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
Wizz Air aircraft in flight

Wizz Air Pushes Six Abu Dhabi Routes Back to January

Oct 5, 2026 23:35 PM
Greek flag beside rough sea in Crete

Crete Floods Force Hotel Evacuations as Recovery Begins

Oct 5, 2026 23:22 PM

Salzburg Adds Three Cultural Stops Beyond Mozart

Oct 4, 2026 23:47 PM

Oceania Highlights 17 Mediterranean Winter Cruises for 2027/28

Oct 4, 2026 23:34 PM
Tempo by Hilton Munich Airport Arena bar interior

Hilton Plans 199-Room Hotel Beside Munich’s New Arena

Oct 4, 2026 23:21 PM
Camel resting on a sandy beach

Bratislava Expands Africa Network to Five Countries

Oct 4, 2026 23:19 PM
Hikers walking along Turkey’s south-west coast

SunExpress Adds Direct Leipzig–Dalaman Flights

Oct 4, 2026 22:26 PM
Jet2holidays aircraft flying over snowy mountains

Jet2 Releases 82 Winter City Routes for 2027/28

Oct 4, 2026 21:53 PM
Passengers seated inside an aircraft cabin

UK Moves to Scrap Family Seating and Name-Change Fees

Oct 4, 2026 21:48 PM

Flydubai Axe Attack Leaves Tel Aviv Route Suspended

Oct 4, 2026 21:35 PM

New 50ml Vape Limit Could Catch Travellers Out

Oct 3, 2026 22:52 PM
Brown dog resting on a pebble beach

UK Beaches Reopen to Dogs After Summer Bans

Oct 3, 2026 22:47 PM
Helsinki waterfront with cathedral and Ferris wheel

Helsinki Lands a New Daily Dubai Connection

Oct 2, 2026 23:24 PM
Palm-lined beach on Kenya’s Indian Ocean coast

Bratislava Gets First Direct Charter to Kenya

Oct 2, 2026 23:11 PM
Deer crossing a forest road

Deer Crash Risk Peaks on UK Roads This Autumn

Oct 1, 2026 22:29 PM

SNCF Opens Christmas Bookings for France and Europe

Oct 1, 2026 22:16 PM

Air Serbia Adds New Route to Seville

Sep 30, 2026 23:13 PM
East Midlands Railway trains at a station

More London Trains Return as EMR Restores Key Services

Sep 30, 2026 23:08 PM
Eurowings Airbus A320neo taxiing at an airport

Eurowings Opens New Winter Routes to Lapland, Italy and the Middle East

Sep 30, 2026 22:55 PM
Rendering of San Bernardo hotel courtyard lounge

New 67-Room Luxury Hotel Coming Near Madrid’s Gran Vía

Sep 30, 2026 21:12 PM
Cars using an airport terminal drop-off lane

East Midlands Airport Drop-Off Jumps to £8 for 10 Minutes

Sep 30, 2026 00:17 AM
National Gallery interior in London

England Keeps National Museums Free for Overseas Visitors

Sep 30, 2026 00:04 AM

10 October Sun Escapes From Manchester From £46 Return

Sep 29, 2026 23:51 PM

No Passport, No Ferry on Key Britain–Ireland Routes

Sep 29, 2026 23:49 PM
Canal-side homes in Bangkok

Bangkok Floods Trigger UK Travel Warning as Flights Disrupted

Sep 29, 2026 23:36 PM
Child holding a Halloween pumpkin

Butlin’s Turns Three UK Resorts Into Halloween Scaregrounds

Sep 29, 2026 23:23 PM