The Importance of Seat Upright, Tray Tables Closed, and Window Shades Opened During Takeoff and Landing

As you settle into your seat on an airplane, the flight attendants begin their safety demonstration. Among the instructions, they ask you to keep your seat upright, your tray table closed, and your window shades open during takeoff and landing. While these instructions may seem arbitrary, they are actually crucial for your safety. Let’s delve into the reasons behind these instructions.

Seat Upright

The position of your seat during takeoff and landing is a matter of safety. In the event of an emergency, an upright seat provides the maximum amount of space for passengers to evacuate. It also reduces the risk of injury from the impact of a sudden stop or crash.

• Maximizes evacuation space: An upright seat ensures that the aisle is as wide as possible, allowing passengers to evacuate quickly in case of an emergency.

• Reduces injury risk: In a reclined position, your body is more likely to slide under the seatbelt in a sudden stop or crash, increasing the risk of injury. An upright seat helps to keep your body properly restrained.

Tray Table Closed

Keeping your tray table closed during takeoff and landing is also a safety measure. A closed tray table allows for a clear path in case of an evacuation and reduces the risk of injury.

• Clears evacuation path: An open tray table can block the path to the aisle, slowing down an evacuation. Keeping the tray table closed ensures that the path is clear.

• Reduces injury risk: In a sudden stop or crash, an open tray table can cause injury. Keeping it closed reduces this risk.

Window Shades Open

Keeping your window shades open during takeoff and landing allows both the flight crew and passengers to maintain situational awareness. It also helps your eyes adjust to the light in case of an evacuation.

• Improves situational awareness: With the window shades open, the flight crew and passengers can see outside, which can be crucial in identifying and responding to an emergency.

• Helps eyes adjust: In case of an evacuation, your eyes will already be adjusted to the light outside, allowing you to see clearly and move quickly.

In conclusion, the instructions to keep your seat upright, your tray table closed, and your window shades open during takeoff and landing are all about safety. They are designed to maximize evacuation speed, reduce injury risk, and improve situational awareness. So the next time you board a flight, remember that these seemingly small actions can make a big difference in an emergency.