Why Planes Turn Lights Off For Takeoff, Landing
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13 April 2024
Turning off lights during takeoff and landing might seem like an unnecessary measure. However, there are important safety reasons for this protocol
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The lights are dimmed when it's dark out, so your eyesight can adjust in order to more easily evacuate the aircraft, a former flight attendant told Travel+Leisure magazine
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It can take our eyes between 20 to 30 minutes to adjust to darkness. These few minutes can make a difference when it comes to safely evacuating a plane during an emergency
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This also makes it easier for crewmembers and flight attendants to see the floor lights that lead to exits in the event of an evacuation
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Similarly, if it is bright outside, flight attendants will flip the lights on so passengers aren't blinded when deplaning
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There's another reason why lights are turned off specifically at takeoff and landing - that is when most plane accidents occur
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These seemingly trivial measures can be critical during an emergency when crewmembers need to be able to evacuate a flight in 90 minutes or less
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These safety concerns are also why many airlines require the window shade to be up during takeoff and landing as well
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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, according to a pilot
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