Passengers have been following these instructions for years, but a cabin crew member has now explained the important aircraft safety reason for keeping window blinds open during landings take offs
Ever wondered why your plane’s window blinds must be up when landing? (Stock)(Image: FG Trade via Getty Images)
Have you ever wondered why cabin crew insist we keep the window blinds up when planes are taking off and landing? If you have, you’re certainly not alone – even frequent flyers are only now learning the reason behind this rule.
The explanation came to light following a video posted by traveller Quinn Kuntz. In footage filmed from her seat, she asked: “Can someone explain why European flights require the window shade to be open for landing? They are so strict about it.” Quinn concluded by pondering whether the rule applies “everywhere”, adding: “I just wanna know why.”
In response, cabin crew member Amelia Richardson was swift to provide a thorough explanation.
“Cabin crew here – lights off in hours of darkness – your eyes are adjusted to darkness in case of evacuation,” she began. “Window blinds open – danger can be seen outside and emergency crews can see in. Tray tables and bags under seats – saves critical seconds in an evacuation.”
Amelia went on with further instructions: “Emergency exits remaining clear – again saves critical seconds, emergency exits are a lifeline in an evacuation. Just remember an aircraft must be evacuated within 90 seconds. Listen to cabin crew, follow the rules. Everyone’s happy.”
A second person added: “Safety. There are no wing or rear view mirrors on a plane. It is so the passengers and crew can alert the pilot of anything untoward.”
A third concurred, writing: “In case the passengers notice something the pilot can’t or doesn’t see. Just an extra precaution.”
Meanwhile, a fourth TikTok user explained the rule has been implemented across the globe.
“Simple: if there a fire or emergency, flight crew needs to see what’s happening so they can better choose which side to evacuate passengers,” they said. “This is an international regulation. It’s worldwide they do this!”
Indeed, pilot school, BAA Training confirms this is correct in guidance on its website.
“The first reason is your safety,” BAA advises.
“If anything happens during a take-off or landing, your eyes will already be used to the day or night light outside, thus you will be able to react more quickly.”
The firm goes on to state: “Another reason for keeping the blinds open is visibility of aircraft outside. If any problems occur with the engine or wings, the crew can see it out of those tiny round windows in a cabin.”
“If the aircraft needs to be evacuated, passengers and the whole crew is able to see which side of the aircraft is safer for evacuation.”