Here’s Why Flight Attendants Might Sit on Their Hands During Takeoff and Landing
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With the help of Anderson and another longtime flight attendant, we're going to explain what the brace position looks like and why flight attendants must sit that way. The answer is more practical - and surprising - than you might think.
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What does the crash position look like?
However, I don't see any text provided from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) guidelines. Please provide the text, and I'll paraphrase it for you in United States English.
- A flight attendant should sit back in their seat, tighten their seatbelt and rest their chin on their chest. Their arms and hands should rest on their lap or grasp the side of their seat. They should not hold onto the seatbelt itself.
- The flight attendant should sit back in their seat, rest their head against the seat back or headrest, and ensure the restraint systems are as tight as possible. Their hands should be placed on their lap or grasping the seat, rather than clasping their hands behind their head or holding onto the restraint system.
Erin Thomas, a seasoned flight attendant with over 15 years of experience who currently works for one of the major U.S. airlines, says she keeps her hands in her lap. "I think it helps me appear calm," she says, "and passengers tend to feed off our energy, so if we're calm during takeoff, they will be too."
When it comes to the position of the legs, there's a trick to it: "We're trained to not cross our legs and to keep our feet flat on the floor," Anderson says.
What is the significance of the brace position?
Anderson emphasizes that regardless of where flight attendants place their hands, the brace position is crucial "to protect ourselves in the event of an emergency landing, such as a crash, landing off the runway, and other critical situations like that. We're instructed to always assume this position during takeoff and landing, no matter the circumstances."
That's because takeoff and landing are known as the critical phases and are considered the riskiest parts of a flight. This seated position is a vital safety measure—as the FAA notes, “the seated brace position is designed to reduce flailing and minimize secondary impact in case of an emergency.”
You may have noticed that flight attendants often sit on their hands while on the job. This is not just a habit, but rather a safety precaution.
You can't hold onto the life jacket," Thomas says. "Being in the correct position in the life jacket is the most important part.
It can lead to uncoordinated or delayed responses. By literally sitting on their hands, flight attendants ground themselves, which maintains their composure and focus when it matters the most.
Whether or not it's a way to counteract the so-called startle response, sitting on one's hands isn't a standard practice among U.S. airlines. "I don't think I've ever seen any U.S.-based flight attendants sitting on their hands," Anderson says. "I've worked for three major airlines and have never been trained to do so. I'm not aware of where this idea originated. Maybe in other countries, they do this?"
Lim demonstrates the brace position with her hands tucked under her legs.
In short, hand position is a personal preference. Thomas says she would never sit on her hands because it might hinder her ability to react quickly if something were to fall or if she suddenly needed to grab the seat for added support.
What other safety measures do flight attendants take into account during takeoff and landing?
In our minds," she says, "we scan for the nearest exit doors, the one we're primarily in charge of and rehearse our evacuation commands - what we'd yell to alert passengers in case of an emergency.
If flight attendants are standing when turbulence hits, they are advised to stand with their feet shoulder-width apart and hold onto a nearby seat or part of the plane to keep their balance. Ideally, the captain will announce that turbulence is approaching, so the flight attendants can return to their seats and buckle up.
What is the safest way for passengers to position themselves while flying?
“With your seatbelt securely fastened,” she says, “in the event of turbulence, please place both feet on the floor and hold onto your seat or armrests to maintain your balance.”
However, in the event of a real emergency, you'll be directed to assume the passenger safety position. Still not familiar with what that entails? (Don't worry, you should have caught the pre-flight safety instructions!) This is what you need to do:
- Bend forward.
- Bend forward and rest your head on or between your knees.
- Put your hands over your head.
- Place your feet firmly on the ground to maintain balance.
Now that you understand what a brace position looks like and what it entails, you can feel confident that your flight attendants are prepared and able to assist you promptly in the event of an in-flight emergency.
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About the experts
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Why trust us
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Sources:
- Cecily Anderson, flight attendant for a major American airline; in-person interview, January 16, 2025
- Erin Thomas, a flight attendant for a large US airline; phone interview, January 18, 2025
- Air Carrier Operations Bulletin No. 1-94-17
- What is the reason why cabin crew members sit with their hands in their laps while they're in their seats during flight?
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