If you’ve ever noticed flight attendants sitting upright with their hands tucked under their thighs (legs) during takeoff or landing, you might have wondered why. This position isn’t about comfort or habit—it’s a safety protocol known as the “brace position” or “ready position.” It plays a vital role in ensuring the safety and effectiveness of the cabin crew during the most critical phases of a flight.
What Is the Ready Position?
During takeoff and landing, flight attendants sit in their jumpseats with:
- Their backs straight against the seat
- Feet flat on the floor
- Hands placed palm-up under their thighs
- Eyes facing forward
- Seat belts securely fastened
This posture may seem simple, but it’s designed with purpose.
The Key Reasons Behind This Position
1. To Brace for Impact
The hands-under-thighs position helps secure the arms and reduces the risk of injury in case of a sudden stop, hard landing, or crash. It keeps limbs from flailing and prevents fractures or head injuries that could occur if the hands were placed elsewhere.
2. To Stay Alert and Ready
By maintaining this firm, upright posture, flight attendants remain focused and fully aware of their surroundings. Takeoff and landing are the riskiest phases of flight, and crew members must be prepared to respond instantly in case of an emergency.
3. To Facilitate Fast Evacuation
If an emergency evacuation is necessary, the brace position helps ensure the crew remains conscious and physically ready to assist passengers. Keeping the hands under the thighs provides added stability, allowing them to stand up and act without delay.
4. To Prevent Reflex Reactions
In the event of a jolt or unexpected movement, people tend to instinctively reach out to protect themselves. However, this reflex can result in broken wrists or arms. Tucking the hands under the thighs reduces this risk.
A Standard Part of Safety Training
This posture is not optional—flight attendants are trained to adopt it as part of international aviation safety protocols. Airlines around the world include it in their emergency procedures, and safety experts agree that it can make a crucial difference in survival and injury prevention during accidents.
In Summary
What looks like a small detail is actually a powerful safety measure. When flight attendants sit with their hands under their thighs during takeoff and landing, they are not just following routine—they are placing themselves in the optimal position to protect themselves and help others. It’s one more way cabin crew prioritize safety for everyone on board.