why does the window shades have to be up on take off and landing?

Answer 1

This question has been asked and answered several times...at least twice in the last week.

Others are somewhat correct when they say it's so you can tell if it is safe to exit the aircraft, there is another reason.

Your eyes take 20-30 minutes to adjust to the ambient light if you go from a bright area into a dark one and slightly less time to adjust from a dark area into a bright one. The reason why they ask you keep your window shade ups is so your eyes will be adjusted to the light outside, allowing you to evacuate the plane faster in the event of an emergency.

You can try this expirement sometime: Go outside an stare at a white wall for about 15-20 minutes, then go into a dark room without windows such as a closet or bathroom and time yourself to see how long it takes for you to be able to see your surroundings.

Answer 2

Window shades (for US carriers) only have to be open at door and window exits that have a flight attendant jump seat near them. This is in case of a emergency evacuation so that the flt attendant can make a visual inspection prior to opening the exit. Any other window shades on the plane being open on take off and landing would be based on an individual airlines policy.

Answer 3

If there is an emergency and the plane has to be evacuated quickly, you need to be able to see outside to make sure you are not opening the door into a fire or other hazard. Obviously not all window shades need to be up to check around the emergency escapes but it is easier to insist that they all are to ensure that the vital ones are up.

Answer 4

Somebody told me that it is in case of a terrorism issue. So the people in the tower can see inside the plane, count heads, people moving, etc...

But i don't believe it so much

Answer 5

In case there is a failure you can see the ground rushing up toward you as you are about to crash.