Flight Attendant Reveals Why Crew Members Keep Their Hands Under Their Thighs During Takeoff and Landing

If you’ve ever glanced toward the front of the cabin during landing and noticed flight attendants sitting upright, hands tucked under their thighs, you may have wondered:

Why are they doing that ?

It turns out, this seemingly odd posture isn’t about nerves or boredom — it’s a critical safety measure known as the bracing position , used by cabin crew worldwide to protect themselves in case of an emergency.

Henny Lim, a flight attendant with Cebu Pacific, recently took to TikTok to explain this practice — and her video has gone viral, sparking curiosity among frequent flyers and first-time passengers alike.

Let’s uncover what this position really means, why it’s so important, and how it helps keep both crew and passengers safe.

✈️ What Is the Bracing Position?

The bracing position is a standardized posture adopted by cabin crew just before takeoff and landing — the most critical phases of any flight.

As explained by Henny Lim:

• Fasten seatbelt securely
• Sit upright with feet flat on the floor
• Tuck hands under thighs (or place them on the tops of legs)
• Keep thumbs tucked in and arms loose — not gripping anything

This posture is more than just a routine — it’s a protective stance designed to minimize injury in the event of sudden impact or turbulence.

🧠 The Unexpected Reason Behind This Practice

While passengers are often told to “brace” during emergency drills, the crew’s version is less visible but just as vital.

By keeping their hands tucked under their thighs or arms close to the body , flight attendants avoid flailing during sudden movement or hard landings.

Why is this important?

• In the event of a crash or severe turbulence, unsecured limbs can cause serious injury.
• Keeping hands in a neutral position reduces the chance of instinctively reaching for something — like a tray table or armrest — which could lead to broken bones or sprains.
• It keeps the body compact and ready to respond quickly if needed.

🛫 What Else Are Flight Attendants Doing During Takeoff and Landing?

Beyond physical positioning, cabin crew also engage in a mental ritual known as the silent review — a quiet moment where they mentally prepare for potential emergencies.

During this time, they think through:

• The location of all emergency equipment
• The condition of each exit row
• Any unusual passenger behavior or seating issues
• Procedures for rapid evacuation if needed

This silent preparation ensures they’re alert, focused, and ready to act — even in the rarest of worst-case scenarios.

🔍 What Passengers Can Learn From This

While passengers aren’t expected to sit exactly like cabin crew, there are still ways to adopt safer postures during takeoff and landing , when most in-flight injuries occur.

Tips for Safer Air Travel:

• Keep your seatback upright and tray table stowed
• Ensure your seatbelt is fastened low and tight across the hips
• Keep feet flat on the floor and facing forward
• Avoid bulky headphones or sharp objects in your lap

Following these steps can significantly reduce injury risk during unexpected turbulence or abrupt stops.

📜 What Does the FAA Say About This?

According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) , the bracing position is essential for both crew and passengers in reducing the risk of injury during sudden deceleration or impact.

Their guidelines state:

• Reduced flailing leads to fewer head and limb injuries
• Proper posture improves survival rates in emergency situations
• The position allows crew members to remain alert and ready to assist others immediately after impact

In short: the bracing position isn’t just protocol — it’s based on real-world data from past incidents.

🗣️ Other Flight Attendants Share Insights Too

Henny Lim isn’t the only one educating the public.

Flight attendants like Esther Sturrus , who has over 223,800 followers on social media, regularly shares tips on:

• How to be a courteous traveler
• Ways to stay fresh during long flights
• What crew members do behind the scenes to ensure safety

She describes the best passengers as those who are:

• Polite and respectful
• Willing to follow instructions
• Engaged in safety briefings and attentive during critical phases of flight

Her message? Safety starts with awareness — and it works best when everyone plays a part.

🧳 Final Thoughts: Safety Isn’t Just for the Crew — It’s for You Too

Next time you fly, pay attention to what the crew is doing — especially during takeoff and landing. That subtle hand-under-the-thighs move isn’t random. It’s a well-practiced technique rooted in safety science.

And while most flights go off without a hitch, being prepared — even in small ways — can make all the difference.

So next time you’re settling into your seat and hear the familiar chime of seatbelt signs going off…

Take a moment to brace yourself too.

Because the safest passengers are the ones who know what to expect — and how to react when things don’t go as planned.