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Why is it necessary to leave the blinds of a plane open during take-off and landing?

The windows of a plane are air-tight and only light passes through, but light has no effect on the flight dynamics, hence why do the crew members always insist the blinds must be open during take-off and landing.



Also having the seat reclined to their original position during take off and landing, is it for safety reasons or for health reasons to the individual?

Public Comments

  1. So you can see out of the window
  2. For safety. In case of emergency, the window shades being open allow the passengers and flight crew to see through the windows and access the situation outside of the aircraft, as well as first responders being able to view into the aircraft to access the situation inside.
  3. this question has been answered hundreds of times.. if you bothered to search, you would already know that though
  4. In aviation if something is REQUIRED, it is because deaths have occurred from not doing it.
  5. Windows are kept open in order to help the passanger with orientation, meaning so you which way is up in case of an accident. The seats are kept up right so in case of an accident there is the maximum space available for everyone to get out of their seats and to the emergency exit. If the seat in front of you is all the way back and you are a larger individual you are going to have a tough time getting out and loose valualble seconds that could save your life.
  6. You are asked to raise your shade so that in the event of an accident you can see through the window to help you remain oriented (which way is up, etc.). Because of this, it lets you see what hazards there are outside the plane (fires, debris and such), which would be important during an evacuation. It also serves as a way to let light into the cabin and make it easier for rescuers to see inside.



    Upon descent (and also if you are taking off at night) they dim the lights to help your eyes adjust to the darkness, so if anything happens and it goes dark, you're not suddenly blinded while dashing for the exits. It makes the emergency path/exit lights more visible, as these might be the only lights you see in an emergency. As with the shades, it allows you to see outside for orientation, because with the cabin lights burning brightly, the glare would make it impossible.



    The seats have to be in upright position for safety reasons. In case of an accident:

    *it makes it easier for passengers to exit their seats

    *passengers must have easy access to emergency exits (something they wouldn't have if seats are reclined)

    *it allows passengers to assume the "crash" position if need be

    *reclined seat backs could kill or seriously injure the passenger behind if it should come unbolted, or if the passenger behind it is thrown forward.
  7. So you can have a better view of the post-impact fireball.
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