Sitting on your hands : this position used by flight attendants has a very specific purpose

If you’ve ever closely observed cabin crew during critical phases of flight, you may have noticed a peculiar posture: flight attendants sit on their hands, palms up, arms outstretched, and feet flat on the floor.

This position, officially called the « bracing position » for crew, has a very specific purpose that goes far beyond simple comfort: it aims to minimize the risk of bodily injury in the event of an impact or sudden deceleration.

By placing their hands under their thighs, the crew members limit the movement of their arms, preventing them from flailing violently or striking the cabin walls during an extreme jolt, thus protecting the bones of their upper limbs.

This controlled rigidity also helps keep the body firmly pressed against the back of the jump seat, reducing the force of inertia on the spine and cervical vertebrae.

Alongside this physical posture, safety procedures require crew members to conduct a « silent review » during these few minutes: they mentally rehearse the steps of an emergency evacuation, the location of emergency equipment, and the operation of the exits.

This mental and physical preparation ensures that, despite the shock, the crew remains able to react instantly to guide passengers, as even a minor injury to the hands or arms would make opening the aircraft’s heavy doors nearly impossible.

Thus, this discreet habit is one of the many invisible protocols that make flying the safest mode of transportation in the world, transforming a seemingly passive posture into an active protective shield.