Flight attendants are always ready for the unexpected, especially during takeoff and landing. Henny Lim, a flight attendant for Cebu Pacific, recently took to TikTok to explain an interesting and lesser-known aspect of the cabin crew’s routine during these crucial phases of a flight.
One thing flight attendants do before takeoff and landing is buckle up in their jump seats and then proceed to sit on their hands, a posture known as the “bracing position.” In her TikTok video, Lim described the steps: “This position involves fastening seatbelts securely, sitting upright, sitting on hands – arms up, thumbs tucked – and arms loose, with feet flat on the floor.”
But why is this posture necessary? According to Lim, the purpose of sitting on their hands is to reduce the chance of injury in case of an emergency or sudden impact. By keeping their bodies still and restricted, the movement is minimized, offering protection in the event of turbulence or other unexpected situations.
In addition to this, flight attendants also perform a “silent review” during takeoff and landing. This mental checklist prepares them for emergencies by ensuring they are familiar with emergency equipment, door operations, commands, and visual cues outside the aircraft.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) also supports this practice, explaining that the bracing position serves two key purposes: reducing flailing and minimizing secondary impacts during an emergency.
Flight attendants, like Lim, often use social media to educate passengers on these safety protocols. Lim’s TikTok video has become a great resource for passengers to understand why these precautions are so vital.
So next time you’re flying, know that the flight crew’s bracing position is there to ensure their safety—and yours. Safe travels!
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