Henny Lim, a Cebu Pacific flight attendant, recently shared a surprising safety fact on TikTok about why cabin crew sit on their hands during takeoff and landing.
According to Lim, this posture is part of the “bracing position,” a safety measure designed to protect flight attendants in case of an unexpected impact.
She explained that the position involves fastening seatbelts, sitting upright, placing hands under thighs with thumbs tucked in, keeping arms loose, and feet flat on the floor.
The purpose, Lim said, is to restrict body movement and reduce the risk of injuries if turbulence or impact occurs during landing or takeoff.
Lim also revealed that during this time, flight attendants silently review emergency procedures. This includes recalling equipment locations, door operations, evacuation commands, and checking outside conditions for potential hazards.
The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) supports this practice, noting that the bracing position reduces both flailing of the body and secondary impacts in emergencies.
Lim is not the only crew member to share insights online. Other flight attendants, like Esther Sturrus, also use social media to educate passengers — from tips on being a polite flyer to advice on keeping clothes fresh during long travels.
By opening up about these behind-the-scenes practices, flight attendants like Lim remind travelers that every movement during a flight — even something as simple as sitting on their hands — plays a role in keeping passengers and crew safe.