Why flight attendants ask you to open your window blind for take-off and landing

You’ve definitely been told to do this by a flight attendant or two, but why?

For those of you who find yourselves in the window seat, you’ve probably been asked to open that window when taking-off and landing. 

And you’ll definitely hear about it if you keep that window closed!

However, there are many reasons why you’ll be reminded to open those shut blinds.

Safety is a priority

It might sound strange, but every minute part of your travel has been thought out by the airline, from the moment you step foot on the aircraft, to the belt light indicating you that you’ve landed safely.

Keeping the windows open, whether it’s pitch black outside or having the sun gouge at your eyes, is safer for all passengers on board.

If anything were to happen during take-off or landing, the riskiest stages of each flight, your eyes would already be adjusted to the light or darkness outside.

This is also the reason why lights in the cabin are dimmed when landing and taking-off.

Coming to the rescue

Another reasonable explanation is that flight attendants, as well as passengers, can alert the crew if they notice anything strange.

Whether it be with the engine or the wings, it is always safer to be able to keep an eye on what keeps you 10,000 feet in the air.

Additionally, open windows can indicate what is happening inside the aircraft.

Emergency services prefer open windows, making it easier for them to see immediately if there is smoke onboard.

So, next time you board a plane to your upcoming destination, you are now aware of the reasons why you should always keep your window blinds open.