Featured Image Credit: Jupiterimages / Getty
If you're not a nervous flyer then you might spend the short period when an airplane is taking off to have a glance around the flight, and you might just have noticed that the plane's flight attendants seemingly always end up sitting on their hands during this time.
The first time you noticed it you might have assumed it was simply a thing for comfort, and the second time a strange coincidence, yet the more you notice it you begin to wonder what exactly is the reason behind this bizarre protocol?
Thankfully one experienced flight attendant has taken to social media to demystify the phenomenon, explaining in great detail why she and all other flight attendants have to sit on their hands as the plane takes to the air.
As reported by the Daily Mail, this information was shared by Henny Lim (@_hennylim_), a flight attendant for Phillippines airline Cebu Pacific, on her TikTok and YouTube accounts.
Advert
Lim has shared a number of short travel related guides for her followers, but this conundrum has proven to be one of the most popular.
She reveals that it's all part of what's called the 'bracing position', which is designed to both ensure the safety of all flight attendants in the event of turbulence or a crash and also to provide an environment for heightened focus just before the plane takes off.
"This position involves fastening the seatbelt securely, sitting upright, sitting on your hands with palms up and thumbs tucked," Henny illustrates, noting that you also have to have your arms loose and feet flat on the floor to complete the bracing position.
Continuing on, she reveals that "the aim is to keep the body in a rigid pose so that if there was any impact from an unplanned emergency, the body is damaged less."
While it might look a bit strange to you from the comfort of your seat, it's actually one of the most important parts of the flight when it comes to securing your own safety.
Lim also adds that "during this time, [the flight attendants] will also be going through the 'silent review', which prepares them for an emergency situation [during] every take-off and landing.
"This includes being aware of emergency equipment in the location, door operation, commands given and any visual clues outside the airport," so it's important that these flight attendants remain as focused as possible.
One comment underneath Henny's video wonders why this practice isn't extended towards all passengers throughout the plane, and while it's not entirely clear, it could be something to do with the smaller seats and position of the flight attendants on either side of the plane.
It also likely helps if your hands are feeling a bit cold, but thankfully that's not the only reason why your flight attendants are doing it!
