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
Private yacht sailing across turquoise Mediterranean waters

New €88,000 Tour Retraces Homer’s Odyssey

Jul 24, 2026 04:29 AM
Close-up portrait of a grey wolf

Wolf Sightings Prompt Tourist Advice in Denmark

Jul 24, 2026 04:16 AM

French Beach Town Targets Late-Night Drinking

Jul 24, 2026 04:03 AM

More Direct Winter Flights Take Off From Berlin

Jul 24, 2026 03:57 AM
ScotRail train waiting at a station platform

ScotRail Adds Late Trains for Edinburgh Festival Nights

Jul 24, 2026 03:44 AM
Air France Paris Stopover promotional graphic

Long Paris Layovers Can Now Include a City Break

Jul 23, 2026 23:51 PM
Clouds viewed through an aircraft window

US Lawmakers Push Permanent Ban on In-Flight Calls

Jul 23, 2026 23:48 PM
Amasya riverside houses beneath ancient rock tombs

Turkey Passport Rule Could Stop Brits at the Gate

Jul 23, 2026 23:35 PM
Air France passenger aircraft in flight

Air France Cancels Flights to Dubai, Riyadh and Beirut

Jul 23, 2026 23:22 PM

Glasgow Gets a Direct Route to Spain’s Food Capital

Jul 23, 2026 23:19 PM

Győr Gets a One-Hour Link to Bratislava Airport

Jul 23, 2026 23:06 PM
Two hikers walking towards snowy mountains

This New European Trail Is Ten Everests High

Jul 23, 2026 22:53 PM
Two giant pandas eating bamboo

Pandas Lead Travellers’ Wildlife Wish Lists

Jul 23, 2026 22:47 PM
WestJet aircraft flying over snowy mountains

WestJet’s Winter Map Adds Five New Sun Routes

Jul 23, 2026 22:34 PM
Bauhaus-inspired room at the Leipzig hotel

A Bauhaus-Inspired Hotel Opens Beside Leipzig Station

Jul 23, 2026 22:21 PM

Belfast Opens a UK-First Car Park for Blue Badge Holders

Jul 23, 2026 22:18 PM

Jet2 Brings La Rochelle Within Direct Reach

Jul 22, 2026 23:15 PM
Tower of London beside the River Thames

Tower of London Plans £70m Visitor Upgrade

Jul 21, 2026 22:02 PM
Passenger looking through a European train window

Europe by Train: Which Rail Pass Do You Need?

Jul 21, 2026 21:59 PM
Cruise boats beside Budapest’s Buda riverfront

Low Danube Levels Disrupt Summer River Cruises

Jul 21, 2026 21:46 PM
Representatives beside a Loganair-branded ALIA CX300

Loganair Targets 2029 for Electric Flights

Jul 21, 2026 21:33 PM
Officials beside a China Eastern Airbus A350

Shanghai Becomes Dublin’s Longest Non-Stop

Jul 21, 2026 21:27 PM

Stansted Names Five Alternatives to Europe’s Summer Hotspots

Jul 20, 2026 23:54 PM

Amalfi Coast Coach Ban Puts Ravello Trips in Doubt

Jul 20, 2026 23:41 PM
Cefalù beach with striped umbrellas and historic seaside town in Italy

Europe’s Beach Rules Could Cost You This Summer

Jul 20, 2026 23:38 PM
Frankfurt skyline across the River Mai

Vienna and Frankfurt Get Easier from Cluj

Jul 20, 2026 03:05 AM