Why Do Flight Attendants Put Their Hands Under Their Thighs During Takeoff and Landing?
You may have seen flight attendants sitting on their hands or placing their hands underneath their thighs during takeoff and landing. It can look unusual, but there’s a safety reason behind the posture.
The practice is sometimes called the “brace position” or “hands under thighs” position. The goal is to keep the body positioned as safely as possible if a sudden impact occurs.
Why the hands are positioned this way
Keeps the arms contained: In a sudden deceleration, loose arms can move unpredictably and potentially be injured.
Reduces movement: The posture helps keep the body stable against the seat.
Protects the hands and arms: Keeping the hands under the thighs can reduce the chance of them striking nearby surfaces.
Helps maintain the prescribed brace posture: Flight attendants are trained in specific positions and procedures for emergency landings.
Flight attendants are particularly focused during takeoff and landing because these phases of flight require heightened attention to safety procedures.
Is this required on every airline?
Not necessarily. Safety procedures and brace positions can vary by airline, aircraft, seat design, and aviation authority. Flight attendants follow the procedures established for their specific aircraft and operator.
And despite what some viral posts claim, the purpose isn’t to “prevent blood from flowing to the hands” or to make an unconscious person easier to identify.
Bottom line: If you see a flight attendant sitting with their hands tucked under their thighs, they’re generally following a trained protective posture for the critical phases of flight, not doing something mysterious or ceremonial.
