When flying, most passengers focus on buckling up, stowing their belongings and preparing for takeoff. However, have you ever noticed that flight attendants adopt a seemingly unusual posture during takeoff and landing? Cabin crew members often sit in what is known as the ‘bracing position.’ This position—sitting upright with hands tucked beneath the legs and feet flat on the floor—serves a crucial purpose: protecting the body during an emergency. The ‘bracing position’ helps to limit body movement and reduce the risk of injury in the event of sudden turbulence or an unplanned impact.
This technique is not only about protecting the body; it also allows flight attendants time to conduct a ‘silent review’ of emergency protocols. While seated in the bracing position, they mentally prepare for potential emergencies by reviewing their surroundings, identifying emergency equipment, and noting the location of doors and exits. This preparation ensures that, if something goes wrong, they can respond swiftly and effectively. By having everything clearly mapped out in their minds, flight attendants enhance the safety of both themselves and passengers.
For passengers, understanding why cabin crew do this provides an added layer of reassurance when flying. Beyond just following the crew’s instructions, taking a moment to familiarise yourself with the safety information card, securing your seatbelt and reviewing the aircraft’s exits could make a life-saving difference in an emergency. Just as flight attendants mentally prepare for every possibility, so should you. In the event of an emergency, every second counts—leave everything behind and focus solely on getting to safety. Remember failure to prepare is preparing to fail. Travel safe.
