In the world of air travel, flight attendants do much more than serve drinks and snacks—they are highly trained safety professionals, responsible for the well-being of all passengers. Among the many safety protocols they follow, one unusual practice often catches the eye: flight attendants sitting on their hands during takeoff and landing. While it may look odd to the average traveler, there is an important reason behind this procedure.
Image Credit: @_hennylim_ TikTok
Let’s explore the purpose of this practice and how it plays a critical role in ensuring safety during flights.
The Bracing Position Explained by a Flight Attendant
If you’ve ever noticed flight attendants buckling up in their jump seats and adopting a particular posture—sitting on their hands as the plane takes off or prepares to land—you might wonder what they’re doing. In a viral TikTok video, Cebu Pacific flight attendant Henny Lim sheds light on this often-overlooked protocol.
According to Lim, the posture flight attendants take, known as the bracing position, involves several key actions:
Fastening seatbelts securely
Sitting upright
Placing hands on their thighs with thumbs tucked in
Keeping arms relaxed
Ensuring their feet are flat on the floor
While this position may seem strange to passengers, it’s designed to serve a crucial purpose, especially in the event of an emergency.
Purpose of the Bracing Position
The main goal of the bracing position is to minimize movement and reduce the risk of injury if a crash or emergency landing occurs. During an impact, bodies can be thrown forward with significant force, leading to dangerous, uncontrolled movements, or flailing, which increases the risk of injury. By sitting on their hands and securing themselves, flight attendants limit their body’s motion and protect their limbs from potential harm.
Additionally, flight attendants use this time to mentally prepare for emergency scenarios. As Lim explains, this involves conducting a “silent review” where they mentally go over safety procedures, emergency exits, equipment, and commands. This mental preparation ensures they can act swiftly and effectively in the event of an emergency, prioritizing passenger safety at all times.
Kate Middleton’s Health Update
Kate Middleton’s representatives have recently issued a statement regarding her health after concerns were raised about her whereabouts. The Duchess of Cambridge underwent abdominal surgery earlier this year and her team has clarified that they will only be providing significant updates about her condition.
Her absence from public engagements led to speculation about her well-being. However, Kensington Palace has reiterated their stance on the matter, stating that official updates will be limited.
In the meantime, her husband Prince William has resumed his royal duties after a brief absence attributed to personal reasons. He was recently spotted at the Western Marble Arch Synagogue, where he received a bouquet of flowers intended for his wife.
It’s important to note that Kate’s surgery was planned and unrelated to cancer. While the exact nature of her ailment remains undisclosed, her recovery is expected to take several weeks. As a result, she is not expected to resume her royal duties until after Easter.
The public is eagerly awaiting further information from official sources regarding Kate’s health and her eventual return to public engagements. Rest assured, any significant updates will be shared when available.
Leave a Reply