Henny Lim, a flight attendant working for the Philippines-based airline Cebu Pacific, recently went viral on TikTok for revealing a fascinating insight into a little-known procedure performed by cabin crew during takeoff and landing. In her short but informative video, she explained a specific posture flight attendants assume during these critical phases of the flight—known as the “bracing position.”

This practice, often unnoticed by passengers, involves crew members buckling themselves into their designated jump seats and deliberately placing their hands under their thighs. Lim explained the reasoning behind this routine, which is crucial for crew readiness and passenger safety.

In the video, she detailed the procedure: “This position involves fastening seatbelts securely, sitting upright, sitting on hands – arms up, thumbs tucked – and arms loose, and feet flat on the floor.”

The method may appear unusual, but as Lim pointed out, it has a vital purpose. “This keeps body movement restricted so that there is less chance of injury if there was an impact.” The goal is to minimize flailing and protect the body from secondary harm in case of sudden turbulence or a forced landing.

But that's not all that's happening during this time. Lim also emphasized another essential part of the routine that many passengers may not be aware of: the “silent review.”

“During this time, [your flight attendants] will also be going through the ‘silent review,’ which prepares them for an emergency situation every take-off and landing,” she explained. This mental checklist ensures flight attendants are ready to act immediately if anything goes wrong.

“This includes being aware of emergency equipment in the location, door operation, commands given & any visual clues outside of the aircraft,” Lim added, finishing with a warm wish for “a safe flight.”

According to a safety memo released by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the bracing position serves two primary purposes: reducing the risk of flailing limbs during an impact and decreasing injuries caused by secondary contact with objects or aircraft surfaces.

While some passengers may think flight attendants are simply sitting idly during landing, the reality is they are mentally and physically preparing for a rapid emergency response. It's a discipline grounded in safety protocol, extensive training, and psychological readiness.

Flight attendants like Lim are part of a growing number of airline crew members who take to social media to share safety tips, clarify in-flight procedures, and give passengers an inside look into life in the skies.

Another flight attendant, Esther Sturrus, has built a substantial following online by offering useful travel tips and insight from her daily life. In one video, she offered advice on how to be a great passenger, writing that the best flyers are “polite and friendly,” and those who “are courteous and engage in friendly conversation.” These simple behaviors, she noted, make the experience smoother for everyone onboard.

Sturrus, who has more than 223,800 followers on social media, also uses her platform to share practical tips for long-distance travelers. In one of her most popular clips, she demonstrated how to keep clothing fresh and odor-free during extended journeys—something frequent fliers truly appreciate.

Flight attendants today aren’t just safety professionals and hospitality experts; they’re also becoming digital educators. Through platforms like TikTok and Instagram, they are helping to demystify in-flight procedures and equip travelers with better awareness of what happens behind the scenes.

These videos may seem lighthearted at times, but the information they contain is serious and potentially life-saving. Understanding why crew members take specific actions—like sitting on their hands—can deepen a passenger's appreciation for the many layers of preparation and precaution that make flying one of the safest modes of transportation.

Ultimately, flight safety involves much more than buckling up and turning off your phone. It’s about every crew member being alert, ready, and mentally engaged from the moment the aircraft begins to move.

So next time you see a flight attendant seated with their hands tucked underneath them during landing, remember—it’s not just a quirky habit. It’s a critical safety measure, designed with your well-being in mind.