Why do we have to lift up the window shades on the airplane during take off and landing?

Question

Why do we have to lift up the window shades on the airplane during take off and landing?

Answer 1

Wally got it right.  You crash you need to know which way to get out (provide you live)

Answer 2

There is probably more than one answer to this question.

It may also have to do with airplane having to look professional, and welcoming especially from an outside view so they have the procedure to lift all the shades up.

Answer 3

hmmmmmmmmmmmmm...

i have no clue.

Answer 4

Well you asked for the gory details.  

If the plane crashes, there may not be any electricity for the lights.  Even at night there would be some light such that it can help you on your way out.  

Secondly, if there is a fire outside, you know that you do not want to open that sides doors and exit either on the other side or some other exit.

Thirdly, like some of those roller coaster rides, they want to take your picture so that they can sell you a copy at your destination.  (I'm not sure about this one).

Answer 5

I bet you win the prize with this question... You are going to get MORE screwy answers...  and the bottom line is.. WHO KNOWS...  someone came up with that idea..  sometimes they inforce it.. sometimes they don't. I have heard so many different answers on this question... you should win a prize for asking it.  If I had to pick...    from all the CRAZY answers I have heard...    the one that made the most sense to me is because of motion sickness.  If passengers are in the closed cabin, and the shades are down... the motion of the plane can seem enhanced...  where as if you can see the horizon/lights/etc....  it gives your brain a sense of reference... and you deal with the stomach queasy thing better.

I have flown my entire life, combat maneuvering, aerobatics basic and advanced,  inside, outside, you name it..  NEVER had a problem...  I climbed in the back of cargo plane hammock.. swinging in the cargo area... with no windows... and it goofed me up.... If I closed my eyes... and went to sleep (sign of a true pilot can drop off in 2 minutes anywhere) I was fine... but if I looked up or down the length of that tube inflight with the plane moving, the hamock moving... it really goofed up all of us that tried it.

Answer 6

IDK but my friend was on a plane from Philly and her friend's mom noticed the plane's ENGINE WAS ON FIRE and wasn't going to tell the flight attendant about it (it was right before they took off) and was preparing to die. Luckily her friend got the flight attendant's attention and they stopped before they took off. SO maybe to see if anything was wrong with it?

-Encountered it flying from Maui to Honolulu.

Answer 7

I keep seeing this question and what I want to know is:

Where in the world are you?  

Been working for an airline for 15 years, flown many many segments, have never encountered this request.