If you have ever paid close attention to the cabin crew during takeoff, you may have noticed a curious habit: flight attendants often sit with their hands tucked under their thighs. While this might look like a posture of comfort or tension, it is actually a strict safety protocol followed by airlines around the world.
The image shows a flight attendant seated in the jumpseat, hands placed neatly beneath her legs — and this positioning has a very specific purpose. A flight attendant recently revealed exactly why this seemingly unusual practice is so important.
1. Ensuring the Perfect “Brace Position”
During takeoff and landing — the two riskiest phases of any flight — the cabin crew must be ready to respond instantly to an emergency. Sitting on their hands forces them into the correct brace position:
- Back straight against the seat
- Shoulders and head aligned
- Feet flat on the floor
- Hands secured under the thighs
This position minimizes the risk of injury if the aircraft encounters sudden turbulence, a hard impact, or an aborted takeoff.
By holding their hands under their legs, flight attendants cannot accidentally move into a less safe posture.
2. Preventing Reflex Movements
In a sudden jolt or unexpected event, the human reflex is to throw the hands out to protect oneself.
However, this can actually lead to broken wrists, shoulder injuries, or loss of balance.
By tucking their hands under their thighs:
- They prevent their arms from flying forward
- They keep their upper body stable
- Their posture remains controlled and compact
This helps reduce injury and ensures they’re still able to perform their duties in the critical seconds following an emergency.
3. Maintaining Readiness for Rapid Action
Flight attendants are not sitting passively during takeoff — they are in a state of full alertness.
The hands-under-thighs position is part of a standardized safety routine called the “alert position”, which ensures they can:
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