Why flight attendants ask passengers to keep window shades up during takeoff and landing | Lifestyle News

Most travellers love to have a view and pick a window seat when travelling on an airplane. But have you ever wondered why — come rain or shine — flight attendants ask you to keep the window shade up during takeoff and landing? If you are intrigued, we have you covered.
Experts assert that safety is the primary reason flight attendants ask passengers to open the window shades during critical phases of a flight, just like wearing a seat belt.
While it may seem trivial, it’s an essential aspect of safety. “The first reason is your safety. If anything happens during a take-off or landing, your eyes will already be used to the day or night light outside; thus, you will be able to react more quickly,” said Colonel Rajgopalan, founder of ‘Aviation Training India,’ a pilot training institution.
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Concurred Dhairyashil Vandekar, an aviation expert and analyst, who said that “situational awareness and orientation” are both essential aspects for the crew and passengers. While situational awareness translates to knowing the surroundings and keeping a watch, orientation includes briefing the crew that passengers must adhere to. So, opening the blinds is part of the overall safety of the aircraft, crew, and passengers, he said.
According to an Airbus’ ‘Accident dribution per flight phase 2002-2024’ report, most accidents over the last 20 years occurred during takeoff, approach, and landing phases. The report noted that approach and landing are highly complex flight phases, which place significant demands on the crew regarding navigation, aircraft configuration changes, communication with Air Traffic Control, congested airspace, and degraded weather conditions.
Know all about your safety (Photo: Freepik)
Another reason for keeping the blinds open is the visibility of the aircraft outside. “If any problems occur with the engine or wings, such as a fire, the crew can see it out of those tiny round windows in the cabin. If the aircraft needs to be evacuated, passengers and the whole crew can see which side of the aircraft is safer for evacuation,” said Rajgopalan.

Notably, the practice is not mandated the United States’ Federal Aviation Adminration (FAA). However, flight attendants consider it a best practice. Interestingly, while there isn’t a strict United Nations’ ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) regulation mandating open shades, the organization’s guidance documents advise cabin crew to ensure window blinds are open during critical flight stages, said Vandekar.