Why Flight Attendants Keep Their Hands Behind Their Backs During Takeoff and Landing

Within the domain of aviation, flight attendants play a significant role that surpasses just serving drinks and looking after passengers’ comfort. They are skilled individuals tasked with guaranteeing the safety and welfare of everyone aboard. One seemingly odd procedure that catches the eye among the numerous guidelines they follow is the bracing stance assumed by the cabin crew during takeoff and landing.

Elucidation on the Bracing Stance as Provides by a flight attendant

When travelers witness flight attendants fastening their seatbelts in their jump seats and resting their hands during landings, it often triggers curiosity and speculation. Nonetheless, Henny Lim, a flight attendant with Cebu Pacific, expounds in a viral TikTok video. There is a strategy behind this apparently unconventional posture.

Lim explains that the bracing stance entails a set of precise actions. Securing seatbelts firmly, sitting in an upright position, placing hands on thighs with thumbs tucked, keeping arms relaxed. Ultimately, ensuring feet are firmly planted on the ground.

Objective of the Bracing Stance

The primary aim of the bracing stance is to minimize bodily movements during potential emergencies. Consequently, reducing the chances of injury upon impact. By adopting a rigid posture and securing themselves in their seats, flight attendants are better equipped to endure the forces exerted during a crash landing.

Throughout this period, flight attendants involve themselves in what Lim refers to as a “silent review.” Mentally preparing themselves for emergency situations by acquainting themselves with emergency equipment, door operations, commands, and observing visual cues outside the aircraft.

Insights from Regulatory Bodies

The significance of the bracing stance is emphasized by regulatory bodies such as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). According to a memo from the FAA, the bracing stance serves two main purposes: reducing flailing and minimizing secondary impact. Flailing, or uncontrolled movement of limbs, can result in additional injuries during a crash.

By assuming the bracing stance, occupants can alleviate this risk. Additionally, prepositioning the body, especially the head, against the surface it would come into contact with during impact aids in decreasing the severity of secondary impact injuries.

Perspectives of Flight Attendants on Safety

Henny Lim’s elucidations on the bracing stance are part of a broader pattern where flight attendants leverage social media platforms like TikTok to educate passengers about safety protocols and share their experiences.

Flight attendant Destanie, for instance, has attracted attention for divulging the audacious actions passengers resort to in an attempt to secure a seat upgrade. While these anecdotes may captivate viewers, they also underscore the significance of adhering to safety protocols and appreciating the professionalism of flight attendants.

Challenges and Perks of the Occupation

Flight attendants like Destanie and Esther Sturrus offer candid insights into the challenges and rewards of their profession. While they acknowledge the hardships, such as handling troublesome passengers and working in demanding environments, they also express thankfulness for the lifestyle and opportunities their job provides. Despite the difficulties, their commitment to ensuring passenger safety remains resolute.

The bracing stance adopted by flight attendants during takeoff and landing is not merely a tradition. It is a critical safety measure aimed at reducing the likelihood of injury during emergencies. Through the insights of professionals like Henny Lim, passengers obtain a deeper comprehension of the rationale behind this practice and the thorough preparation involved in ensuring their safety.

As flight attendants persist in sharing their experiences and expertise, passengers are empowered to approach air travel with greater awareness and respect for the dedication of those entrusted with their safety.