Why Are Aeroplane Window Shades Are Kept Open During Takeoff And Landing?

Thanks to aviation experts we can now know why the plane window shades are kept open during takeoff and landing.

Aviation Safety Officer, Saran Udayakumar has revealed that the shades are kept open for a number of reasons.

The first reason, is due to the cabin crew needing to see outside conditions in the case of an emergency. As cabin crew often have only a matter of minutes to evacuate the plane, the shades being kept open allow for quick evaluation of outside conditions. 

The second reason, is down to the passengers. As cabin crew are often tied up with safety announcements, refreshments etc during take-off, it allows for passengers to be the flight attendants extra eyes, looking out for any hazards or worrying signs. 

Along with these reasons, the blinds open also allows more light in the cabin for extra visibility inside.

Udayakumar said: ‘Passengers are curious; hence they are perfect extra eyes to see if something goes wrong out there. Usually passengers report stuff right away.’

‘In case of sudden emergencies, every second counts.
‘Therefore if shades are open crew can easily see outside conditions to help them in planning the evacuation – which doors to use for evacuation.’

While Airline Pilot, Kare Lohse, added: ‘there have been cases where passengers have noted technical problems by looking out on the wing or engines for instance. Of course, it happens very very rarely.

‘If there IS indeed a rare occasion of an evacuation, open blinds will enable both crew and passengers to see which side of the aircraft is safe to exit.

There you go, our questions have been answered! 

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