Why are we instructed to open the shades of all windows on an airplane during take off and landing?

Question

Why are we instructed to open the shades of all windows on an airplane during take off and landing?

Answer 1

On most flights, I have been on, they've asked us to close them to minimize the load on the air conditioning until take off. The airlines must have people who work 24 hours a day thinking of ways to make passengers travel experiences miserable.

Answer 2

To get your eyes accustom to the outside light conditions and so that in the event of an emergency, you and the crew can get a feel for the situation better (e.g. which side of the plane you should evacuate on due to perhaps a fire).

Answer 3

1- To accustom the passenger's eyes to the light conditions prevailing outside.  In the event of evacuation, it helps reduce the disorientation factor-when seconds count standing around, or worse wandering off cost valuable time

2- So the cabin crew can quickly ascertain the safest evacuation route if needed.

Answer 4

Probably to alert everyone to what is taking place. Takeoff and landing are the most active and violent parts of any flight, and they are the times in which the plane is close to the ground which brings the chance of an incident or accident occuring. So if something were to happen, because of open shades people could see where to move within the cabin to make a safe exit. And for those who are not comfortable flying, it may make the experience for them easier knowing that the forces they are feeling are not the oncomings of a crash by visibly being able to see what is taking place outside.

Answer 5

So you can see the flaming engines as they rip off the wings and the explosive fireball of ignited aviation fuel coming towards you! It adds to the excitement!