why do airplanes switch off cabin lights at take off and landing?

Answer 1

Makes it easier to see outside

Answer 2

No, as horror flicks fans would like you to believe, darkness is not created so that death can occur in a faster, unanticipated (though more hair raising) way. Just the opposite.

Specifically, these short "light out" periods before take offs and landings, when it is dark outside, are one of the many safety measures taken by the flight attendants. How so ?

This dimming of the lights ensures that, in the event of an emergency evacuation, your eyes (which require some time to adapt to a light-dark situation - did you ever enter a totally dark room and were not able so see anything for a good while?) will be able to adjust more quickly to the darkness outside.

In the very unlikely event that such an evacuation needs to be undertaken (aircraft travel is still the safest mode of transportation there is, after all), all you will need to concern yourself with will be to evacuate safely and calmly the airplane - without the added stress of unseen things bumping on you, into the night.

Answer 3

To conserve power while taking off and landing--two very important actions that require a great deal of power.

Answer 4

For the same reason you don't drive your car at night with your interior light on, so you can see outside better. It makes it so it's brighter outside than inside, so things outside are easier to see.

Answer 5

The momentary blackout is caused by the switching of power source with the plane.

Answer 6

To conserve power

Answer 7

So the planes won't fall out of the sky. shh!

Answer 8

So you can see better when you look out the window.