When you hear, “Cabin crew, prepare for takeoff,” you might notice flight attendants take their seats, fasten their seatbelts, and assume a very specific position—sometimes even sitting on their hands. But have you ever wondered why?
This isn’t just a routine. It’s a critical safety procedure known as the brace position. We spoke to veteran flight attendants Cecily Anderson and Erin Thomas, who have decades of experience flying for major U.S. airlines, to uncover why this position is so important—and whether passengers should consider it too.
What Does the Brace Position Look Like?
The brace position varies depending on the type of seat and its direction. According to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) guidelines, here’s how flight attendants are trained to sit:
Forward-facing seats: Sit upright with a tight seatbelt, rest your chin on your chest, and keep your hands on your lap or grip the seat sides. Never hold onto the seatbelt.
Rear-Facing Seats: Sit back with your head pressed against the seat’s headrest, tighten the seatbelt, and keep your hands on your lap or grip the seat. Avoid placing hands behind the head or holding onto the belt.
As for legs? There’s a method there, too. “We’re trained not to cross our legs and to keep feet flat on the floor,” says Anderson.
Why Is the Brace Position Crucial?
The reason for this seating posture is simple: safety. Takeoff and landing are the most critical phases of a flight, where the risk of an emergency is highest.
“The brace position helps reduce flailing and minimizes secondary impact in case of an emergency landing, skidding, or crash,” Anderson explains.
So, Why Do Some Flight Attendants Sit on Their Hands?
You may have seen flight attendants sitting on their hands—but this isn’t a universal rule. Thomas clarifies that hand placement is a matter of personal preference rather than regulation.
Some say sitting on hands minimizes the startle reflex—an instinctive reaction to sudden turbulence or impact—allowing flight attendants to stay calm and focused. Others, like Thomas, prefer hands on their laps for a composed, reassuring appearance. “Passengers feed off our energy. If we look calm, they feel calm,” she says.
Interestingly, this trend may have originated from non-U.S. airlines. A viral 2022 TikTok video by flight attendant Henny Lim, who works for Philippines-based Cebu Pacific, showcased this technique—but Anderson notes she’s never been trained to do so at any of the major U.S. airlines she’s worked for.
More Safety Procedures During Takeoff and Landing
Beyond assuming the brace position, flight attendants perform a silent 30-second review, mentally running through emergency evacuation steps, identifying exit doors, and rehearsing evacuation commands.
If turbulence strikes while standing, they’re trained to spread their feet wide for balance and hold onto a seat or structure until they can safely sit and secure their seatbelt.
Should Passengers Brace Themselves Too?
For regular flights, no need to mimic flight attendants. “The safest position for passengers is simply staying seated with your seatbelt fastened,” Thomas explains.
However, in a true emergency, follow the passenger brace position:
- Bend forward and place your head on or between your knees.
- Cover your head with your hands.
- Keep feet flat on the floor for stability.
(Pro tip: This is why you should always attend the safety briefing before takeoff!)
Final Thoughts: Flight Attendants Are Always Ready
Next time you fly, take comfort in knowing that your flight attendants are trained professionals prepared for any scenario. Their precise seating posture isn’t just for show—it’s a carefully designed safety measure to keep them and passengers as safe as possible.
So sit back, relax, and let the pros handle the safety procedures. Just don’t forget to fasten your seatbelt!
