Why do we need to pull up window shades during take off and landing on airplanes?

FAA rules. It has a lot to do with safety. In case of a crash landing, or a mishap during takeoff the ground crews should be able to get to the right spot to help and save lives.

They need to see inside.

This rule exists because of several instances in the past during plane crashes, ground crew could not help properly. After enquiry commission recommended that such rules be implemented because the hearing in such enquiry revealed that lives could have been saved. Now it has become a FAA (Federal Aeronautics Administration) rule.

It is just the same reason why small objects should be tucked away safely (it can be a projectile during a crash), seats must be upright (to prevent injury) and belts fastened (same reason).

On the p.a. system inside the plane they will not tell you this just to avoid unnecessary anxiety to passengers.

We like our passengers to have their shades open during taking off and landing (especially the area near emergency exits) because if there is an emergency, you, as a passenger, can see outside, should you be sitting at an emergency exit and if there is a fire outside your window, you would not try to open THAT WINDOW, would you?

Should you can see a fire outside your window, you (and other passengers) would use the "good" exits opposite of that "bad" exit.

Should your shade be closed, how will you know if your exit is good or bad? The shade might remain stuck.

It is for your own safety.

I second Eclipsepearl's reply. Having the window colour up for take off and landing enable the flight crew to guage the problem outdoors the airplane interior the fashion of an emergency. It sounds stupid, yet each and every second counts interior the fashion of an evacuation. Be a pal, help your flight crew out! :-) we quite savour it! Have a secure flight!

during take off and landing the pressure around the plane is alot-- so much that the shades might completely shatter so its better to pull 'em up

So that in a crash you can see outside and stay oriented i.e. which way is up, if there are any hazards outside, and also so that potential rescuers can see inside to save you!

I fly a lot and I've never been told I had to pull up the shade. What airline are you talking about?

I never heard of this. They've only requested it (during the day) as a courtesy to people trying to watch the in-flight movie.

To avoid direct sun light toward the eyes of the passengers ,,, you don't do that at night do you ?!

.As far as I know it's not required. People do it because they are fascinated by the view of flying.

I've been wondering about it too,

too bad i didn't find the answer that made me satisfied..