Jakarta, ThedailyID — Many travelers lower their window shades after settling into a window seat. Moments later, a flight attendant often asks them to raise the shade before takeoff.
The request may seem unnecessary. However, airlines enforce the rule for an important safety reason.
Takeoff and landing are the most critical phases of a flight. During these moments, pilots have the least time to respond if an emergency occurs.
Open window shades help passengers and cabin crew spot hazards outside the aircraft. They may notice smoke, flames near an engine, ice on the wings, landing gear problems, or other unusual conditions.
The open windows also help firefighters and rescue crews assess the situation before opening the aircraft doors. They can quickly identify fire, debris, water, or other hazards that could affect an evacuation.
The rule also helps passengers’ eyes adjust to outside lighting. According to Good Housekeeping, this adaptation can save valuable seconds during an emergency evacuation.
Passengers can move more quickly from a dim cabin into bright daylight or darkness. Those extra seconds can make a difference during an emergency.
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) recommends keeping window shades open during takeoff and landing as part of its standard safety guidance.
The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) does not require the rule under federal law. Instead, it lets each airline set its own policy. Even so, many airlines have adopted the procedure as part of their standard operating rules.
The next time a flight attendant asks you to raise your window shade, remember the request is about safety rather than the view. The simple step helps improve situational awareness and supports a faster emergency response if something goes wrong.
