Why are lights in the cabin switched off during take off and landing a plane?
@lucy6ofdiamonds (70)
Malaysia
December 5, 2006 12:14pm CST
Hi, I am not sure if every airline does this, but some of you might be able to recall that when you're on a plane, and it's taking off or preparing for landing, all the lights in the cabin will be switched off. And they always make us keep the windows up. I remember this because sometimes if it's a short flight in the morning and I'm trying to catch a nap, they always make me keep the window up and that always annoyed me cos it'll be too bright to sleep! Anyway I've always been wondering what is the reason they practise this procedure. This is not a very significant life altering issue and alot of people have asked me why do I care, but curiousity really got the best of me! For those of you who know what I'm on about, your two cents worth will be appreciated.
7 responses
@vipul20044 (5793)
• India
5 Dec 06
safety is a key priority, and all areas of operation take preventive safety measures very seriously.Take-off procedures may appear banal, they are actually quite important. Firstly, when the lights are dimmed, passengers eyes get used to a low level of brightness, and so in the event of an evacuation they will be able to see better in the low-level emergency lighting.
Secondly, the window blinds are kept open during take-off and landing to give better visibility, both from the inside out and vice versa - this way in the case of emergency both the crew and an eventual emergency team outside the plane can see what’s happening and make more informed decisions."
1 person likes this
@lucy6ofdiamonds (70)
• Malaysia
5 Dec 06
Wow! Thanks for the genius insight! Who woulda thought of that? I mean seriously..
@sedel1027 (17846)
• Cupertino, California
5 Dec 06
I am not 100% sure, but I have always though it had to do with the amount of energy the engines from the plane required upon take off and landing.
@catchsharad (1326)
• India
6 Dec 06
i have no clues that why the cabin lights are switched off during take off and landing in the plane.there must be some technical reason for it
@Marie2473 (8512)
• Sweden
5 Dec 06
I think they turn off the light so that people easier can see outside. Many people like to watch during take.-off and landing!
@lucy6ofdiamonds (70)
• Malaysia
5 Dec 06
That's what I initially thought too. Cos everyone will be turned towards to window to see what's outside right. But most of the replies I got from people I know had nothing to do with the view though. Some of them gave technical reasons ie. power conservation for the plane engine.
@teikloon7 (136)
• Malaysia
5 Dec 06
If you ever heard of the song "turn off the lights"... you might get a clue. :D
@Marie2473 (8512)
• Sweden
5 Dec 06
I think they turn off the light so that people easier can see outside. Many people like to watch during take.-off and landing!
