If you’ve ever paid close attention to flight attendants during takeoff and landing, you may have noticed them sitting on their hands while securely strapped into their jumpseats. While this may seem odd at first glance, there’s actually a specific reason behind it. This gesture isn’t just about keeping warm or staying relaxed – it plays a crucial role in aviation safety.

So, why exactly do cabin crew sit on their hands? In this article, we’ll explore the six main reasons behind this practice and why it’s essential for ensuring the safety of both the crew and passengers.

1. Part of the brace position

The main reason flight attendants sit on their hands during takeoff and landing is that it’s part of the brace position, a posture designed to protect the body in the event of an emergency or impact. The brace position helps reduce the risk of serious injury by keeping the body in a rigid stance.

  • How it works: By sitting upright, feet flat on the ground, and sitting on their hands with palms up, flight attendants are positioned in a way that minimises movement during an impact. The idea is to keep the body as compact and stable as possible.

This position also helps protect their arms and hands from injury, as loose limbs can be more vulnerable during sudden turbulence or impact.

2. Preventing injury during turbulence

Sitting on their hands helps flight attendants keep their body movement restricted. In case of turbulence, this position helps stabilise them in their jumpseats, reducing the risk of injury from being jolted around unexpectedly. Sudden movements during turbulence can lead to sprains or broken bones if hands and arms are flailing around.

  • Practical Benefit: If the plane encounters turbulence or an unplanned emergency, flight attendants in this position are less likely to injure their arms by trying to catch themselves or brace against the sides of the jumpseat.

This position not only protects the cabin crew but also ensures that they’re physically ready to assist passengers if needed.

3. Conducting a silent review

While sitting on their hands, flight attendants are also mentally preparing for emergencies by conducting a silent review. This means they’re mentally running through important procedures, such as:

  • Emergency door operations
  • Evacuation commands
  • Locating safety equipment

By staying focused, flight attendants can quickly react to any situation without hesitation. The silent review helps ensure that they’re always ready to assist passengers in an emergency, even before something goes wrong.

4. Clear view of the cabin and exits

Sitting on their hands also allows flight attendants to maintain a clear, unobstructed view of the cabin and the exit doors. With their hands under their thighs, they aren’t distracted by fidgeting or adjusting their position. This helps them remain alert and focused on their surroundings, especially when monitoring passengers and potential hazards.

  • Importance of awareness: During takeoff and landing, flight attendants need to be vigilant, as these are the most critical phases of any flight. By sitting on their hands, they remain in an optimal position to observe the cabin and prepare for any quick actions required.

5. Psychological calm and professionalism

Another less obvious reason for sitting on their hands is that it signals calmness and professionalism to passengers. In moments of high anxiety, such as takeoff or turbulence, passengers often look to the flight attendants for reassurance. Seeing them in a calm, poised posture can provide a sense of security.

  • Why it matters: Flight attendants serve as a visual cue for passengers to feel safe. If passengers see that the crew is composed, it reassures them that everything is under control, even in potentially stressful situations.

This subtle but important gesture helps create an atmosphere of calm in the cabin.

6. Preventing reflexive movements during an emergency

In an emergency situation, the body’s natural reaction is often to reach out or flail. By sitting on their hands, flight attendants are actively limiting reflexive movements that could distract them from their duties or result in injury. This allows them to focus entirely on following their emergency protocols rather than instinctively using their hands to brace against the impact.

  • Key benefit: This controlled posture helps ensure that flight attendants are better equipped to handle any sudden changes or emergencies without risking injury.

Conclusion: What do you think?

Sitting on their hands may seem like a small detail, but for flight attendants, it’s an important safety practice. By adopting this position during takeoff and landing, they minimise injury risks, stay mentally prepared, and reassure passengers – all critical for ensuring a safe and comfortable flight.

Have you ever noticed flight attendants sitting on their hands? Share your thoughts in the comments below! If you’re a cabin crew member, we’d love to hear your perspective in our Cabin Crew Forum. And if you’re interested in becoming a flight attendant, visit our Cabin Crew Jobs page to explore the latest opportunities.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why do flight attendants sit on their hands?

Flight attendants sit on their hands as part of the brace position, designed to protect them during takeoff and landing. It helps minimise injury by keeping their body stable and ready for any unexpected impact.

2. How does this position protect them during turbulence?

By sitting on their hands, flight attendants limit body movement, reducing the risk of injury during turbulence. This position helps prevent their arms from being jolted, protecting them from sprains or other injuries.

3. What is a silent review, and how is it connected?

While in this position, flight attendants conduct a silent review, mentally going over emergency procedures like operating doors and evacuation plans. This keeps them focused and ready to react quickly in an emergency.

4. Does sitting on their hands help them stay alert?

Yes, sitting on their hands keeps flight attendants still, allowing them to maintain a clear view of the cabin and exits. This focus helps them monitor passengers and any potential hazards without distraction.

5. How does this posture affect passengers?

This calm, composed posture reassures passengers during takeoff and landing. When passengers see flight attendants in control, it helps them feel more secure and at ease.

6. Why is it important to prevent reflexive movements in an emergency?

Sitting on their hands prevents reflexive movements like reaching out or bracing. This keeps flight attendants focused on following safety protocols, avoiding actions that could lead to injury or distraction.