Why do we in the plane have to keep the window open when we take off?

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Eclipsepearl

I'm an ex-Flight Attendant and we were told in training to do this for several reasons.

First, the cabin lighting should match outside as much as reasonable (although I notice many non-U.S. carriers don't do this) for take-off and landing.

In crashes, often the lights go completely off (obviously) and this would mean passengers would have any outside light to help them find an exit. The emergency exit lighting should go on but open window shades would help.

Lastly, any rescue personel from outside can see inside the cabin more easily, to see if anyone is trapped inside.

No, it's not true that it's so the recue personel can do a body count from the outside. This theory is so absurd that it doesn't merit further discussion. This idea probably came from a book on aviation printed in the U.K. that was filled with misinformation on the industry.

Another small plus, which isn't the reason for the rule, but if anyone gets airsick, it's good if they can see outside. On landing, you can get stuck in a "holding pattern", not fun for those who are prone to this. Seeing the ground, even if far below, helps equalize their balance.

It's nice to have the window shades down during the flight but for take-off and landing, the most dangerous portions of the flight, it's more practical to have them up. Everyone really should be awake at those times anyway.

Anno

Belive it or not its so they can see if the engine goes on fire or anything goes wrong

taxed till i die,

Air plane windows cannot be opened,You mean the blinds.It is in case of an emergency.

neilinpdx

You meant the window shades....Here is one of the reasons.
Most aircraft accidents occur during what is known as 'critical phase of flight'...take off and landing. Should something happen that requires an emergency evacuation of the aircraft on the ground, the flight attendants need to be able to assess the conditions outside of the aircraft to determine which exits are usable. Leaving the shades open during such a scenario, allows the crew the fastest visual access to the conditions on the outside of the aircraft. There would be no point to opening a door where there is fire (for example).

PS...We haven't been called Stewards or Stewardess' for oh, say, nearly 30 years now. Try Flight Attendants or Cabin Attendants next time.

kittyfisher

so that, if you crash, people on the outside can see in to find you

matthew w

Its for safety so if the engines fail those with the window seats gets to stick there arm out and flap like crazy.

Outspoken but Honest

First I have heard of this maybe you have a body odour problem!!

only2days2go

I see some idiot has thumbed down a correct answer, which is so that in the event of the plane crashing, emergency service personnel CAN SEE IN. SO WHY GIVE THUMBS DOWN ! ! !

(Answer Three)

Ian M

I take it you posted this from your orbit around the earth!

I see the TD children are out again!

kim h

just 4 safety and so u can see that you arnt going to crash into anything lol and it is so you can jump out if u feel like it but i wouldnt recomend it m8t!

Dee Cee

That's ok. It's so you have air. Don't worry. Hang your head out too if you want.

Jessica C

You can open the window when you fly? Which airline? Or you mean the shutter?

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