Intriguing Reasons Why Flight Attendants Sit on their Hands

You noticed some flight attendants sit on their hands during takeoff and landing. Although this isn’t universal across all airlines—some simply instruct flight attendants to rest their hands on their laps—many airlines require the crew to tuck their hands beneath their thighs. While this may appear odd to passengers, it serves a crucial purpose as part of a comprehensive safety protocol. This practice is not merely a quirky habit; it is a vital safety measure aimed at preparing cabin crew for emergencies. Here’s a more detailed explanation of why flight attendants sit on their hands, incase you might be wondering.

Understanding why Flight Attendants Sit on their Hands

Takeoff and landing are the most critical phases of a flight and during these phases, they assume what is known as the brace position, which has flight attendants sit on their hands. That’s also because most air accidents happen during these two phases. This position is deeply rooted in safety procedures and principles of human biomechanics. It is designed to help cabin crew prepare for potential emergencies by minimizing the risk of injury should turbulence or sudden impacts occur.

When seated, flight attendants sit on their hands with their palms facing up, thumbs tucked in, and arms relaxed. They fasten their seat belts securely while sitting upright with their feet flat on the floor. This posture constitutes the brace position, which is intended to maintain a stable and rigid body outline. Flight attendants sit on their hands to prevent their arms from moving freely during unexpected movements or impacts, thereby reducing body movement. This stabilization is essential for minimizing the chance of injury in the event of an unplanned emergency during these critical flight phases.

The body’s natural reflexes can cause involuntary movements, such as flailing limbs, during rapid deceleration or turbulence. By adopting the brace position and sitting on their hands, flight attendants are able to stabilize their upper bodies and minimize these reflexive reactions. This position effectively lowers the center of gravity, enhancing balance and support, and reinforcing the body’s resistance to sudden forces. The ultimate goal of assuming the brace position is to maintain body rigidity, which helps protect vital areas during an impact. This is why flight attendants sit on their hands, it is to assume the brace position.

In addition to the standard brace position, flight attendants may adopt various modifications based on their jump seat orientation and the specific type of aircraft. For instance, if their seat faces away from the cockpit, towards the back of the plane, they will tilt their heads slightly up and back against the headrest to provide added support. In contrast, when their seat faces the cockpit, they will lower their heads and gently tuck their chins, as though bowing. These adjustments in the brace position are crucial for protecting the neck and spine during potential impacts.

Flight Attendants Don’t Only Sit on their Hands

During takeoff and landing, cabin crew members do more than just remain seated; they also mentally review emergency procedures in case an incident occurs. They concentrate on the situation by observing the cabin and watching out of any window for anything unusual. They also listen for any strange sounds. This heightened awareness is why you cannot talk to the cabin crew during these phases; their senses are fully engaged and focused on ensuring safety. In the event of an emergency, they are prepared to act immediately.

Most air accidents occur during the initial phases of take-off and landing, making it critical for crew members to be in a state of readiness. By adopting this brace position, cabin crew members are ensuring they are primed to perform a safe and efficient evacuation—should the need arise—thereby enhancing the overall safety of the flight. This explains why some airlines mandate their flight attendants to sit on their hands during takeoff and landing.