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

By TravelWiseDec 8, 2023 08:24 AMNews
Share:
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."

Position of flight attendants during takeoff and landing. Source: Tik Tok @_hennylim
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

Oct 16, 2025 16:22 PM

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

Zurich Airport Becomes a Dancefloor

Feb 10, 2026 08:08 AM

Lisbon’s New Airport Project Moves Forward After Decades

Feb 10, 2026 07:55 AM

Berlin–Antalya Flights Return With a Valentine’s Giveaway

Feb 10, 2026 07:42 AM

Katowice Gets a New Adriatic Link for Summer

Feb 9, 2026 22:59 PM

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 tightens ID rules on UK flights

Feb 8, 2026 17:04 PM

Direct Canada–Rio flights land this winter

Feb 8, 2026 16:51 PM

EasyJet maps out winter sun winners for 2026

Feb 7, 2026 12:28 PM

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

TAP Adds São Luis to Brazil Network with New Lisbon Route

Feb 7, 2026 11:26 AM

Icelandair Picks Gdańsk for First Polish Route

Feb 6, 2026 02:53 AM

EU Confirms €20 ETIAS Charge for Visa-Free Travellers

Feb 6, 2026 02:47 AM

New LNER Trains Put Comfort and Small Extras First

Feb 6, 2026 02:34 AM

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

Antalya Joins Ostrava’s Summer Schedule

Feb 4, 2026 15:42 PM

More Seats Added on TAP’s Southern Brazil Routes

Feb 4, 2026 15:25 PM

Two New Summer Routes Added to Cluj’s Departure Board

Feb 4, 2026 04:38 AM

Paris Gets a Valentine’s Weekend Link from Cardiff

Feb 4, 2026 04:23 AM

Nice Côte d’Azur Airport Switches to LOVE Mode

Feb 4, 2026 04:16 AM

Direct London Services Scheduled to Resume in Aalborg

Feb 4, 2026 04:07 AM