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
Lufthansa aircraft on a runway

Germany Drops a Transit Visa Hurdle for Indian Flyers

Jun 5, 2026 22:03 PM
Lounge at Elika Cave Suites Cappadocia with Ortahisar views

A Hilton Cave Hotel Opens Beside Ortahisar Castle

Jun 5, 2026 21:57 PM

Rome Lands on Salzburg’s Summer Flight Board

Jun 5, 2026 21:44 PM

Wizz Air Warns Belgrade Could Lose Low-Cost Flights

Jun 5, 2026 21:31 PM
Train at a small UK station platform on a sunny day

Stockport’s Rail Map Could Look Very Different

Jun 5, 2026 00:28 AM
airBaltic aircraft taking off against a clear blue sky

Riga Returns to Aberdeen’s Summer Flight Board

Jun 5, 2026 00:15 AM
Air France aircraft coming in to land against a blue sky

Air France-KLM Calms Summer Fuel Fears

Jun 5, 2026 00:02 AM
Clifftop sea view with blue water on Spain’s eastern coast

A Quieter Spanish Coast Is Now Closer to Bologna

Jun 4, 2026 23:59 PM
Sunset over a beach on Phu Quoc island in Vietnam

Bratislava Adds Direct Routes to the Caribbean and Vietnam

Jun 4, 2026 23:46 PM

Ryanair Passengers Miss Flight After Airport Queue Chaos

Jun 4, 2026 23:33 PM

Wizz Air Opens a Montenegro Route from Ljubljana

Jun 4, 2026 10:17 AM
Alicante city skyline with Santa Bárbara Castle at sunset

Alicante Lands on Air Serbia’s Summer Map

Jun 4, 2026 10:04 AM
Aer Lingus aircraft on a runway with hills in the background

A Famous Spanish Pilgrimage City Just Got Closer to Cork

Jun 4, 2026 09:51 AM
Aerial view of a sandy beach and turquoise sea in Cyprus

Cyprus Gets a Travel Confidence Lift

Jun 4, 2026 09:48 AM
Loganair crew and airport staff mark the new East Midlands to Jersey route beside an aircraft

East Midlands Gets a Daily Jersey Link

Jun 4, 2026 09:35 AM

Norwich Airport Raises Drop-Off Fee

Jun 4, 2026 09:22 AM

BER Gets a Bigger FlixBus Map

Jun 3, 2026 17:49 PM
Passengers queueing inside a European airport terminal

Wizz Air Warns Brits on EU Queues

Jun 3, 2026 15:16 PM
Woman speaking through a megaphone during a public protest

Portugal Strike Puts Flights at Risk

Jun 3, 2026 15:03 PM
Norwegian aircraft flying against a blue sky

Billund Gets Ready for Summer Take-Off

Jun 2, 2026 18:07 PM
Air Europa aircraft seen through a rain-covered airport window

Air Europa Adds Two Spanish Routes

Jun 2, 2026 01:14 AM
Passengers seated inside an aircraft cabin during a flight

Bad Flyers Could Face UK Blacklist

Jun 2, 2026 01:01 AM

Loganair Opens Its First France Route

Jun 2, 2026 00:58 AM

Central Europe Gets a 1,300km Train Link

Jun 2, 2026 00:45 AM
Green FlixBus coach parked near a waterfront terminal

Poland’s Bus 666 Rolls Back to Hel

Jun 1, 2026 11:22 AM
Bedroom at Fairmont Cheshire, The Mere

Fairmont Brings a Cheshire Estate Back

May 31, 2026 05:09 AM