During the pre-flight and post-flight moments, many passengers are preoccupied with their phones or simply waiting for the aircraft to reach cruising altitude. However, for cabin crew members, these periods are crucial and demand heightened attention to ensure safety protocols are followed. Flight attendants carefully monitor the cabin to ensure passengers are properly seated and secured, allowing them to focus solely on safety matters.
Experts in aviation emphasize the importance of remaining alert during takeoff and landing, as these phases are where most incidents occur. Flight attendant Katherine Drossos highlights the significance of these moments, emphasizing that during takeoff and landing, cabin crew ensure the cabin is secure and passengers are prepared for any safety procedures that may be necessary.
Part of this preparation includes the safety briefing, detailing important safety information for passengers. Once the briefing is completed, passengers may observe cabin crew members assuming a specific seated position with hands secured on their thighs or beneath their legs. This posture is not just a casual position but a deliberate stance designed to stabilize the body and ensure readiness for any emergency situation that may arise.
While the exact hand positioning may vary, the goal remains consistent across airlines and aircraft models: to maintain stability, alertness, and immediate readiness during critical flight phases. In addition to the physical stance, cabin crew mentally rehearse emergency protocols while seated, ensuring they are fully prepared to respond promptly in case of an emergency.
The importance of this procedure gained attention after a viral TikTok video demonstrated cabin crew members following the routine. Passengers are not required to adopt the same brace position, but it is recommended to stay attentive during safety demonstrations and follow safety guidelines during takeoff and landing. The meticulous training and constant alertness displayed by flight attendants in their seating posture are essential for ensuring the safety of everyone on board.
