Why Lift Window Shades During Takeoff, Landing

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5 April 2024

Lifting the shades on the windows during take-off and landing might seem unnecessary. However, there are important safety reasons behind this protocol

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Raising the shades during take-off and landing makes it easier for the flight attendants to assess any exterior hazards, like fire or debris, a pilot told Travel+Leisure magazine

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This allows crew members to determine which side of the aircraft is safer for an impromptu deplaning. This is vital given they only have 90 seconds to evacuate the plane

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Another reason is that by keeping the window shades open, passengers' eyes will adjust to the outside light

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Open window shades help passengers ?remain oriented? during a sudden impact with ?tumbling and rolling,? per the pilot

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If you've somewhat acclimatised to low light conditions before an unfortunate incident occurs, you'll have a visual capacity to disembark from the aircraft

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Having window shades up is crucial in the exit row, where passengers are required to assist the crew in the case of an emergency

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This practice also allows outside emergency crews to view what's going on inside, whether it be fire, smoke or other fiasco

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In addition to this, passengers are also asked to fold up their tables and straighten their seats during take-off and landing

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This is to ensure quick exit in case of an emergency, as per the pilot

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