Just as different professionals have their own language when communicating with each other, flight attendants also have code words that they use when on duty. Of these terms, the one that often surprises passengers is “crotch watch.” This dirty term is an informal name used by flight attendants when checking whether passengers are wearing their seat belts correctly. During takeoff, landing or when turbulence is expected, flight attendants walk through the cabin and briefly scan each row. When they do this, they will check that your seat belt is buckled, visible, and worn correctly.
Cabin crews call this quick scan a “crotch look” because, as flight attendants will always tell you, a properly worn seat belt should sit low and tight on your hips (not your belly). This task, sometimes called a “groin scan,” is usually performed immediately after the Fasten Seat Belt sign comes on. While the sign is an official instruction to passengers, airlines still expect flight attendants to visually check compliance. This is because they believe that the ultimate safety of their passengers rests solely on their shoulders and therefore they do not want to take any risks. In addition to the many things flight attendants will observe you as you board the plane, this “groin scan” procedure is one of the most basic and important security checks they perform in the cabin.
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Why do stewardesses attach great importance to crotch displays?
On the plane, the flight attendant shows the seat belt to the passengers. – Jupiter Images/Getty Images
Wearing a seat belt is not just a formality but a serious safety measure. According to aviation safety experts, turbulence is one of the most common causes of in-flight injuries, especially if passengers are not wearing seat belts. That’s why airlines always insist that you buckle up during takeoff, landing, or in bad weather, and why they encourage you to buckle up even when the flight feels like a smooth ride. Seat belts can reduce injuries caused by sudden changes in altitude.
When flight attendants do a “crotch look,” they are making sure your seat belt is tight and worn correctly, with the seat belt low and snug against your hips. They also like that it’s visible rather than hidden under a blanket or jacket so they can check it quickly. If your seat belt is covered, a flight attendant may stop and instruct you to adjust the belt. When they do this, their intention is not to annoy 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 glance at your lap, you don’t have to feel embarrassed. It’s just part of their job. The best way to avoid being disturbed during a scan is to wear your seat belt properly whenever the sign comes on. Not only does this help the crew get the job done quickly and keep everyone safer in the air, it also prevents you from making mistakes that could get the crew into trouble.
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Read the original article on Discovery.