Why do you need to keep window blinds up when taking off and landing airplanes?

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alienaviator

So passengers and crew can see if there is anything happening outside the aircraft during the critical phases of flight (take-off and landing). Things you don't want to think about ... engines on fire, flaps not working, lightning hitting the wings, wings falling off ... that kind of stuff.

If a passenger is sitting at the window and sees something like this, their screams will alert the crew immediately that something is wrong. Emergency proceedures can then be intiated straight away, thus saving lives.

DAVID C

Its a safety thing, the stewards, are the eyes of the pilots in the passenger section, and should the plane crash, need to see if there is flames along the side of the aircraft instantly, so that they do not open an escape hatch where there is a fire developing.

If they had to climb over the passengers to open the blinds, it would waste valuable time which they can spend evacuating passengers. They can also report back to the pilot if any of the engines are on fire.

Finally it is to allow the passengers inside to adjust their eyes, and it increases the visibility of the craft from the outside to other aircraft at night, and the emergency services.

Xtine

So that you can see the emergency lights and central lights in the floor if there is an accident. It makes evacuation of the plane easier ,you just follow the signs. In bright sunlight you would not be able to see them clearly.Well thats what they told me anyway!

truesdale s

I've heard that its so if the plane crashes, the clean up crew can just look through the windows to count the bodies. Apparently thats why you need you seat belt on aswell.....so the corpses are all lined up in nice neat rows instead of a big pile that they'd need to wade through to count.

trudidog7

the reason for this and also why the turn down the lights is so that in case of emergency, and a landing has to take place, your eyes are adjusted to the darkness out side. or, so people dont think the planes a ufo, no really it is the first

origamimark

So the staff on board can see out for hazards, and the ground staff can see in without having to enter the plane after a crash landing. Besides, everything has to be in its upright position for take off and landing.

private_jet_charter

The policy is not set by the FAA but by each individual airline and has been adopted into their SOP (standard operating procedures). The reason is if an accident were to occur, the potential is to happen during takeoff or landing, they ask you to have the blinds up because if an accident happens you can asses the outside factors easier with all of the shades open, ie. fires, etc... Also the first responders can see into the aircraft easier with all of the blinds open, being able to asses the inside factors after an accident.

Rakesh

For airport security to be able to notice frantically waving passengers in case the airplane is hijacked.

rusco21

Its so that the people on the ground can see you screaming just before you crash.

Boston Bluefish

In case of a power failure during a hard landing. The ambient light from the windows, allows passengers and crew to exit the plane in an orderly fashion.

Besides, its an airline regulation...the crew has no choice but to comply with the law.

carolina t

Incase the plane falls. The F/A can see what they have fallen into.

soccerknocker199

i dont think you do but i am not sure because normally when i am landing i am already looking out the window.

sid

I've been told by an air hostess that it's so you can inform the crew if the engine is on fire - not sure if this is true though

Dr Death

This is in order to check for the Gremlins which live on aeroplane wings, and will often try to dismantle the plane as soon as it takes off.

The triumphant laughter of these mischievous creatures is often mistaken for a noise like engines.

Nicholas L

Consideration for the people who actually wanted a window seat. Watching the ground fall away from you or looking at your beautiful destination when approaching the runway are the two best things about flying.

lou b

Good question. I've been told it's a signal to ground staff that all is well on board and if it isn't the captain tells you to close them. I've no idea how true this is, but I can't think of another reason.

YORKSHIRE

I've got absolutely no idea why airlines insist on it. I can only think that it is to assist the Emergency services in some way in the event of an incident.

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