If you’ve ever watched flight attendants during takeoff or landing, you may have noticed something unusual: they sit very upright, feet flat on the floor, often with their hands resting on their thighs—or sometimes tucked underneath them. While it may look uncomfortable or strange, this is actually a deliberate safety posture, not a habit or comfort trick.

Takeoff and landing are the most critical phases of flight, because most aviation incidents happen during these moments. For that reason, cabin crew must be fully prepared to react instantly if something goes wrong. They are not relaxing—they are in active safety mode, mentally and physically ready.

The position they use is part of what is known as the brace position. It is designed to reduce body movement during sudden impact or severe turbulence. By keeping the body tightly aligned—back straight, feet planted, and hands secured—the risk of injury is reduced if the aircraft experiences a sudden jolt.

One reason some airlines instruct crew to place their hands under their thighs is to prevent uncontrolled arm movement. In a sudden impact, loose arms can swing forward or sideways, potentially causing injury or interfering with emergency actions. Keeping the hands secured keeps the body more stable and controlled.

This position also helps reinforce correct posture. Sitting upright with a stable base improves balance and reduces the chance of injury during sudden deceleration. It ensures the crew remains in the safest possible position throughout takeoff or landing.

Another important reason is readiness. Immediately after landing or in an emergency, flight attendants may need to open exits, assess danger outside, and guide passengers out quickly. Keeping their arms close to their body helps protect them from injury so they can perform these tasks without delay.

During these phases of flight, cabin crew also perform a “silent review.” In their minds, they rehearse emergency procedures: which exits they are responsible for, how to open them, and what instructions to give passengers. This mental preparation improves reaction speed in real emergencies.

Ultimately, this posture is about discipline, safety, and readiness—not comfort or habit. It ensures that if something unexpected happens, cabin crew are physically protected and mentally prepared to act immediately, helping keep passengers safe when it matters most.