Here Is Why Airline Window Shades Are Kept Open During Takeoff And Landing

The open shades allow the cabin crew to see outside conditions in case an emergency occurs and they need to evacuate. Every second matters, and they need to which door would provide the safest exit.

#1 Open Window Shades

There's a reason why the window shades are kept open during take off and landing, but most people never even think about it.

#2 Cabin Crew

The open shades allow the cabin crew to see outside conditions in case an emergency occurs and they need to evacuate. Every second matters, and they need to which door would provide the safest exit.

#3 Emergency Services

The open shades also allow emergency services, outside the plane, to assess what is going on inside.

#4 Passengers

Oftentimes it's the passengers who spot the first sign of trouble outside, while cabin crew are busy with other things. Maybe they see an engine on fire, or an engine drop off, or other things that could be a problem.

#5 More LIght

During take off and landing, the lights in the cabin are not on, so the open shades illuminate the cabin that would otherwise be really dark.

#6 Location

The cabin crew can assess where the plane is during an emergency. Is the plane over water, mud, rocks?

#7 Anxiety

Open window shades alleviate anxiety as passengers can see what is going on when they feel the plane making a sudden turn to the left or right.