Why Are We Asked to Raise Airplane Window Blinds?

If you’re a frequent flyer, you’ve probably heard a cabin crew member say this: “Before landing, please ensure that your window blinds are raised…” But why is it necessary? Aviation expert John Walton explains.

The Importance of Raising Airplane Window Blinds

It’s not just to provide a better view during landing, although that’s certainly a pleasant benefit. This requirement is primarily for safety. Opening that blind serves several essential purposes:

• Adjustment to Light: Raising the blind allows your eyes to acclimate to the varying light levels outside. If it’s a day flight, you won’t emerge blinking from a shadowy cabin into the glaring sunshine. Conversely, during night flights, this practice enhances visibility.
• Crew Visibility: Opening your blind greatly aids the cabin crew’s ability to observe conditions outside. Their training involves assessing the environment rapidly, especially in emergencies. Having a clear view is advantageous for both crew and passengers alike.

The Role of Window Blinds in Emergencies

Aircraft are designed and tested to evacuate quickly; cabin crew are trained to get everyone off the plane in under 90 seconds if necessary. During their training, the crew learns to evaluate the safety of external conditions, which requires them—and you—to have visibility. Passengers can provide valuable insights in the event of an anomaly, so it’s crucial to keep communication open.

Moreover, maintaining an open blind allows emergency services to see inside the aircraft readily if an incident arises. More light entering the cabin is beneficial in situations involving smoke, facilitating a safer environment for swift exits.

Additional Benefits of Raising Window Blinds

There are a few extra perks associated with this practice:

• Efficient Pre-Flight Checks: Once the aircraft prepares for its next journey, having the windows open assists maintenance crews in checking for issues such as ice in winter or other concerns.
• Enhanced Cleaning: Open blinds simplify the cleaning process, making it easier for flight attendants or dedicated cleaning crews to perform their jobs, especially if there are pesky fingerprints on the windows.

John Walton is an international aviation journalist. Find him on Twitter @thatjohn

This article was originally published in November 2019 and updated in April 2020.