During the hours of darkness, why do passenger jets dim the interior lights before take off and landing?

Question

I have recently flown on a plane, we took off in daylight but landed in darkness. Before we landed the cabin crew informed us that the lights would be dimmed and that this was standard proceedure. Anyone know why?

Answer 1

It is easier for the pilot to see the lights on the runway when all the lights are dimmed inside his airplane. Provides a greater contrast in lighting to see.

Answer 2

You are asked to raise your shade so that in the event of an accident you can see through the window to help you remain oriented (which way is up, etc.). Because of this, it lets you see what hazards there are outside the plane (fires, debris and such), which would be important during an evacuation. It also serves as a way to let light into the cabin and make it easier for rescuers to see inside.

Upon descent (and also if you are taking off at night) they dim the lights to help your eyes adjust to the darkness, so if anything happens and it goes dark, you're not suddenly blinded while dashing for the exits. It makes the emergency path/exit lights more visible, as these might be the only lights you see in an emergency. As with the shades, it allows you to see outside for orientation, because with the cabin lights burning brightly, the glare would make it impossible.

Answer 3

Lights are dimmed in cabin so that in the event of a crash, the passengers can see better to escape and then get away from the plane.  These are international regulations issued by IATA (International Air Transport Association), although interpreted by different airlines in slightly different ways - some dim lights, others extinguish them altogether, others allow overhead spots to be put on for people to read, etc.

Answer 4

I think its so they can see out the window in case of an emergency.  When the lights are on everything inside is reflected in them and you cant see out.

Answer 5

Its all anarchy init?

Answer 6

It reduces the strain on the generators that help to control the plane,a lot of power is needed to land and take off so they reduce the lighting to save power

Answer 7

so other pilots don't think they're flying past a bus.

Answer 8

2&3 answerer adds credence but  really for power preservation so that in case of an aborted landing the aircraft has enough power to do that. During T/Off and Ldg some electrical loads are being shed or reduced.

Answer 9

Its standard procedure

Answer 10

It's usually a standard procedure during night landings and takeoffs. Nothing to do with the pilots' vision, or strain on generators.  It's in case there is an incident requiring you to evacuate.  With the main lights off you can see outside more easily and you can also see the emergency lighting leading you to the exits.  A lot of airlines also ask you to make sure the blinds are up for the same reasons, so you can see outside and rescue people outside can also see what's happening in the cabin.