Why Flight Attendants Sit on Their Hands During Takeoff and Landing
If you’ve ever noticed flight attendants sitting in their jumpseats with their hands placed under their thighs during takeoff and landing, you might wonder why this specific posture is used. It’s not just a quirky habit—it’s a purposeful safety measure known in the aviation industry as the “brace position.”
What Is the Brace Position?
The brace position is designed to minimize injury in the event of a sudden impact or crash. For flight attendants, placing their hands under their thighs and keeping their feet flat on the floor helps:
- Prevent Flailing: Hands under the thighs keep the arms secure and reduce the chance of them flailing during abrupt movements or impact.
- Stabilize the Body: The seated position with hands under thighs helps brace the torso, preventing excessive movement and lowering the risk of injury.
- Protect Limbs: It keeps the elbows tucked in and away from armrests or hard surfaces, reducing the chance of bone fractures or joint dislocations.
- Stay Alert: The position helps flight attendants remain upright and attentive, ready to react immediately in case of an emergency.
