Flight attendant Henny Lim has taken to TikTok to reveal the hidden secrets of the safety protocols that cabin crew must follow during takeoff and landing to ensure the safety of passengers and themselves.
In a video posted on the popular social media platform, Lim explained why she and her colleagues sit with their arms crossed during departure and landing. The key, she says, is to keep the body in a rigid posture to reduce the risk of bodily injury in the event of an emergency.
“This position involves fastening your seat belt securely, sitting upright, sitting on your hands (palms up, thumbs tucked in, arms loose), and placing your feet flat on the ground,” Lim explained in the video. “The goal is to keep the body in a rigid posture so that if there was any impact due to an unplanned emergency, the body would suffer less damage.”
Lim also mentioned that during this time, the cabin crew conduct a silent review to prepare for any emergency situation that may occur during takeoff and landing. This includes being aware of emergency equipment, door operations, and any visual clues outside the aircraft.
The importance of these safety procedures was highlighted by a recent incident involving an anonymous Southwest Airlines flight attendant who suffered a broken back during a rough landing at John Wayne Airport in Orange County, California. In another incident, five American Airlines cabin crew members and one passenger were rushed to the hospital with minor injuries after a “crash landing” at Kahului Airport in Maui, Hawaii.
Both incidents serve as a reminder of the importance of following strict safety protocols in the aviation industry. Airlines have reiterated that the safety of passengers and crew members is their top priority, and the rigorous training and protocols in place are designed to ensure a safe and secure journey from departure to arrival.