Why do flight attendants sit on their hands during takeoff and landing: the reason is simple

By TravelWiseDec 8, 2023 08:24 AMNews
Share:
Why do flight attendants sit on their hands during takeoff and landing: the reason is simple
Flight attendant. Source: Pinterest

Usually, during a flight, you can relax and do various things: watch movies, listen to music, or read a book. But have you ever noticed what flight attendants do during takeoff and landing? At first glance, it may seem strange, but TravelWise will tell you why.

In her TikTok, a girl named Henny reveals the secret. She works as a flight attendant and makes short videos about her life and work.

 

A habit or necessity?

Crew members sit on the sliding seats - these are folding chairs in the front - with their arms folded. You might think it's just a habit of a few employees, but it turns out that all flight attendants have to do it.

The reason is very simple - safety during takeoff. In the video, she showed two flight attendants walking around the cabin and then sitting in a reclining seat, strapped in with their seat belts and hands under their hips.

The girl explains:

"This is called the 'brace position.' It involves fastening the seat belts securely and sitting upright, with palms up and thumbs together. Arms are open, and feet are on the floor. The goal is to keep the body in a rigid posture so that if any impact occurs due to an unplanned emergency, the body will suffer less damage. This restricts movement and reduces the likelihood of injury."

Why do flight attendants sit on their hands during takeoff and landing: the reason is simple
Position of flight attendants during takeoff and landing. Source: Tik Tok @_hennylim

Flight attendants are supposed to help passengers in case of an emergency, so it's important to keep your hands and feet free during the flight.

So, if you see your flight attendant sliding her hands under her feet, know that she's not being weird but following safety rules. You can sit in the same position to protect yourself in case of a dangerous situation.

Top Articles
Top 10 reasons for flight cancelation by airlines: a clear algorithm of actions to get compensation

Top 10 reasons for flight cancelation by airlines: a clear algorithm of actions to get compensation

Oct 16, 2025 16:22 PM
Smartphone with eSIM logo surrounded by travel essentials like flowers, map, camera, and sunglasses

Where to Buy eSIM at the Best Price: A Full Review of Tariffs and Options

Aug 8, 2025 10:54 AM

No More SIM Swaps: The eSIM Travel Solution You’ll Actually Use

Aug 4, 2025 16:51 PM

Not Just a Suitcase: My Personal Checklist for Smart Travelers in 2025

Mar 3, 2025 18:00 PM
More News
LNER First Class Lounge sign on patterned wall

King’s Cross First Class Lounge Reopens After Upgrade

Mar 29, 2026 00:27 AM
FlixBus coach stopped on city street near bus stop

New £5 Coach Routes Launch Before Easter

Mar 29, 2026 00:14 AM

Cyprus Warns Travellers Over Middle East Trips

Mar 28, 2026 23:41 PM

Manchester Adds Direct Routes To Major Golf Locations

Mar 28, 2026 23:39 PM
Yerevan skyline with Mount Ararat in background

Eindhoven Gains Direct Route To Yerevan

Mar 28, 2026 23:25 PM
Boats anchored off Sicily rocky coastline

Leipzig And Dresden Add Summer Flights Across Europe

Mar 28, 2026 11:23 AM
United Airlines aircraft flying in clear sky

Economy Beds Without Business Class Prices

Mar 27, 2026 22:08 PM
Rocky Mediterranean cove with clear turquoise water

Gdańsk Expands Summer Map With Over 190 Routes

Mar 27, 2026 21:56 PM
Airport security and passport control area

Biometric Checks Cause Long Queues At Spanish Airports

Mar 27, 2026 01:42 AM

Europe Gains More Premium Links To The Maldives

Mar 27, 2026 01:37 AM

Jet2 Adds Thassos to Birmingham Summer 2027 Programme

Mar 27, 2026 01:24 AM
Wizz Air aircraft approaching runway

Wizz Air Expands App-Based Ordering Across Its Fleet

Mar 26, 2026 21:21 PM
Sand dunes and beach in Fuerteventura at sunset

FMO Adds Fuerteventura and Rhodes to Summer Flights

Mar 26, 2026 21:19 PM
Colourful giveaway sign against blue sky

London Southend Ties Giveaway To Summer Routes

Mar 26, 2026 21:05 PM
Small electric aircraft on airport runway

Electric Air Taxis Move Closer To Real Airport Use

Mar 26, 2026 20:53 PM

Four Seasons Expands Travel Options With First Yacht

Mar 25, 2026 23:28 PM

Quantum Navigation Trial Begins on Britain’s Railway Network

Mar 25, 2026 23:06 PM
Modern premium hotel room with minimalist design

Minor Hotels Launches Colbert Collection With First Opening in Italy

Mar 25, 2026 22:52 PM
airBaltic Airbus A220-300 aircraft on snowy runway

airBaltic Adds Winter Routes Linking Ski Resorts and Canary Islands

Mar 25, 2026 22:47 PM
Child meeting Father Christmas

LaplandUK Expands Festive Experience Ahead of 2026 Ticket Release

Mar 25, 2026 22:34 PM
Woman looking at Angkor Wat temple in Asia

Fuel Limits and Shorter Hours Affect Travel Beyond Middle East

Mar 25, 2026 11:41 AM
Busy airport terminal with passengers walking to departure gates

Easter Holiday Travel Picks Up at Bristol Airport

Mar 25, 2026 11:39 AM

New Halifax–Copenhagen Route Expands Scandinavia–Canada Connections

Mar 25, 2026 11:25 AM

Hahn Adds Rabat and Eastern Europe Routes for Summer 2026

Mar 25, 2026 00:23 AM
Ferry sailing along Norwegian fjord mountains

Newcastle–Bergen Ferry Could Return After 18 Years

Mar 25, 2026 00:18 AM
Cruise ship sailing at sunset on open sea

Hydrogen Cruise Ship Set for First Sailings in 2026

Mar 24, 2026 22:56 PM