How to Assume the Brace Position

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It's easy to tune out the in-flight safety demonstration when you're flying on a plane, but the crew is giving you valuable information. If you fly frequently or just want more details on what to do when your plane hits turbulence, you'll probably be told to brace—get into a safe position that protects your head and limbs. Learn the correct brace position so you feel prepared and you protect yourself from serious injury. You probably have questions about when to brace or about technique, so look for your answer below.

Question 1 of 6:

When should I assume the brace position?

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    If the pilot suspects a rough landing or turbulence, a member of the flight crew will make an announcement and tell you to brace for impact. Depending on the airplane, you may also see the seatbelt sign continue to flash. Take a deep breath and try to stay calm—you know what to do! [1]
    • The flight crew might say, "Get into an emergency position," or "Head down and lean forward," for instance.
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Question 2 of 6:

How do you do the brace position?

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    Check that your seat belt is buckled and tight across your lap. Then, lower your head so your chin is near your chest and bend your whole body forward as if you're rolling into a ball. [2]
    • Drawing your head down prevents your head from jerking back suddenly.
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    Place your hands on the back of your head and tuck your elbows close to your sides. Put your head up against the seat that's in front of you so it will cushion any impact. [3]
    • Remember, it's really important to bend forward so you reduce the distance between your head and the seat in front of you. Don't sit up in your seat and just bend your head over or you could really injure yourself.
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    During impact, your feet will slide forward and keep moving even once the plane stops. To protect your legs and feet, plant your feet flat and pull your legs back so your feet are right below your knees. [4]
    • Don't stretch your feet in front of you, even if you keep them flat. Your legs will continue to slide forward so you want them as far back as possible when you brace.
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Question 3 of 6:

Are there alternatives to the brace position?

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    If you don't have a seat in front of you to press your head against, don't worry! It's also acceptable to bend forward as much as possible and grab your lower legs instead of putting your hands on the back of your head. [5]
    • Don't bend forward and stretch your arms out in front of you. You want to draw your limbs in close so you don't flail.
    • Keep your feet flat on the floor and remember to tuck your legs back so they won't slide forward as much.
Question 4 of 6:

Why is it important to assume the brace position in a crash?

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    This may not sound important, but if your legs and arms are swinging around during a crash, they could hit the chair in front of you or another passenger. Keeping your limbs tucked close prevents flailing and makes it more likely that you can survive the impact . [6]
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    If you don't brace and you're sitting straight up, your body will jerk forward and hit the seat or wall in front of you. Bracing brings you closer to the chair or wall so there's less momentum—this means you won't hit the surface as hard and won't get injured as badly. [7]
    • Airplane seats are also designed to absorb shock in the event of a crash. Airlines are constantly testing and redesigning seats to offer maximum protection to their passengers.
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Question 5 of 6:

Should I try to hold onto my child or help them brace?

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    You'd actually put yourself and them at risk for greater injury if you pull them onto your lap or you reach over and try to shield them. Instead, direct your child to properly brace. If they're young and weigh less than 40 pounds (18 kg), they should be in a child-restraint system in their own seat. This gives them more protection than if they were sitting on your lap. [8]
    • The Federal Aviation Administration strongly recommends that you put your small child into a car seat instead of keeping them on your lap. [9]
Question 6 of 6:

Can the brace position kill you if the plane crashes?

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    Research has shown just how effective the brace position is at preventing serious injury during a crash. [10] It's simply not true that the brace position is meant to harm you!
    • Specifically, bracing can prevent damage to your neck, shoulder injuries, and damage to your legs.
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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    Is it true that the brace position increases the risk of death?
    Community Answer
    No, this is not true. The brace position is implemented on many airlines as research has concluded that it is more likely that passengers that adopt this position will fare better than those who do not. If instructed to adopt the brace position by a member of cabin crew, on many airlines you must follow the instruction regardless of personal beliefs or opinions.
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    Not Helpful 5 Helpful 11
  • Question
    What is the best position for side-facing seats on a smaller jet aircraft?
    Community Answer
    Try to angle yourself so that your legs are sticking out of the two sides of the side-facing seats. One person will be facing the way the plane is going down, and the other will be facing the back. Now, assume a normal brace position.
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  • Question
    What is the purpose of the brace position?
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    Community Answer
    The brace position will protect you on impact for debris, and most importantly, the impact itself. It will prepare your body for the lurch.
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      Warnings

      • Always follow the cabin crew's instructions and stay in the brace position until they direct you it's safe to sit up. [11]
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      References

      1. ↑ https://flightsafety.org/ccs/ccs_may_june98.pdf
      2. ↑ https://www.flightsafetyaustralia.com/2018/08/the-brace-position-what-passengers-need-to-know/
      3. ↑ https://www.icao.int/safety/airnavigation/OPS/CabinSafety/Cabin%20Safety%20Library/Transport%20Canada%20AC_700-036%20on%20Brace%20Position.pdf
      4. ↑ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9773899/
      5. ↑ https://www.icao.int/safety/airnavigation/OPS/CabinSafety/Cabin%20Safety%20Library/Transport%20Canada%20AC_700-036%20on%20Brace%20Position.pdf
      6. ↑ https://www.icao.int/safety/airnavigation/OPS/CabinSafety/Cabin%20Safety%20Library/Transport%20Canada%20AC_700-036%20on%20Brace%20Position.pdf
      7. ↑ https://www.flightsafetyaustralia.com/2018/08/the-brace-position-what-passengers-need-to-know/
      8. ↑ https://www.icao.int/safety/airnavigation/OPS/CabinSafety/Cabin%20Safety%20Library/Transport%20Canada%20AC_700-036%20on%20Brace%20Position.pdf
      9. ↑ https://www.faa.gov/travelers/fly_children/
      1. ↑ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9773899/
      2. ↑ https://flightsafety.org/ccs/ccs_jan-feb88.pdf

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      If you ever see the seatbelt sign flashing on your flight or are told by your flight attendant to brace for impact, tuck your feet beneath your seat and keep them flat against the floor. If you are in an economy seat, lean forward so that your head is touching the back of the seat in front of you. Then, link your fingers on top of your head and position your forearms so they are covering your face in case of debris. For more about how to assume the brace position in a first-class seat, scroll down!

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