Window Covering

why on a plane do they ask you to open the window shutters before landing?

Public Comments

1. I'm an ex-Flight Attendant and we were told in training to do this for several reasons. First, the interior lighting should match outside as much as possible for take-off and landing, which is helped by opening the shades. We had to adjust the cabin lighting accordingly, either full-bright for a daytime landing or completely off for a night landing. This means time isn't lost during an evacuation when people are either blinded by the outside light or need a second to adjust to the dark. It can't be matched exactly but even a slight adjustment either way can help. Second, in a crash, the emergency lights should go on. Even if they didn't, the passengers would have any outside light to help them find an exit. In either case, having as much outside light as possible, logically, is helpful. Lastly, after the evacuation, any rescue personel from outside can see inside the cabin more easily, to see if anyone is trapped inside. There have been claims that it's so that the authorities can do a "body count" after a crash by looking through the windows. This is so absurd a reason and illogical, it doesn't merit comment. I think I know the source, a very bad book on the profession, filled with misinformation. Another small plus, which isn't the reason for the rule, but if anyone gets airsick, it's good if they can see outside. On descent, you can get stuck in a "holding pattern", not fun for those who are prone to getting motion sickness. Seeing the ground, even if far below, helps equalize their inner-ear balance. Please let me remind you that in an emergency evacuation, do NOT grab any of your bags. As soon as the plane comes to a complete stop, follow crew members', and only crew members', instructions. If you are supposed to get out, do so and don't take anything with you. If there is someone else having trouble exiting their seats, evaluate the situation and only help if you can do so quickly. In most cases, it's better to take note of the location, evacuate yourself and immediately tell any rescue personel on the ground and/or crew members where the help if needed. Hopefully that's information you never need to use! Just a small public service message...that could save your life! It's nice to have the window shades down during the flight but for take-off and landing, the most dangerous portions of the flight, it's more practical to have them up. Everyone really should be awake at those times anyway so even if the sun is in their eyes, they'll be on the ground shortly anyway.
2. So the flight attendants (and you) can see any obstructions or hazards outside in the event of a crash or other emergency. It's only safe to open the emergency exit door if no hazards exist outside it, so we need a clear, unobstructed view when we're assessing conditions after the aircraft has stopped. (BTW, the cabin lights are dimmed during a night landing for a similar reason - so if there's an accident, your eyes are already acclimatized to the dark outside, so you don't become dazzled when you step outside)