If you’ve ever glanced at a flight attendant during takeoff or landing and noticed them sitting upright with hands tucked under their thighs, you might have wondered: what exactly are they doing?

While some might assume it’s a quirky habit or a way to stay warm in chilly cabins, the real reason is far more serious — and rooted in safety protocols designed to save lives.

Cabin of aircraft with passengers on board, Photo Credit: Pexels
Cabin of aircraft with passengers on board, Photo Credit: Pexels

Flight crews around the world are trained to adopt what’s called the brace position during the most critical parts of a flight: takeoff and landing. These are the moments when the likelihood of an emergency is highest. And no, the posture isn’t just for passengers.

Flight attendant Henny Lim, who works for Cebu Pacific Airlines in the Philippines, recently shared the truth behind this position with PEOPLE, shedding light on a routine most passengers never fully understand. According to Lim, the sitting-on-hands posture is a crucial safety measure aimed at reducing injury in the event of a sudden impact.