Here’s Why Flight Attendants Sit On Their Hands During Takeoff and Landing

If you’ve ever noticed flight attendants sitting upright with their hands tucked under their thighs during takeoff or landing, it’s not a habit or a way to stay warm—it’s a critical safety protocol.

This posture is part of what’s known as the brace position, a trained method used during the most dangerous phases of flight to minimize injury in case of an emergency.

Flight attendant Henny Lim from Cebu Pacific Airlines explained that by placing palms upward under the thighs and sitting with the spine aligned, attendants restrict movement and protect their arms from being thrown or injured during sudden impact.

Feet are firmly planted on the floor to help stabilize the body. Another crew member, Anusha Pratima, noted that this posture is also vital for maintaining alertness and readiness to react instantly.

While flight attendants use this specific brace position, passengers are taught a different method—leaning forward, placing their head against the seat in front, and keeping hands by their head—to offer the most protection in an emergency. So next time you see your flight attendant in this position, remember: it’s not for comfort—it’s a well-trained, life-saving measure that could make all the difference when every second counts.