplane is invaded by a neighbor's leg or arm. No one wants to start a conflict on board, but the inconvenience often makes tourists react aggressively, which they are not advised to do.

There are more civilized and peaceful ways to hint to a neighbor that he or she has stepped on someone else's turf. Fox News Digital turned to etiquette expert Rosalind Randall for advice, the New York Post reports.

"So you're cozying up in your compact space when you see and perhaps smell an intruder," she said. "You look down and see a foot. Whether it's in socks or barefoot, it's an intrusion."

If you're faced with this situation, Randall recommends first trying to resolve the issue politely, without even using words.

"Carefully place your feet in the designated space, tap lightly on the [invader's] foot, and hope they get the hint," she said.

If that doesn't work, you can move your bag under the seat, using the space allotted to you. Most likely, your neighbor will not kick it or put his or her foot on top of your luggage.

If the problem persists, you should politely explain that you are not comfortable and ask them to remove their foot. Accompany your request with the word "thank you."

If this doesn't help, you shouldn't get into a conflict and spoil your mood. The etiquette expert advised to contact the flight attendants and calmly explain the situation. Crew members are trained to resolve disputes and will try to help.