What It Means When Your Flight Attendants Are On ‘Crotch Watch’
Just as different professionals have their own languages when communicating with each other, they also Code words used by flight attendants while on duty. Among these terms, the one that often surprises travelers when they hear it is “crotch time.” This vulgar term is the unofficial name used by flight attendants when they want to check whether passengers are wearing their seat belts correctly. Before any takeoff, landing, or when turbulence is expected, flight attendants pass through the cabin and briefly scan each row. While doing this, they check that your seat belt is fastened, visible and properly worn.
The crew calls this quick scan “crotch tracking” because Flight attendants often tell you that your seat belt is worn correctly sits low and tight across the hips (not the belly). This task is sometimes called a “crotch scan” and usually occurs immediately after the fasten seat belt sign is turned on. While this sign is the official instruction given to passengers, airlines still prefer to have flight attendants visually check compliance with the rules. This is because they do not want to take any risks as they believe that the ultimate safety of their passengers rests solely on their shoulders. Besides that Flight attendants observe many things about you the moment you board the plane.This “crotch scan” routine is one of the most basic and important safety checks they perform in the cabin.
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Why do flight attendants take crotch monitoring seriously?
A flight attendant shows seat belts to passengers on the plane. – Jupiterimages/Getty Images
Wearing a seat belt is not just a formality, it is a serious safety precaution. According to aviation safety experts, turbulence is one of the most common causes of in-flight injuries, especially when passengers are not wearing seat belts. That’s why airlines always insist that you fasten your seat belt during takeoff, landing, or inclement weather, and encourage you to keep your seat belt fastened even if the flight is comfortable. Seat belts reduce injuries during sudden elevation changes.
When flight attendants perform a crotch watch, they verify that your seat belt is worn correctly, low and snug around the hips. They also prefer it to be visible rather than hidden under blankets or jackets so they can quickly check it at a glance. If your belt is off, a flight attendant may stop and instruct you to adjust the belt. While doing this, their aim is not to disturb you. They just want to make sure safety rules are followed. This is a security check that passengers benefit from.
So if you notice a flight attendant briefly staring at your lap, there’s no need to feel weird. It’s just part of their job. The best way to avoid being disturbed during this scan is to properly wear your seat belt when the sign is on. Not only will doing this help crews do their jobs quickly and keep everyone safer in the air, it will also help your a mistake that could drive the crew up the wall.
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