I'm a flight attendant, here's the real reason we sit on our hands when flying

"The body is damaged less," she said in a clip that's left thousands of people terrified. 

Ever been on a flight and spotted the crew sitting with their hands tucked under their legs?

Well, it turns out that it's not just a quirky habit or them trying to keep warm (although it is always freezing on planes).

The simple act is actually part of something called the 'bracing position' which is all about staying safe in the event of an emergency. 

A flight attendant took to TikTok to explain exactly how it helps. 

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Image: TikTok

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It's part of the bracing position

"Ever wonder why the cabin crew sits [on their hands] during takeoff and landing?" asked Henny Lim, cabin crew for Cebu Pacific, in the clip. "It is called 'bracing position'."

Lim goes on to say that it helps reduce the risk of bodily harm. "This position involves fastening your seat belt securely, sitting upright, sitting on your hands — palms up, thumbs tucked and arms loose — and placing your feet flat on the floor," she explained.

"The aim is to keep the body in a rigid pose so that if there was any impact from an unplanned emergency, the body is damaged less."

She then explains how the position, in conjunction with other processes, keeps them safe so that they can assist passengers in an emergency. "It keeps body movement restricted so that there is less chance of injury if there was an impact.

"During this time, we will also be going through a silent review, which prepares us for an emergency situation during every takeoff and landing. This includes being aware of emergency equipment in the location, door operations, commands given and any visual clues outside of the aircraft."

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"Always preparing for a crash"

Commenters were shocked at the revelation, with many admitting it must be tough to always be thinking about potentially crashing. 

"Good info, always preparing for a crash is scary though," one person wrote.

Another shared, "Thanks for the info."

"I am today years old," someone else joked.

"I always wondered why they did that, thanks!" a different viewer said. 

"Wow, that's scary, but I guess it's better to be prepared," a different commenter replied. 

Have you noticed this before?

Originally published as I'm a flight attendant, here's the real reason we sit on our hands when flying