Title: The Truth Behind Flight Attendants’ Brace Position Revealed
Flight Attendants’ Brace Position: A Safety Precaution That Saves Lives
When on a plane, you might have noticed that flight attendants have a different brace position to passengers, and there is a good reason behind it. A flight attendant has explained why they sit on their hands for takeoff and landing but warned that passengers shouldn’t copy them. Henny Joyce Lim, a flight attendant for Cebu Pacific airline, regularly posts aircrew secrets on TikTok.
Flight Attendants’ Brace Position During Takeoff and Landing
In her most recent video, which accumulated over 33,500 views, Henny Joyce Lim explained why cabin crew can be seen sitting on their hands while in their jump seats. During takeoff and landing, flight attendants place their hands under their legs when seated in the jump seat of an aircraft. Meanwhile, passengers are instructed to put their seats in an upright position and stow their tables away. The reason behind this lies in an extremely important safety precaution.
The Importance of the Bracing Position
Flight attendants sit on their hands with their knees and feet together, and their back and head against the seat to minimize the impact in case of an emergency. This position, known as the “bracing position,” prevents flight crew from sustaining serious injuries. Henny explained, “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.” The restricted body movement reduces the chance of injury in the event of an impact.
Preparedness of Flight Attendants in Emergencies
Flight attendants have to be ready to assist passengers in emergencies and are always on alert. In order to respond to crises, they also silently review the cabin, staying vigilant of emergency equipment location, door operation, and any visual clues outside the aircraft. Although it may be tempting to follow cabin crew’s example as we look to them for comfort and safety, it is best not to copy their brace position. Passengers only need to get into the brace position when instructed by the crew in case of emergencies.
Why Passenger Brace Position Differs from Flight Attendants’
Brace position for passengers includes leaning forward with hands on the head instead of placing them under the thigh. This can be explained by the fact that cabin crew seats differ significantly from passenger seats. Flight attendants’ jump seats are less comfortable and face the passengers to allow the crew to observe the plane and assist passengers quicker. Rear-facing seats will have a different impact in a crash than forward-facing seats, leading to different brace positions depending on the seat’s positioning and potential damage caused.
Safety Measures for Passengers on Flights
Passengers also need to cover their heads to protect them from falling hand luggage or flying debris. Next time you’re on a flight, you now understand the reasons why following the instructions provided by the crew is essential for your safety. Stay informed and stay safe during your travels.