Why passengers on a flight must keep window shades open before landing and takeoff?

When flight attendants ask to keep window shades open during landing and take off, it is not just another simple protocol but an important safety measure.

Several of us are guilty for paying extra or fighting with out sibling or friend that window seat. Be it trains of flights. A seat by the window adds on to the travel experience as you get to enjoy the scenic beauty, let your imaginations run wild on the clouds, enjoy the break of dawn and last ray at dusk too. Have you even wondered why passengers on a fight are specifically insisted to keep the window shades open during takeoff and landing?

Flight attendant particularly check for seatbelts and shut window shades and get them to open before the takeoff and landing. The answer is rooted in research and safety protocol.

Why You Should Keep Windows Open During Takeoff and Landing?

Passenger safety and comfort is priority for every airline. Recently, the travel industry has been soaring after the pandemic era. This makes cabin crew and attendant to be more vigilant and enforce safety protocols at best. So why we must window shades open during landing and take off?

According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) 2025 Safety Report- crew members must be able to quickly assess external conditions. Open window shades allow both passengers and flight crew to:

• Spot any fire hazard in engine, debris, water
• Understand which side is better for evacuation in case of emergency
• Identify if the plane is near dangerous obstacles like buildings, trees, or vehicles.

Quick visual assessment is essential in crisis like situation. It is also when science and logic come into play and because they need to be ready for any situation. As part of safety measure, it is essential for everyone to respond as swiftly as possible.  When a situation happens, night or day, it also affects the respond time.

Everyday when we come from a dark room into the light or vice versa, the pupils need few seconds to adjust to the lighting. Similarly, if travellers are adjuster to dark cabin and crisis involves evacuation into a bright light, vision can be momentarily impaired posing a risk. Night landing requires adjustment wherein cabin light matches the external darkness as well and when we keep the window shades open helps in the adjustment. This collectively helps in quick adjustment to light, enhances awareness and lowers disorientation. According to the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) emphasised in its 2025 passenger safety briefings that visual adaptation can save vital seconds during evacuations.