If you've flown on a plane, you may have been reminded to open the window shades during takeoff or landing. This seemingly unimportant routine plays a part in ensuring your safety during an emergency.

Those orders from flight attendants to open the window shades aren't about getting the mood lighting just right—they actually serve an important purpose Raise them, lower them, raise ’em again. A ...

attendants to open the airplane window shades before takeoff and landing, and while this might seem like a simple or even trivial request, it actually serves several important safety and operational ...