Why Do We Have To Raise Airplane Window Blinds Before Landing?

Why Do We Have To Raise Airplane Window Blinds Before Landing?

Why Do We Have To Raise Airplane Window Blinds Before Landing?

According to a Flight Safety Foundation representative, open shades improve situational awareness. During an emergency evacuation, for example, flight attendants or passengers must be able to see outside in order to determine whether it is safe to open and use an emergency exit.

Even if you are nervous about flying, you should never open the shade in a way that would impede your vision. The wing’s emergency exits usually have windows, and it can be difficult to find the lever or pull the cord when you’re wearing thick winter gloves.

During landing, however, passengers are usually prepared for a touchdown, so they are more likely to rush to open the shade and get out of their seats. In general, it is a good idea to keep your shades up when flying. When choosing a blind size, keep in mind that larger blinds do not mean better coverage or better visibility.

Window blinds are designed to cover the window at a 90-degree angle and block out the light. Even if you purchase a large blackout blind, you will still be able to see outside, but you won’t have as clear of an outside view as if it were completely open.

Because blinds are designed to cover the window, they can be adjusted so that they block out much less light. This means you can raise your blinds when you find them blocking the view of a seatmate or when the cabin lights are bright and hard to sleep by.

To adjust a window shade as low as possible, first remove all objects such as curtains, vertical blind cords, and other obstructions.

Then fold your blind down to the desired height and pull it tight along the top rail. Finally, pull your bottom rail up a little bit until it is at the lowest position. This will block out almost all of the outside light, although some may still get through.