Most passengers are glued to their screens or staring out the window during takeoff and landing, oblivious to a subtle but critical routine performed by the cabin crew.
If you glance closely at the flight attendants in their jump seats, you’ll notice a silent, almost ritualistic posture—one that might seem ordinary, but is actually a carefully trained safety measure airlines rarely explain.
Flight attendants have revealed the reasoning behind this hidden habit: the practice of tucking hands under the thighs during takeoff and landing.
Henny Lim, a flight attendant for Cebu Pacific in the Philippines, recently shared a TikTok video breaking down the procedure. According to Lim, after strapping into their jump seats, crew members place their hands beneath their thighs in what’s called the “bracing position.” She explained it step by step: seatbelt fastened snugly, back straight, hands slid under the thighs with thumbs tucked in, arms relaxed, and feet flat on the floor.
This isn’t just a quirky habit. Lim emphasized that the position is designed to reduce injuries during unexpected turbulence or emergencies. By keeping limbs contained, the risk of flailing or sustaining impact-related harm is minimized.
Additionally, sitting in this posture gives flight attendants a chance to perform what Lim calls a “silent review.” While secured in their seats, they mentally run through emergency procedures: recalling the location of safety equipment, reviewing door operations, preparing verbal commands, and scanning the cabin for potential hazards.
FAA guidance reinforces the purpose of the bracing position: it protects the limbs and reduces injuries caused by secondary impacts during critical phases of flight.
Lim is part of a growing group of flight attendants who use social media to educate travelers. For example, Esther Sturrus has shared practical advice for passengers, from maintaining fresh clothing on long flights to improving in-flight etiquette, making the journey smoother for everyone on board.
✅ Conclusion
That small, almost imperceptible gesture of placing hands under the thighs is far more than ceremonial—it’s a vital safety protocol. It protects the crew, primes them for emergencies, and ensures they can respond instantly when needed. The next time you see a flight attendant in their jump seat, remember: behind the calm professionalism lies a series of silent, life-saving routines that make air travel as safe as it is seamless.