Opening Window Blinds for Take-off & Landing

Why are Passengers Asked to Raise the Aircraft Window Blinds for Take-off and Landing?

Why do Passengers Have to Raise the Window Blinds for Take-off and Landing?

The aircraft’s window blinds must be raised for take-off and landing to allow both the Cabin Crew and passengers to assess where any danger might be (like a fire) if an aircraft evacuation is required. This might occur in an emergency during take-off or landing, which is statistically the most dangerous phase of flight. It allows the Cabin Crew to identify which emergency exits are suitable to evacuate from should this be required.

By having the window blinds open, it also raises the passengers situational awareness. For example, if you as a passenger have seen there is a fire on the right side of the aircraft, you will seek to evacuate the aircraft to the left-hand side where possible.

Aircraft Evacuation

This is particularly important if the Cabin Crew have become incapacitated, and you are trying to evacuate the aircraft without assistance. It helps increase your overall “situational awareness” and thus enhances your chances of survival should the worst happen. Always make sure you have your shoes on for take-off and landing – being barefooted could seriously hamper your ability to evacuate the aircraft quickly. You should however, always remove high heel shoes before going down an evacuation slide, so you don’t accidentally tear and deflate it.