A Wizz Air cabin crew instructor has revealed the real reason why cabin lights are dimmed before takeoff and landing, and it's a critical safety measure. Senior First Officer Tom Copestake and Cabin crew instructor Gabriel Randone explained during a mock training session at Wizz Air's Training Centre in Budapest that the dimming allows passengers' eyes to adjust to the brightness outside, speeding up evacuation in an emergency.
Safety Precaution Explained
Many travellers speculate about the reason, with some correctly guessing it's a safety precaution. On social media forums like Reddit, users have joked that lights are dimmed so rescuers can see inside the cabin after a crash, or to help passengers spot hazards like fire or debris during evacuation. However, the true reason is more specific: to reduce the time it takes for eyes to adjust from cabin lighting to external light conditions.
“In an emergency, our priority is to get you out as quickly as possible,” Gabriel Randone shared. “We only have 90 seconds to evacuate a full cabin with 239 passengers.” The dimmed lights help people make their way to exits without pausing to let their eyes adjust, making every second count.
Evacuation Procedure
During the training session, journalists and content creators practiced opening emergency exits. The process involves checking outside conditions, unclipping a safety cover, stowing it under the seat, pulling a lever, and calling out to passengers. The entire procedure takes only seconds, highlighting the importance of preparation.
As with the lights, every feature of the cabin is designed with safety in mind. If the crew needs to evacuate, they want to get everyone off the plane as quickly as possible. The dimmed lights are just one part of a system that prioritises rapid, safe evacuation.
