Flight attendant hand gestures are among the general curiosity issues. They point with two fingers, put their thumbs up, do the chicken and bacon baguette move, and roll their arms forward to show the fresh veg wrap. And sometimes flight attendants sit on their hands. Do you know why? Reading further, you’ll get the answer to the question “Why do flight attendants sit on their hands?”
The Reason Why Air Hostesses Sit on Their Hands During Takeoff and Landing
Why do cabin crew sit on their hands during takeoff and landing? You must’ve heard the mysterious notice coming from the cockpit on a plane: “Cabin crew, prepare for takeoff!” This announcement is for flight attendants on board the aircraft and has a specific meaning. The cabin crew take their seats, fasten their seatbelts, and prepare themselves for the takeoff. The preparation includes the brace position.
Though it may look a bit funny and awkward, there is a logical reason behind it. Flight attendants sitting with their hands under their thighs is called the brace position. This position is formed differently depending on the type of plane, jump seat, and the staff’s sitting location. We can look at the two common seat types to understand the brace position.
- Forward-facing Seat: In forward-facing seats, the flight attendant sits back and tightens their seat belts. Their chins are close to the sternum, with their hands holding on the sides of the seat. At this point, the most important thing for them is not to hold on to the restraint system.
- Rear-facing Seat: In rear-facing seats, the flight attendant’s head should rest against the headrest while they have the restraint systems as tight as possible. Hands should be on the laps and hold on to the seat. Again, they should not hold on to the restraint system.
And the reason for sitting on one’s hands is a part of the brace position, and it is a personal preference, not a regulation. The key here is to form the brace position properly, no matter where your hands are located.
Hand Gestures of Flight Attendants During a Flight
Flight attendants might have to use their body language to communicate with each other and the passengers sometimes. Here are some of the most common hand gestures that cabin crew do.
- Tray Service Sweep: One hand glides forward, signaling “start trolley service”
- Coffee or Tea Tap: Two fingers tapping an imaginary cup rim to ask which beverage is needed
- Lavatory Status Point: Small thumb move toward the back, meaning “check lavatories”
- Galley Call Motion: Hand circling in the air to call a colleague into the galley quietly
- Empty Row Signal: Flat palm sweeping across seats, meaning “that row is free/clear”
- Passenger Assist Cue: Subtle palm down wave meaning “I’ll handle this passenger”
- Secure Cabin Swipe: Horizontal swipe across chest level, reminder to check belts and bags
- Seatbelt Reminder Twist: Small rotational gesture, like twisting a seatbelt buckle
- Noise Control Palm Lowering: Downward hand motion to indicate lowering voice tone
- Discreet Disturbance Nod: Tiny chin lift toward a seat area meaning “passenger issue, approach calmly”
Do Flight Attendants Go Through Security?
There is also another popular question in people’s minds: “Do flight attendants go through security?” And the answer is a big “YES”. Cabin crew members undergo the same security checks as passengers. However, the process may be slightly different in terms of speed and procedures. Since flight attendants and pilots have strict duty schedules and must be at the gate on time to ensure an on-schedule departure, airports often provide dedicated crew lanes. These lanes help them complete the screening process faster, but the security standards remain just as high.
How Flight Attendants Pass Through Airport Security
- They follow the same aviation security regulations as passengers.
- They present crew ID and flight details before screening.
- They use designated crew security lanes to reduce waiting time.
- Their personal items and luggage are scanned by security officers.
- They must comply with airport and international aviation protocols.
- Random additional checks may still be required depending on the airport.
- The system ensures both operational efficiency and high security standards.
Did You Know?
Have you ever wondered why cabin crew often greet passengers with their hands behind their backs? The reason is quite simple: it helps avoid unnecessary physical contact and allows them to count passengers using a small clicker device discreetly.
You might also like to read our article “How to Become a Flight Attendant“.
