When we board a plane, most of us see flight attendants as the friendly faces who greet us, help with overhead luggage, serve drinks, and ensure we’re comfortable. But behind that hospitality lies a much more serious role—flight attendants are highly trained professionals responsible for the safety and well-being of everyone on board.

Their duties include following strict safety protocols, preparing for emergencies, and reacting swiftly when things go wrong. One behavior that often puzzles passengers is the bracing position flight attendants assume during takeoff and landing, especially when they’re seen sitting on their hands in their jump seats. While it may look odd, this posture is a crucial safety measure with a very specific purpose. In a widely viewed TikTok video, Cebu Pacific flight attendant Henny Lim sheds light on this practice.

She explains that the bracing position isn’t random or ritualistic—it’s a carefully taught technique designed to reduce injury in the event of a crash or rough landing. According to Lim, the correct bracing posture includes fastening the seatbelt securely, sitting upright with a straight back, placing both hands flat on the thighs with thumbs tucked under the fingers, relaxing the arms slightly, and ensuring both feet are firmly planted on the floor. While this position may appear rigid or uncomfortable, it’s actually designed to limit movement and reduce the risk of injury if sudden impact occurs.

The goal is to prevent limbs from flailing or hitting nearby surfaces, which could cause additional harm. At the same time, Lim points out that flight attendants are mentally preparing for emergencies during takeoff and landing through what’s called a “silent review.” This means they’re quietly reviewing safety procedures in their heads—things like how to operate emergency doors, where the nearest equipment is located, what commands to use in an evacuation, and how to assess exterior conditions through the windows.

It’s not just about sitting still; it’s about being mentally and physically ready for anything. The importance of this procedure is also supported by regulatory agencies like the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). According to FAA safety briefings, the bracing position has two primary goals: to reduce flailing and to minimize the severity of secondary impacts. In an accident, people who are not secured properly or who move uncontrollably are much more likely to be injured. By bracing the body and especially aligning the head and upper torso with the surfaces they might impact, flight attendants reduce the chances of traumatic injuries. Social media has become a platform for flight attendants like Henny Lim to educate the public about safety practices that often go unnoticed. Others in the profession, like flight attendant Destanie, share their own experiences—some humorous, others eye-opening. For instance, Destanie has posted videos about the extreme tactics passengers sometimes use to try to upgrade their seats. While entertaining, these stories underline the importance of rules and respect for airline staff, whose main focus is always passenger safety. Fellow flight attendant Esther Sturrus also contributes to this conversation, offering her own take on the challenges and rewards of working in aviation. Both Destanie and Esther admit that the job comes with its share of difficulties, from dealing with unruly passengers to managing high-stress situations mid-flight. Yet, despite these hurdles, they speak with gratitude about the opportunity to travel, meet people from all walks of life, and play a vital role in ensuring every flight runs safely. The act of sitting on their hands during takeoff and landing isn’t a quirk or tradition—it’s a proven safety protocol, practiced with intention and backed by science. It’s one of many procedures that flight attendants follow not for show, but because they could one day save lives. Thanks to insights from professionals like Henny Lim, passengers now have a deeper understanding of what goes on behind the scenes. As flight attendants continue to share their knowledge and real-life experiences, it becomes easier for travelers to appreciate the seriousness of their work. Understanding why flight attendants brace in this specific way empowers passengers to approach flying with greater awareness and respect for the trained crew responsible for their safety.