Detailed Explanation why the Cabin Crew Sit on their Hands

In a previous post, I shared the reason why cabin crew members sit on their hands while in their jumpseats during take-off and landing. While not all airlines follow this practice—some simply require flight attendants to place their hands on their lap—there are many that ask them to tuck their hands under their thighs. Although it may look unusual, this position is part of a broader safety protocol. It isn’t just about sitting on their hands, but rather a safety measure. Here’s a more detailed explanation of why cabin crew members sit on their hands.

Flight attendants often sit on their hands in the brace position during take-off and landing, a practice rooted in safety procedures and human biomechanics. This safety measure helps flight attendants prepare for potential emergencies and reduces the risk of injury.

Keeping the Body in a Rigid Pose

The cabin crew sit on their hands—palms up, thumbs tucked, and arms loose—while fastening their seat belts securely, sitting upright, and placing their feet flat on the floor. This posture is part of the brace position, designed to keep the body in a rigid pose. Sitting on hands prevents their arms from flailing during sudden movements or impacts. This safety position reduces body movement, decreasing the chance of injury if there is an unplanned emergency during take-off or landing.

The human body’s natural reflexes can cause involuntary movements during rapid deceleration or turbulence. Sitting on hands in the brace position stabilizes the upper body and minimizes these reactions. This position lowers the center of gravity and provides better balance and support. The brace position aims to keep the body rigid so that, in the event of an impact, the body sustains less damage. Cabin crew members sitting on their hands is a safety position that ensures their head, hands, and arms are already in a slight brace position, ready to withstand sudden forces.

Extra Safety Measures

Flight attendants use other positions during take-off and landing, depending on the jump seat position, location, and aircraft type. If their seat faces away from the pilots toward the aft of the aircraft, they place their head slightly up and back on the headrest. If their seat faces the pilots toward the forward of the aircraft, they place their head down and slightly tuck their chin as if bowing. These variations of the brace position help protect the neck and spine during potential impacts.

So if you see flight attendants sitting on their hands during take-off and landing, it’s not because they are cold. They are actually in a brace position. It’s important to remember that most air accidents occur during the first and last few minutes of take-off and landing. This position ensures that the cabin crew is ready to perform a safe and quick evacuation in case of an emergency.