If you’ve ever flown on a commercial airline, you’ve probably noticed that the cabin crew follows a strict routine during takeoff and landing. They check seatbelts, ensure seats are upright, and secure the cabin. But one detail often goes unnoticed by most passengers: once the cabin is ready, flight attendants buckle themselves into their jump seats and… sit on their hands.
It may look unusual, but this isn’t a quirky habit. It’s actually a crucial safety procedure.
The “Bracing Position” Explained
Henny Lim, a flight attendant with Cebu Pacific, recently shared this fact in a TikTok video that quickly caught the attention of curious passengers. She explained that the posture—known as the bracing position—is designed to reduce injuries and prepare cabin crew for emergencies.
The position involves several deliberate steps:
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Seatbelt fastened tightly to keep the body secured.
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Sitting upright with the back straight against the seat.
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Hands tucked under thighs with thumbs placed inside the palms.
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Arms relaxed but secure at the sides.
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Feet flat on the floor to provide balance.
At first glance, it may seem uncomfortable, but every detail has a purpose.
Why Flight Attendants Brace
According to Lim, this posture is not only about keeping the crew safe in case of turbulence or an impact—it’s also about minimizing unnecessary movement. By sitting on their hands with arms and thumbs secured, flight attendants reduce the risk of flailing or suffering secondary injuries if the aircraft were to come to a sudden stop.
The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirms that the bracing position serves two main purposes:
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Reducing flailing – keeping limbs from being thrown around violently.
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Reducing secondary impact – lowering the risk of the body striking hard surfaces.
For crew members, who are responsible for passengers’ safety, remaining physically protected and alert is essential.
The “Silent Review”
Another interesting detail that Lim revealed is what flight attendants are doing mentally during this time. It’s called the silent review—a mental checklist that prepares them for emergencies.
During the silent review, crew members:
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Recall where emergency equipment is stored nearby.
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Review how to operate the doors and emergency exits.
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Go over the commands they would give to passengers.
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Observe conditions outside the aircraft for any hazards.
This means that while they may appear calm and still, flight attendants are actually preparing themselves for rapid action in the event of an emergency.
Educating Passengers Through Social Media
Lim isn’t the only flight attendant using social media to share behind-the-scenes knowledge. Many crew members have taken to platforms like TikTok and Instagram to offer both safety insights and travel tips.
For example, Esther Sturrus, another flight attendant, has gone viral for her practical advice. She often posts about the qualities of “perfect passengers,” emphasizing that being polite, friendly, and courteous goes a long way in making flights smoother for everyone. She also shares travel hacks, such as how to keep clothes smelling fresh during long journeys.
These posts do more than entertain—they help demystify airline procedures and remind passengers that much of what flight attendants do is designed with safety in mind.
The Bigger Picture
For passengers, buckling up during takeoff and landing may feel routine, but for flight attendants, these moments are the most critical phases of a flight. The bracing position ensures they remain physically safe while also mentally prepared to assist passengers should an emergency arise.
So the next time you glance at a flight attendant sitting calmly on their hands before takeoff or landing, remember: they’re not just resting. They’re protecting themselves, staying focused, and preparing to keep everyone on board safe.
Bottom line: What looks like a small gesture—sitting on their hands—is actually a life-saving procedure rooted in training, discipline, and passenger safety.
