Flight attendants do much more than serve drinks; they ensure everyone’s safety and health on board. One key safety habit is the bracing position during takeoff and landing, explained by Cebu Pacific flight attendant Henny Lim in a popular TikTok video.
This position involves sitting up straight, securing seatbelts, resting hands on thighs with thumbs tucked in, keeping arms loose, and feet flat on the ground.
Its main purpose is to reduce body movement and injury risk during an emergency landing by helping attendants withstand crash forces.
Regulatory bodies like the FAA highlight that the bracing position minimizes flailing limbs and secondary impact injuries by positioning the body, especially the head, against impact surfaces.
Flight attendants also use this time for a “silent review” to mentally prepare for emergencies. Social media has helped attendants like Lim, Destanie, and Esther Sturrus share insights about the challenges of their job and emphasize the importance of following safety rules. The bracing position is a crucial safety measure, and by understanding it, passengers gain greater respect for the dedication of flight attendants committed to their well-being.