If you’ve ever taken a flight and paid attention to the cabin crew during takeoff or landing, you might have noticed something peculiar: flight attendants often sit upright in their jump seats, with their hands tucked firmly under their thighs. To many passengers, this might look like a casual habit or a resting pose, but the truth behind this posture is far more serious—and rooted in years of aviation safety training.

This article dives into the real reason behind this routine and why it plays a crucial role in ensuring safety in the skies. More than just a quirky behavior, this seated posture is part of a carefully developed safety protocol that all airline crew members are trained to follow.

Understanding the Safety Procedures During Takeoff and Landing

Takeoff and landing are universally recognized as the two most critical phases of a flight. According to multiple aviation safety reports, the majority of aircraft accidents happen either shortly after takeoff or just before landing. These time frames, while usually smooth and uneventful, present the highest risk for mechanical malfunctions, turbulence, or unforeseen emergencies.

Because of this, airline companies around the world train their crew members to follow specific safety routines to minimize injuries and ensure a rapid response should anything go wrong. One of these routines is the way flight attendants sit—with their hands tucked under their thighs and feet flat on the floor.

This is not just a formal posture; it’s a proven method for preparing the body in case of impact. It’s called the brace position, and it has been developed over decades of research in aviation safety and emergency response.

What Is the Brace Position?

The term “brace position” refers to a specific way of sitting or positioning the body to reduce injury during an aircraft emergency. While passengers are taught a slightly different version of the brace position, flight attendants use a method that allows them to stay secure and protect vital parts of the body while also being ready to act immediately.

For flight attendants, the brace position typically looks like this:

• Sitting upright with the back straight and pressed firmly against the seat.

• Feet flat on the floor, shoulder-width apart.

• Hands tucked securely under the thighs, with palms facing upward.

• Head facing forward or slightly downward, depending on the airline’s specific protocol.

Why Do Flight Attendants Tuck Their Hands Under Their Thighs?

This specific action—tucking the hands beneath the thighs—is more than a matter of comfort. It is designed to prevent injuries during sudden impact or heavy turbulence. If a crash or abrupt movement were to occur, having the hands in this position helps keep them from flying around uncontrollably or getting caught in equipment.

Preventing Arm and Wrist Injuries

If hands are left free during a sudden jolt, they may instinctively move or flail, increasing the risk of hitting nearby surfaces or equipment. By tucking them underneath the thighs, flight attendants effectively pin their arms in place, limiting unnecessary motion and lowering the risk of broken bones, sprains, or more serious injuries.

Readiness to Respond Immediately

The brace position also serves another purpose: readiness. Once the aircraft has completed its takeoff or landing, flight attendants are often the first to stand up and begin assisting passengers—whether that’s offering support during minor turbulence or leading an evacuation during an emergency.

By holding their posture upright with hands in a stable position, flight attendants are both mentally and physically primed to take action the moment it’s needed.

Where Does This Protocol Come From?

The brace position is not something flight attendants invented on their own. It is a part of international aviation safety standards and is taught during training at aviation academies around the world. Organizations like the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the United States and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) have long recognized and promoted the brace position for both crew and passengers.

Every airline includes this safety posture in their standard operating procedures. During recurrent training—often conducted annually—flight attendants practice these positions in simulators and mock emergency drills to keep their muscle memory sharp.

What About Passengers? Do They Brace Differently?

Yes, passengers are advised to use a slightly different version of the brace position, especially during an emergency landing. For example, if the plane is descending rapidly and an impact is expected, flight attendants may instruct passengers to:

• Lean forward with their chest toward their knees.

• Place their hands on the back of the seat in front of them, with their head resting on top of their hands.

• Keep feet flat on the floor and knees together.

This version of the brace position is designed to protect the head, neck, and internal organs by directing the force of impact away from vital areas.

It’s worth noting that not all passengers are given this instruction unless there’s an emergency situation. However, flight attendants are always trained to be in their brace position during takeoff and landing—regardless of whether an emergency is anticipated—because these are statistically the riskiest parts of the flight.

Insights from Aviation Experts and Professionals

Numerous flight attendants and aviation professionals have commented on the importance of the brace position over the years. One notable example is Henny Lim, a flight attendant with Cebu Pacific Airlines, who once explained that keeping the palms facing upward and positioned under the thighs reduces the chance of limbs being injured or broken during sudden force.

Another professional, Anusha Pratima, contributed a detailed explanation on Quora about why this posture is so effective. She emphasized that it’s not just about personal safety—it’s about staying able to perform duties even after an incident occurs.

Flight attendants are trained to be among the calmest and most composed people on board during a crisis. Their ability to stay unharmed increases the chances of helping passengers evacuate or manage other safety procedures efficiently.

The Psychological Impact of the Brace Position

Beyond its physical advantages, the brace position also has psychological benefits. By focusing on a deliberate and practiced movement, flight attendants maintain a heightened state of awareness during these critical flight phases. It keeps their minds alert and engaged, reducing the likelihood of panic or distraction.

For passengers watching this from their seats, seeing a composed and focused flight attendant can also provide reassurance. It signals that the crew is prepared and in control, even when conditions outside the plane may be unpredictable.

Are There Variations Between Airlines?

While the general posture of the brace position is widely accepted, minor variations may exist between airlines based on aircraft models, training programs, or regional aviation authorities.

For example, some airlines may instruct their flight attendants to lean their head slightly forward, while others prefer a more neutral head position. These differences are often based on extensive research done by aviation safety boards and are continuously updated based on the latest findings.

Regardless of the differences, the purpose remains the same: to reduce injury and increase responsiveness.

Myths and Misconceptions

Like many airline safety protocols, the brace position has occasionally been misunderstood by the public. Some online myths even suggest that the brace position is used to prepare the body for death during a crash. These claims are entirely false and unfounded.

Experts have repeatedly clarified that the brace position is scientifically designed to protect the body, not harm it. Decades of crash simulations and real-life emergency data confirm that people who adopt the brace position have a significantly lower risk of severe injury compared to those who don’t.

The Bottom Line: It’s All About Preparedness

At the heart of all flight safety procedures is one guiding principle: preparation saves lives. Flight attendants spend months undergoing training, learning how to manage everything from medical emergencies to emergency evacuations. Sitting with their hands under their thighs during takeoff and landing may seem like a small gesture—but it’s a symbol of everything they’ve learned and trained for.

This quiet posture tells a powerful story of professionalism, discipline, and care. It’s a reminder that even when passengers are settling in to watch a movie or read a book, there are trained professionals working to keep everyone safe behind the scenes.

Next Time You Fly, Take Notice

The next time you’re seated on a plane and glance toward the front or rear cabin crew seats, pay attention. If you see a flight attendant upright, focused, and with hands tucked safely beneath their legs, you’re witnessing a part of aviation safety protocol in action.

It’s not just a habit. It’s not about comfort. It’s about safety, preparedness, and a deep responsibility to protect lives in the air.