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.
31-Year-Old Hailey Merkt’s Cancer Battle Ends in Tragedy—Fans Are Devastated
Hailey Merkt, who appeared on Season 21 of *The Bachelor*, has died at the age of 31 after a fight with cancer, her family announced.
“We are heartbroken to share that our dear Hailey has passed away after a brave battle with cancer,” her family wrote on Instagram. “Hailey faced this challenge with incredible strength, grace, and selflessness.”
Hailey was known for her humor and lively personality, and her passing has deeply affected everyone who knew her.
Her family added that Hailey’s determination and will to live went beyond what doctors expected. In her final moments, she was surrounded by loved ones and did what she loved most, with no regrets. Hailey died on July 26.
Hailey’s family described her as someone who truly lived life to the fullest and made a lasting impression on everyone she met. “She will be remembered as anything but boring—always hysterically funny and fully present in every moment,” they said.
Her family added, “Hailey will be deeply missed by everyone who knew her. Her laughter, love, and vibrant spirit have left a lasting mark on our hearts.”
Amid the many heartfelt tributes, Hailey’s family took comfort in the impact she made on others. “Even as we grieve her loss, we find solace in knowing her spirit will live on in the lives she touched. Rest in peace, Hailey,” they concluded in their emotional message.
Hailey had been open about her fight with leukemia, sharing her journey and reflections with her social media followers.
Her family started a GoFundMe page to support her, where they mentioned that she had undergone a bone marrow transplant earlier this year. This procedure initially gave her hope, with doctors predicting she had nine months to live without cancer concerns. Unfortunately, just six weeks later, she discovered that leukemia cells had returned aggressively.
Throughout her battle with cancer, Hailey stayed positive, sharing her treatment experiences on Instagram along with fashion and lifestyle inspiration. In an October post, she even shared a rare smile from during her treatment, captioning it: “A rare moment caught smiling during treatment :).”
Her family has been deeply grateful for the support they received during her illness and encouraged people who knew Hailey to share their memories of her.
Several of Hailey’s fellow contestants from Nick Viall’s season of *The Bachelor* have paid tribute to her, expressing their heartbreak over the loss of their friend.
Vanessa Grimaldi, who won Nick Viall’s season of *The Bachelor*, wrote: “Our beautiful girl!! This news broke me. You are such a light, and your beautiful big smile will always be something I remember. Always. Rest easy, friend! Sending big hugs to your loved ones xoxo.”
Danielle Maltby shared a touching message: “I feel so lucky to have known your laugh and to have met and loved the warmest, most beautiful soul in the strangest of places Forever grateful for your friendship both there and in the real world… What a force, my girl. Rest easy Sending so much love to all your people.”
Dominique Alexis expressed similar feelings, saying: “My love, I hope you are in the most beautiful, peaceful place. I can’t imagine not seeing you again, but I’ll cherish every memory we shared. Love you .”
Raven Gates added: “Oh my gosh!!! I’m so, so sad to hear this I was hoping for her recovery. Rest easy, Hailey You’ll never be forgotten.”
In accordance with Hailey’s wishes, there will be no official funeral. Her family hopes that those who knew her will keep her memory alive by cherishing the moments they shared with her, as noted on the GoFundMe page.
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