Why Do Flight Attendants Keep Their Hands Under Their Thighs During Takeoff and Landing?
You may notice flight attendants sitting with their hands tucked under their thighs during takeoff and landing. It is not for comfort or relaxation—it is part of a safety procedure called the “brace position.”
The Main Reason: Safety During an Emergency
Takeoff and landing are the phases of flight when accidents are statistically more likely to occur. During these moments, flight attendants must be prepared for a sudden stop, hard landing, or impact.
By placing their hands under their thighs, they are following a recommended cabin crew brace position.
Why Put Hands Under the Thighs?
1. Reduces Arm Movement During Impact
In a sudden stop or crash:
- Loose arms can swing forward forcefully
- This can cause injuries from hitting nearby surfaces
Keeping hands tucked helps keep the arms stable.
2. Protects Hands and Fingers
During an impact:
- Hands can be injured if they hit equipment, walls, or seats
- Keeping them secured reduces the chance of injury
3. Keeps the Body in a Stable Position
The brace position is designed to:
- Keep the body compact
- Reduce excessive movement
- Help protect the head and upper body
4. Allows Quick Awareness
Flight attendants sit in special crew seats facing different directions from passengers. During takeoff and landing they must:
- Remain alert
- Listen for unusual sounds
- Notice problems quickly
- Be ready to respond immediately after the aircraft stops
What Else Are Flight Attendants Doing During This Time?
Before takeoff and landing, they typically:
- Secure the cabin
- Check seat belts
- Ensure exits are clear
- Confirm emergency equipment is ready
- Sit in their assigned jumpseat
The quiet sitting position is actually a final safety check period.
Do Passengers Need to Do This Too?
Passengers are usually instructed to:
- Fasten seat belts tightly
- Sit upright
- Keep feet flat on the floor
- Follow crew instructions
If an emergency occurs, passengers may also be instructed to use a brace position depending on the situation.
Bottom Line
Flight attendants place their hands under their thighs during takeoff and landing because it is part of a trained safety brace position. It helps keep their body stable, reduces injury risk during a sudden impact, and allows them to be ready to assist passengers immediately after landing.
