A flight attendant explains the reasons behind the cabin crew’s practice of sitting on their hands during take-off and landing.
Many passengers have noticed that flight attendants sit on their hands during take-off and landing.
This unusual behavior has sparked curiosity and confusion among travelers.
To clarify this practice, a flight attendant has explained why cabin crew members adopt this position during these critical phases of flight.
Flight attendant clarifies reason they sit on their hands during take-off and landing
Recently, flight attendant Henny Lim shared insights about this unusual posture in a viral TikTok video.
When passengers observe flight attendants buckling into their jump seats and sitting on their hands, it can be puzzling.
However, Henny explained that the bracing position is not random; it serves a vital purpose.
This position involves several specific actions: fastening seatbelts securely, sitting upright, placing hands on thighs with thumbs tucked, and keeping feet flat on the floor.
These actions are designed to prepare the crew for potential emergencies.
The flight attendant reveals the main goal of this practice
The main goal of the bracing position is to minimize movement during critical phases of flight.
By maintaining a rigid posture, flight attendants can reduce the risk of injury if there is an impact.
In the event of a crash landing, the forces exerted can be significant, and being securely positioned helps them withstand these forces better.
During this time, flight attendants also engage in what Lim refers to as a “silent review.
This mental preparation involves familiarizing themselves with emergency equipment, door operations, commands, and visual cues outside the aircraft.
The importance of the bracing position in flight safety
The significance of the bracing position is backed by regulatory authorities, including the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
According to FAA guidelines, this posture reduces uncontrolled limb movement, known as flailing.
It also lowers the risk of secondary impacts during critical flight phases.
Flailing can lead to additional injuries during a crash, so adopting the bracing position helps mitigate this risk.
Moreover, positioning the body, especially the head, against a surface reduces the severity of injuries that might occur during an impact.
Social media users react to the flight attendant’s revelation
Henny Lim’s video explaining why flight attendants sit on their hands quickly gained attention on social media.
Viewers were intrigued by her clear and straightforward explanation of the safety reasons behind this practice.
This is no longer the practice at several North American Airlines. It used to be a practice but not since 2020 or so, one user shared.
To protect their back bone Bcoz in case of RTO( Rejected Take Of) cabin crew sit on their seats with passengers facing, the second user wrote.
It’s no longer practiced among USA airlines, the third user said.
So it will be more difficult to slap the passenger annoying them, another joked.