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Unusual Flight Attendant Habits: Decoding the Brace Position and Shorthand Language
Cabin crew are known for employing distinct practices and traditions during flights, some of which may seem perplexing to passengers. One such example is their utilization of a concise, specialized language to communicate discreetly and effectively. Another intriguing practice observed among flight attendants is the specific posture they assume during take-off and landing, often referred to as the ‘brace position’. This position notably involves sitting on their hands, a detail that has prompted curiosity and speculation among air travelers. Contrary to assumptions, this is not a measure to keep hands warm. Instead, cabin crew adopt this posture, once seatbelts are fastened, primarily for safety precautions in anticipation of unforeseen circumstances or potential emergencies.
Purpose of the Brace Position for Cabin Crew
Henny Lim, a flight attendant with Cebu Pacific in the Philippines, explained the crucial rationale behind this ‘brace position’ to PEOPLE. The posture entails not just sitting on hands, but also ensuring palms are facing upwards, maintaining an upright seated position with arms relaxed, and feet planted firmly on the floor. This specific configuration is designed as a proactive safety measure in case of ‘unplanned emergencies’. According to Ms. Lim, ‘The objective is to maintain the body in a firm, controlled posture. In the event of impact from an unexpected emergency, this rigidity minimizes potential physical harm.’ She further clarified, ‘Restricting body movement in this manner significantly reduces the likelihood of injury should an impact occur’.
Reinforcement from Another Cabin Crew Member
Echoing these insights, another flight attendant, Anusha Pratima, further elaborated on the protective function of the brace position in an online forum. Ms. Pratima emphasized the necessity for cabin crew to remain vigilant during critical phases of flight – taxiing, take-off, approach, and landing – due to potential ‘dangerous situations’. The brace position is paramount in these phases because, as she explained, ‘Brace positions limit the mobility of your limbs and spine, thereby lessening potential bodily harm upon impact’.
Brace Position Guidelines for Passengers
It’s important to note that guidelines regarding the brace position for passengers in emergency scenarios differ from those for cabin crew. According to aviation news source Simple Flying, passengers are instructed to ‘bend the upper torso significantly forward and position your head against the backrest of the seat in front’, contrasting with the upright posture adopted by cabin crew. Furthermore, passengers are advised to ‘place hands flat to the left and right beside the head against the seat in front’.
Key Differences in Passenger Brace Position
- Bend upper torso forward.
- Place head against the seat back in front.
- Position hands flat beside the head against the seat in front.