If you’ve ever flown on a commercial aircraft, you’ve likely heard flight attendants request before landing, “Please keep your window shades open.” At first glance, it may seem like a minor or even unnecessary instruction. However, this simple request serves an essential purpose, and it has nothing to do with comfort or scenery. In fact, keeping window shades open during landing is a universal safety protocol followed by airlines worldwide.

Here’s why flight attendants insist on it.

5 Reasons Window Shades Must Be Open During Landing

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1. Rapid Emergency Detection

Take-off and landing are statistically the most critical phases of a flight. With the shades open, both cabin crew and passengers are better able to detect external hazards, such as fire, smo

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