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
Passenger aircraft approaching a snowy mountain airport

Winter Trips Can Fail Before Take-off

Feb 11, 2026 10:43 AM
Air France widebody aircraft approaching landing

Paris–New York Gets Busier in Summer 2026

Feb 11, 2026 10:37 AM

WestJet Adds New Domestic Links as Summer 2026 Network Grows

Feb 11, 2026 10:24 AM

Spain’s Rail Strike Ends Early as Services Resume Nationwide

Feb 11, 2026 10:11 AM
Crowd dancing at an outdoor daytime music event

Zurich Airport Becomes a Dancefloor

Feb 10, 2026 08:08 AM
Widebody aircraft positioned on the apron at Lisbon Airport terminal

Lisbon’s New Airport Project Moves Forward After Decades

Feb 10, 2026 07:55 AM
Coastal view of Antalya on the Turkish Riviera

Berlin–Antalya Flights Return With a Valentine’s Giveaway

Feb 10, 2026 07:42 AM
Wizz Air aircraft operating a short-haul European flight

Katowice Gets a New Adriatic Link for Summer

Feb 9, 2026 22:59 PM
Emirates aircraft operating long-haul routes

Why Families Keep Booking Emirates Economy

Feb 9, 2026 22:46 PM

Condor Adds a Winter Detour to Southern China

Feb 9, 2026 22:33 PM

EU border checks go digital with new travel app

Feb 8, 2026 17:27 PM
Aer Lingus Airbus A320 on the runway

Aer Lingus tightens ID rules on UK flights

Feb 8, 2026 17:04 PM
Air Transat Airbus A330 approaching for landing

Direct Canada–Rio flights land this winter

Feb 8, 2026 16:51 PM
easyJet aircraft on the runway

EasyJet maps out winter sun winners for 2026

Feb 7, 2026 12:28 PM
LOT Polish Airlines Boeing 737 MAX 8 taking off

Gdańsk–Kraków flights return for summer 2026

Feb 7, 2026 12:15 PM

Emirates Adds Second Daily Narita Flight from May 2026

Feb 7, 2026 12:02 PM

Cape Verde Travel Linked to Reported Infection Cases

Feb 7, 2026 11:49 AM
Aerial view of Brazilian coastline and city

TAP Adds São Luis to Brazil Network with New Lisbon Route

Feb 7, 2026 11:26 AM
Icelandair aircraft parked at the gate

Icelandair Picks Gdańsk for First Polish Route

Feb 6, 2026 02:53 AM
European Union flags flying outside EU institutions

EU Confirms €20 ETIAS Charge for Visa-Free Travellers

Feb 6, 2026 02:47 AM
 LNER Azuma train at York station

New LNER Trains Put Comfort and Small Extras First

Feb 6, 2026 02:34 AM
British Airways aircraft seen from terminal seating area

UK Airport Drop-Off Charges Keep Climbing

Feb 6, 2026 02:21 AM

Salzburg Airport Introduces Austria’s First Electric PRM Boarding Lift

Feb 5, 2026 03:04 AM

KLM Gradually Restores Middle East Flights

Feb 4, 2026 16:59 PM
Beach and turquoise sea on Turkey’s Riviera

Antalya Joins Ostrava’s Summer Schedule

Feb 4, 2026 15:42 PM
Coastline and bay in southern Brazil

More Seats Added on TAP’s Southern Brazil Routes

Feb 4, 2026 15:25 PM