In the world of air travel, flight attendants do much more than serve drinks and snacks—they are highly trained safety professionals, responsible for the well-being of all passengers. Among the many safety protocols they follow, one unusual practice often catches the eye: flight attendants sitting on their hands during takeoff and landing. While it may look odd to the average traveler, there is an important reason behind this procedure.
Image Credit: @_hennylim_ TikTok
Let’s explore the purpose of this practice and how it plays a critical role in ensuring safety during flights.
The Bracing Position Explained by a Flight Attendant
If you’ve ever noticed flight attendants buckling up in their jump seats and adopting a particular posture—sitting on their hands as the plane takes off or prepares to land—you might wonder what they’re doing. In a viral TikTok video, Cebu Pacific flight attendant Henny Lim sheds light on this often-overlooked protocol.
According to Lim, the posture flight attendants take, known as the bracing position, involves several key actions:
- Fastening seatbelts securely
- Sitting upright
- Placing hands on their thighs with thumbs tucked in
- Keeping arms relaxed
- Ensuring their feet are flat on the floor
While this position may seem strange to passengers, it’s designed to serve a crucial purpose, especially in the event of an emergency.
Purpose of the Bracing Position
The main goal of the bracing position is to minimize movement and reduce the risk of injury if a crash or emergency landing occurs. During an impact, bodies can be thrown forward with significant force, leading to dangerous, uncontrolled movements, or flailing, which increases the risk of injury. By sitting on their hands and securing themselves, flight attendants limit their body’s motion and protect their limbs from potential harm.
Additionally, flight attendants use this time to mentally prepare for emergency scenarios. As Lim explains, this involves conducting a “silent review” where they mentally go over safety procedures, emergency exits, equipment, and commands. This mental preparation ensures they can act swiftly and effectively in the event of an emergency, prioritizing passenger safety at all times.
Insights from Regulatory Authorities
The importance of the bracing position is reinforced by aviation safety organizations like the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). According to the FAA, the bracing position serves two main functions during emergencies:
- Reducing flailing: By securing their hands and tucking their arms, flight attendants prevent their limbs from being thrown about, which can result in broken bones or other injuries.
- Minimizing secondary impact injuries: The bracing position allows flight attendants to preposition their bodies in a way that reduces the severity of injuries if the plane makes a sudden stop or crash. By lowering their heads and bracing their arms, they can lessen the blow from an impact with the seat or other hard surfaces.
In essence, this position helps to safeguard the cabin crew so they can assist passengers effectively during and after an emergency.
Flight Attendants’ Perspectives on Safety
Flight attendants like Henny Lim are part of a growing trend of airline professionals using platforms like TikTok and Instagram to share behind-the-scenes insights with travelers. These platforms provide a space to educate the public on safety protocols and reveal the true nature of their jobs, which often involves much more than meets the eye.
Image Credit: @_hennylim_ TikTok
In addition to discussing serious safety measures like the bracing position, flight attendants also share lighter stories and anecdotes. For instance, flight attendant Destanie gained attention for sharing tales of passengers’ wild antics, such as creative attempts to score seat upgrades. While these stories entertain, they also highlight the importance of adhering to airline rules and respecting the professionalism of flight attendants who are there to ensure safety first and foremost.
Challenges and Rewards of the Profession
While passengers may focus on the glamorous or fun aspects of being a flight attendant—like traveling to exotic destinations—the reality is that the job comes with many challenges. Flight attendants face stressful situations, difficult passengers, and long hours, all while maintaining a high level of professionalism.
Flight attendants like Destanie and Esther Sturrus have shared personal stories about the daily hurdles they face, but they also emphasize the rewards of their career. From making lifelong friends to experiencing the world from above, their work offers unique opportunities. However, no matter how challenging the job may be, one thing remains constant: their unwavering commitment to passenger safety.
The Science Behind Sitting on Hands: A Vital Safety Measure
It’s easy to assume that flight attendants sitting on their hands during takeoff and landing is a quirky or minor part of their routine, but as we’ve seen, this practice is deeply rooted in safety science. By securing their hands and assuming the bracing position, cabin crew members are protecting themselves from the dangerous forces that could occur during a sudden impact. This simple yet effective posture allows them to remain in control and ready to assist passengers during critical moments.
Image Credit: @_hennylim_ TikTok
Through the insights of professionals like Henny Lim, passengers are gaining a greater understanding of the many layers of safety preparation that go into each flight. Every small action, from fastening seatbelts to mentally reviewing safety procedures, plays a role in ensuring that passengers and crew members are well-prepared for any situation.
Conclusion: The Critical Role of the Bracing Position
The practice of flight attendants sitting on their hands during takeoff and landing is far more than just a ritual—it’s a crucial safety measure designed to minimize injury and ensure readiness in the event of an emergency. Through the experiences shared by flight attendants like Henny Lim, passengers are beginning to see that the professionalism and dedication of cabin crew extend far beyond offering snacks and drinks.
As travelers, it’s important to recognize the expertise of flight attendants and the vital role they play in keeping everyone safe. The next time you see them bracing themselves in their jump seats, you’ll know that it’s a carefully considered action that helps them stay focused and prepared—so that you can enjoy your flight with peace of mind.
