Have you ever observed flight attendants calmly sitting with their hands placed under their thighs during takeoff and landing and wondered why? It’s a common sight on airplanes, and it’s not just a comfortable posture. This intentional practice, known as the “bracing position,” is a crucial safety measure designed to protect flight attendants in case of unexpected turbulence or emergency situations.
According to Henny Lim, a flight attendant with Cebu Pacific, this specific posture is far from casual. In a viral TikTok video, she demonstrated and explained that sitting on their hands is a deliberate technique known as the bracing position. This involves being securely fastened into their jump seats, sitting upright, placing their hands palms-up underneath their thighs with thumbs tucked in, and keeping their feet flat on the floor.
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Flight attendants adopt the bracing position with hands under thighs during critical phases of flight for passenger safety.
The primary objective of this bracing position is to immobilize the body. Lim explains, “The aim is to keep the body in a rigid pose, so that if there was any impact from an unplanned emergency, the body is damaged less. This keeps body movement restricted so that there is less chance of injury if there was an impact.” By limiting the mobility of their arms and hands, flight attendants minimize the risk of flailing and potential injuries to themselves during sudden, unexpected movements during takeoff or landing, which are statistically the most critical phases of flight.
Beyond the physical bracing, sitting on their hands is also part of a broader safety protocol. During these critical moments of takeoff and landing, flight attendants engage in what is called a “silent review.” This mental preparation is crucial for ensuring they are ready to respond effectively in an emergency.
Lim further elaborated that the silent review “prepares [us] for an emergency situation [during] every takeoff and landing.” This involves a mental checklist encompassing the location of emergency equipment, operation of doors, emergency commands to passengers, and assessing any visual cues outside the aircraft that might indicate potential issues.
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Silent review procedures are performed by cabin crew during takeoff and landing to prepare for potential emergencies.
This practice is not just anecdotal; it’s a recommended procedure within the aviation industry. Aircraft manufacturer Airbus, in its safety guidelines, advocates for all cabin crew members to perform these silent reviews before each takeoff and landing. Airbus safety documents state, “The silent review (or 30-second review) is recommended for cabin crew to mentally recall the key aspects of the emergency evacuation procedure while they are seated at their station before each takeoff and landing, and decreases the risk of distraction.” This proactive mental preparation helps cabin crew remain focused and reduces the “startle effect” in a real emergency situation, enabling quicker and more effective responses.
Hilary Clark, Director of In-flight Services at Planet 9, a private jet company, reinforced this in a statement to Travel + Leisure, affirming that the hands-on-thighs position is indeed a “safety position.” She explained, “The reason for this safety position is if an emergency were to occur on takeoff or landing, their head, hands, and arms are already in a slight brace position.”
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Flight safety protocols, including the bracing position and silent review, are essential for ensuring passenger well-being on commercial flights.
Clark also mentioned that the specific head position of flight attendants during takeoff and landing also varies depending on their jump seat location and the aircraft type, further highlighting the detailed safety procedures they follow. Whether tilting their head back or tucking their chin, these nuances are all part of ensuring optimal safety and preparedness.
In conclusion, the seemingly simple act of flight attendants sitting on their hands during takeoff and landing is a carefully considered safety procedure. It’s a combination of physical bracing to minimize injury during sudden movements and mental preparation through silent review to ensure they are ready to manage any emergency effectively. This practice underscores the commitment of flight attendants to passenger safety and their crucial role in ensuring a secure flight experience.
