Ever wondered why cabin crew insist you raise your window blind during take-off and landing? It's a familiar ritual for any flyer, but the reasons are far more crucial than simply enjoying the view. A flight attendant has now detailed the vital safety logic behind this standard request.
The Critical Safety Reasons For An Open Window
According to a crew member speaking to the Mirror, the primary reason is to ensure passengers can assess the situation outside the aircraft in an emergency. If an evacuation becomes necessary, you need to be able to spot potential hazards like fire, engine trouble, or debris on the ground. This visual check helps you and the crew decide on the safest exit route, avoiding a potentially dangerous side of the plane.
The flight attendant explained: 'In case something goes wrong a passenger can see it and alert the flight crew.' The rule also aids your own safety during a crash. Evacuating from a dark cabin into bright daylight can be blinding; having the blinds up allows your eyes to adjust beforehand, which is critical if you're trapped inside after an impact.
Furthermore, open blinds allow emergency services to see into the cabin quickly from the outside, facilitating a faster and more informed rescue operation.
Beyond the Blinds: The Truth About 'Flight Mode'
Another common but often misunderstood protocol is the requirement to switch devices to airplane mode. Retired pilot Martin Drake, a former Boeing 747 captain and representative of the British Airline Pilots' Association, shed light on what really happens when passengers ignore this rule.
Drake clarified that while a phone left on is not inherently dangerous to the aircraft's navigation, it does cause a significant nuisance. The main issue is interference with the aircraft's audio systems, particularly during the critical phases of take-off and landing. This can create distracting noise for pilots, making communication more difficult.
'It can be more of a headache for the crew than passengers realise,' Drake noted, emphasising that the rule is about minimising operational distractions rather than preventing a catastrophic failure.
Electronic Crackdown: Power Banks and Bluetooth Earbuds
Airlines are increasingly vigilant about other electronic items due to fire risks. Power banks, known for their lithium batteries, are already banned from checked luggage on many carriers. Now, a new category of gadget is facing restrictions.
Taiwanese airlines EVA Air, UNI Air and Tigerair have banned Bluetooth earbuds, including popular Apple AirPods, from checked baggage. The reason is identical to that for power banks: they contain lithium batteries. The risk is compounded because the earbuds are constantly charging when stored in their case, creating a potential fire hazard in the cargo hold. Passengers must now carry these items in their hand luggage.
These protocols, from the simple act of lifting a window shade to switching off a mobile signal, form a web of safety measures designed to protect everyone on board. Understanding the 'why' behind them highlights their importance beyond mere routine.
