Blinds on planes

[MC HP]

On take-off and landing why is it mandatory to have the window blind up? What possible difference does it make to anything?

[Sylday]

Apparently to ensure that passengers have an unobstructed view of any danger outside the window in case of an accident. See http://www.aua.com/at/eng/Fascination/experience/security/ for info on this and other flight safety measures. (I suspect that it's also to ensure that, in an accident, rescuers can more easily see what the situation is from outside the aircraft.)

[SteveD]

This ties in with the dimming of cabin lights during take-off and landing. I have always had the suspicion that it was to allow passengers' eyes to become used to the darkness in case of an emergency involving loss of power (lighting). Any cabin crew out there to confirm?

[Phantaxus]

maybe its so the cabin crew can see if there are any signs of problems with the aircraft during the takeoff/landing engine fire, wing fallen off etc.

[Ewood27]

SteveD, you're on the right lines. Lights are dimmed so that if everyone has to get out in a hurry in an emergency they don't immediately go blind because it's dark out there. Stumbling around, unable to see which way to go to get away from danger, tripping over each other .... best avoided!

[peanut]

maybe its cuz if the plane is going to crash they want you to be able to see how much longer you have before you hit the ground

[keltik]

well i know for a fact they dim the lights so that passing planes dont try to land on you. also it my personal opinion the blinds are left up so you can see if its raining when you get there.