Why Are Windows Open During Takeoff and Landing in an Airplane?

In an airplane, pulling up the window curtains during takeoff and landing might seem like a simple, but tedious, process. In the meantime, it appears that this tradition has a significant safety justification.

Envision a lovely, cloudless day on which you are comfortably seated in an aircraft, awaiting takeoff. You are solely bothered by the sun’s rays striking your eyes. But before takeoff and landing, the cabin crew meticulously verifies that every window is open, thus you are unable to close the window blinds. Why?

The Purpose of the Plane’s Uncovered Windows is Safety

Raising window shades during takeoff and landing facilitates the flight crew’s ability to evaluate possible exterior dangers, such as debris or fire, says pilot Patrick Smith of AskThePilot. In an emergency, these variables may make evacuation challenging.

Former United Airlines flight attendant Sue Fogwell emphasizes that in the event of an emergency, people seated in the emergency exit row must first glance out the window before unlocking the exit. This is important because in the event of an evacuation, the crew will be able to assess which side of the aircraft is safest. The evacuation has a maximum 90-second time limit.

In the event of an unexpected incident, such an airplane crash or rollover, open window blinds can also aid passengers in maintaining orientation. According to the BAA Training aviation blog, if something similar were to occur during takeoff or landing, passengers’ eyes will already be acclimated to the outside light, enabling them to respond more quickly.

When Taking Off and Landing, the Windows Must Be Opened

According to the Airbus analysis, these procedures are especially crucial during takeoff and landing, as these are the times when accidents usually happen. This is because, in theory, these are the trickiest parts of the flight, requiring the crew to navigate or alter the configuration of the machine.

In the event of an emergency, raising the window curtains also enables exterior emergency services to view inside the aircraft.

Even if it’s crucial to follow this regulation, only airlines have the authority to do so. There are no official regulations from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) concerning window blinds on aircraft.