Why do flight attendants always ask passengers to open the window shades during takeoff and landing?

By Rita

Although Qantas will launch 787 Dreamliner aircraft with "electronic windows" by the end of the year, most planes still use manual window shades. During takeoff and landing, passengers by the window are often reminded by flight attendants to raise them. Many assume it’s related to UV rays at high altitudes, but that’s not the case—there’s a more important reason.

▲Qantas electronic window (Photo / escape)

According to cntraveler.com,most plane accidents occur during takeoff and landing. At these critical moments, windows must be open so flight attendants can assess the outside conditions and determine which emergency exits to use for passenger evacuation.Additionally, having the windows open allows passengers’ eyes to adjust to natural light, which helps reduce light adaptation issues during an emergency evacuation, thereby increasing the accuracy of escape.

The rules for using window shades during takeoff and landing vary by airline, but passengers should always follow the instructions of flight attendants—don’t let momentary laziness put everyone at risk.