Better visibility to anticipate the unexpected
It’s often overlooked, but during the critical phases of flight — takeoff and landing — every second counts in the event of an anomaly. Keeping the windows clear allows passengers and crew alike to have a direct view of the outside. This visibility may seem trivial, but it is actually crucial. So of course, 99% of the time, everything goes smoothly… But in this small remaining 1%, we might as well put all the chances on our side. A good reflex to adopt? Raise your blind as soon as you buckle up — it becomes automatic, and it’s one less thing to think about. Let’s imagine a rare incident, such as an engine fire or a fuel leak. An attentive passenger who notices an unusual situation outside can inform the crew immediately, before it escalates. This creates an additional, sometimes decisive, vigilance.
Facilitate evacuation in an emergency
In an emergency situation, visual access to the outside of the aircraft becomes vital. Before any evacuation, the safest area must be identified. If a side of the aircraft is exposed to a hazard — fire, debris, obstacles — it is crucial that passengers and flight attendants be able to assess it at a glance. The open windows facilitate this quick and potentially life-saving choice.
Another detail that is sometimes overlooked: in the event of a rescue intervention, the ground teams must be able to observe the inside of the cabin from the outside. Imagine the firefighters on the tarmac, looking to see if anyone is left on board – every second counts. This allows them to identify the presence of injuries, prioritize interventions, or confirm the status of the evacuation. A simple lowered blind, in this context, then becomes an unnecessary obstacle.
Preparing the eyes for a brutal visual transition
Aircraft safety is not only about organization: it is also a matter of physiology. In the event of a power outage, emergency landing, or hasty exit, The ability of the eyes to quickly adapt to the ambient light then becomes essential.
If the blinds are raised, the human eye is already acclimatised to daylight or night-time darkness. Otherwise, the exit to the outside can cause visual discomfort, a time to adapt which, in an emergency situation, can be expensive. This is a little-known aspect, but regularly highlighted in the training of flight attendants.
A reassuring gesture for anxious passengers
Finally, beyond the logistical dimension, this gesture has a significant psychological function. Many passengers feel more confident when they can see the outside of the aircraft, especially when taking off or approaching the runway. For those who dread theft, it provides a reassuring visual cue.
The fear of flying is often linked to a loss of control, to the anxiety of being locked up in a closed, opaque environment. Being able to observe the landscape or follow the rise of the camera helps to alleviate this feeling of isolation and passivity. This gives a coherent visual reading of what is happening, making the experience more tangible and less anxiety-provoking.
What you need to remember
Raising the blinds of the portholes is not an unnecessary automatism. It is a practical, safe and humane action. It is a good example of how, in aviation, every detail counts — not only for physical safety, but also for the passenger’s mental comfort. The right reflex? As soon as you buckle up, remember to raise the blind. That way, it’s done. A simple precaution, but with multiple effects, that we never look at in the same way once we understand its usefulness.
