During take-off or landing of an airplane, it is common practice to lift the porthole blinds. This measure is taken for security reasons and of passenger comfort.
From a safety perspective, it is essential that the blinds are up to allow better visibility outside the aircraft. In the event of an emergency, crew members and passengers must be able to quickly observe the external environment in order to detect any potential problem, such as a fire, a fuel leak or any other emergency situation. This outside view is crucial for making the right decisions in terms of evacuation or communication with the control tower.
In addition, raising the window blinds helps to maintain visual contact with the outside, which can reduce the feeling of disorientation or anxiety for some passengers, especially during critical phases of flight, such as take-off. This can be reassuring for people with a fear of flying or flying.
In addition, during the take-off phase, the open blinds allow natural light to enter the cabin, thus avoiding total darkness. This can be beneficial for the body’s adaptation to changes in altitude and pressure, which can help prevent altitude sickness or the “ear blockage” effect experienced by some passengers.
Finally, when an airplane takes off, the external pressure decreases as it gains altitude. Modern aircraft are designed to maintain comfortable air pressure inside the cabin, similar to that found at an altitude of around 2,500 meters (8,000 feet). However, some people may experience a feeling of pressure in the ears during takeoff. By keeping the blinds up, passengers have the opportunity to look out and observe the change in altitude, which can help alleviate this feeling by allowing them to visually orient themselves to the movement of the aircraft.
In conclusion, raising window blinds during take-off is essential for passenger safety and comfort reasons. This provides an outside view in the event of an emergency, reassures anxious people, helps the body adapt to changes in altitude and provides a visual view of the movement of the aircraft to alleviate the feeling of pressure in the ears. It is therefore a simple but significant measure that contributes to improving the flight experience for all passengers on board.
