You might think keeping the window shades up is an inconvenience, but it is primarily concerned with air passengers’ safety. Here’s what really happens.

If you have ever flown on a commercial flight, you have probably heard the polite but firm request from flight attendants right before landing, “Please keep your window shades open.” At first, you might think it is a minor inconvenience, like what difference does it make if the shades are up or down? However, this small instruction is not about comfort. There is a major safety reason behind it. In fact, this is one instruction that every airline across the world follows. But why are flight attendants so adamant about keeping the window shades up? Let us find out.

5 Reasons You Must Keep Window Shades Open During Landing:

1. Spot Emergencies Quickly

Takeoff and landing are the riskiest parts of a flight. When the shades are open, both passengers and the flight crew can quickly spot emergencies like smoke, sparks, or fire outside. If there is an emergency, knowing which side of the aircraft is safer for evacuation becomes critically important. Open shades give everyone a chance to react faster, rather than wasting precious seconds trying to figure out what is happening outside.

2. Crew And Passengers Remain Alert

When shades are down, the cabin feels darker and cosier, which can make people drowsy or less attentive. Airlines keep shades open so passengers remain mentally alert during the most important stages of flight. Flight attendants also find it easier to scan the cabin and examine passenger reactions. This approach keeps everyone in “ready mode” rather than “relaxed mode.”

3. Prepare Your Eyes for Sudden Light

Imagine an aircraft landing in broad daylight and an emergency requiring immediate evacuation. If the shades were closed, passengers’ eyes would take some time to adjust to the sudden brightness outside. Similarly, at night, open shades help adapt vision to the external environment. Quick adaptation of eyesight enables faster and less disorienting movement in case of evacuation.

4. See Which Exits Are Safe

In a rare emergency landing, not all exits may be safe to use. For example, one side of the aircraft could be blocked by fire, smoke, or obstacles. Keeping shades open allows the cabin crew to instantly assess which side is safer for evacuation. Passengers can also see clearly outside and follow instructions confidently. This ensures smoother and quicker decision-making, avoiding confusion during high-pressure situations.

5. Follow International Aviation Rules

The open-shade rule is not unique to Indian airlines. It is a standardised international aviation protocol. Aviation authorities like the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) and EASA (European Union Aviation Safety Agency) include this practice as part of overall safety measures. By making it a universal rule, airlines ensure that no matter where you fly, passengers and crew are trained to follow the same safety steps. It is one of those invisible layers of safety built into modern air travel.

Myths and Misconceptions About Window Shades

Many passengers think keeping shades open is purely about airline rules or comfort. Some believe it is so they can enjoy the view, or that the instruction only applies to takeoff. In reality, the request is a critical safety precaution designed to protect passengers in emergencies. Understanding this helps passengers comply without irritation and appreciate the reasoning behind the rule.

Common Questions About Keeping Window Shades Open

1. Why Are Cabin Lights Dimmed But Shades Kept Open?

Cabin lights are dimmed so passengers’ eyes naturally adjust to the light outside, while shades remain open so external conditions are visible. Together, these measures ensure passengers can evacuate quickly without being blinded or confused by sudden brightness or darkness.

2. Do All Airlines Follow This Rule?

Yes. While some airlines may phrase it as a “request,” it is in reality a mandatory part of safety checks. International aviation authorities emphasise that even if you are flying domestically in India or taking a long flight to Europe, the instructions will always be given.

3. What Happens If a Passenger Refuses to Open the Shade?

If someone resists, the cabin crew will firmly but politely insist. It is considered a safety compliance issue, similar to wearing a seatbelt. Crew members are responsible for ensuring every passenger follows the rules before landing.

4. Is the Rule Different for Night Versus Daytime Landings?

No, the rule is the same. During the day, shades help with spotting emergency situations and light adaptation, while at night, they allow external lights such as runway signals to be visible. Both scenarios require open shades for safety.

5. Do Middle-Seat and Aisle Passengers Also Benefit?

Yes. Even though middle and aisle-seat passengers do not have direct access to windows, they rely on those seated near windows to report anything unusual. During an emergency, all passengers and crew members benefit, not just those at the window.

Other Airline Safety Rules Explained

1. Why Must Seats Be Upright During Takeoff and Landing?

During takeoff and landing, airline staff ask passengers to keep their seats upright for safety reasons. These phases are critical for emergencies, and upright seats allow for quick evacuation. Stowing tray tables and keeping belongings under the seat also helps maintain a clear path. This ensures your safety and that of fellow passengers in case of an emergency. It is a crucial precaution to prevent potential hazards.

2. Why Are Cabin Lights Dimmed Before Takeoff And Landing?

Before takeoff and landing, cabin lights are dimmed, and it is not just for ambience. This safety measure helps your eyes adjust to low-light conditions in case of emergency evacuation. If the plane experiences a sudden loss of power, dimming the lights beforehand allows your eyes to acclimate, enabling you to see clearly and evacuate the aircraft quickly and safely. This simple step can make a significant difference in a high-pressure situation.

Safety Statistics and Real-Life Examples

In past emergency landings, open window shades have assisted passengers and crew in quickly spotting hazards. Aviation reports note that clear external visibility has enabled faster decision-making during evacuations, reducing confusion and risk. These examples highlight that following seemingly small rules like keeping shades open can be life-saving.

Practical Tips for Passengers

Passengers can follow this rule without inconvenience. Gently adjusting the shade, coordinating with seatmates, and paying attention to cabin crew instructions can make the process smooth. Understanding the safety purpose behind the rule helps passengers comply willingly and avoid last-minute delays.

Linking Safety Measures Together

Keeping window shades open is one part of several small safety measures, including upright seats, stowed tray tables, seatbelt usage, and dimmed lights. Together, these measures form an integrated safety system designed to protect passengers during the most critical phases of flight. Recognising this connection helps passengers see the broader reasoning behind airline instructions.

So, the next time you are asked to keep the window shades up, remember it is for your own safety and the safety of everyone on board.

Instead of bickering over your trip plan, here’s an easy couple’s guide to make travel stress-free and bond well.

Trip planning should not ideally follow a one-size-fits-all approach, with generic itineraries and copy-paste schedules, sightseeing spots. The plan depends on the family size: be it a multigenerational family with kids and grandparents, a solo traveller, or parents with little children. Likewise, a couple’s trip needs to prioritise planning that includes fun, intimate time together for relaxation and bonding.

Heniel Rupaarelia, founder and managing director at ETrav Tech Ltd, shared  five tips for couples on how to plan their trips:

1. Make it experience-first

• Select destinations that combine romance with light adventure, such as beaches, hillside retreats or cultural hubs, where mornings might mean hiking misty trails and evenings end with wine by the ocean. Replace rigid timetables with freedom.
• Renting bicycles in safe areas offers spontaneity and shared exploration in a way private cars rarely can.
• Keep at least one day unscheduled and plan a spontaneous visit to a local cafe, a hidden waterfall or a market unknown to guidebooks.

2. Budget smart, not tight

• Blend indulgence with authenticity. Splurge on a scenic fine-dining experience but balance it with street food walks or local market tastings, which often reveal the most memorable flavours and stories.
• Keep a flexible budget with a buffer for last-minute opportunities such as a surprise couple’s spa treatment, a private sunset sail or an offbeat cultural tour.
• Skip the expensive glamour of Paris or London in peak season and instead, enjoy Vietnam’s charming cafes, Sri Lanka’s coastal escapes or Croatia’s romantic old towns at a fraction of the price with double the charm.

3. Balance sightseeing and downtime

• It’s tempting to load the itinerary with every ‘must-see’, but overplanning can erode the very connection you’re travelling to nurture.
• Trips with one to two planned activities per day have turned out to be more fruitful than those with three or more.
• Build in slow mornings, unhurried meals and unstructured afternoons. Use in-between moments to share a coffee on a balcony, to spend a lazy afternoon in a hammock or to take a romantic stroll.

4. Divide responsibilities to avoid burnout

• Planning fatigue is real, and putting the entire burden on one partner risks imbalance.
• The most efficient travel pairs adopt a split-and-conquer model. One handles flights, visas and core bookings, while the other shortlists hotels based on location, safety and ambience.
• Assigning roles such as food scout or map master not only divides the workload but turns planning into a joint adventure.

5. Choose destinations that strengthen the bond

• Tourist-friendly hubs like Bali, Portugal or Japan offer the right mix of beauty, culture and ease of movement, all extremely crucial for a stress-free bonding. Avoid regions with safety concerns unless both are seasoned travellers.
• Travel season matters, too. Shoulder seasons like April in Greece or September in Japan offer lower prices, fewer crowds and more space for intimacy. For couples travelling from India, short-haul destinations like the Maldives, Bhutan or Thailand provide seamless escapes without long layovers.
• Design the trip to match your shared energy. Ubud in Bali offers couples’ spas and jungle views, Lake Bled in Slovenia delivers fairy-tale tranquillity and Hoi An in Vietnam charms with lantern-lit evenings.

Experience is paramount on a couple’s trip, slow, intimate moments which outshine the otherwise packed itineraries. From spontaneous detours to leisurely beginning the day with breakfast in bed, travelling for a couple is a good way to connect, especially for the new ones.

Planning a girls’ trip to Goa? Prioritize safety and create lasting memories by arranging group activities like boat rides and cooking classes. Choose women-friendly nightlife spots, rent reliable transportation, and book accommodation in lively areas. Stay connected, share your itinerary, and carry a first-aid kit for a secure and unforgettable experience.

A girls’ trip to Goa is one of those bucket-list experiences that almost every friend group dreams of. While overcoming all the hurdles like convincing parents, to planning right, to booking hotels, there can still be many aspects that one needs to cover before heading out. To help you sort this, we have curated a list of tips that one keep handy for a safe and memorable experience. Let’s take a look at the tips:

Arrange group activities

One should book activities that are group-focused as it deepens the bond. Go for activities like boat rides to nearby islands or places where one can sight dolphins, go for spice plantation tours which depict the place’s rich agricultural heritage, or get your group involved in a cooking class where all of you will learn more about a new cuisine. These are immersive experiences one can try other than partying and chilling at the beach. It is important that one books these tours through a trusted operator to ensure safety and quality.

Choose nightlife spots that are women-friendly and safe

It is important that one chooses clubs where all the girls can enjoy safely in a lively atmosphere with good service and music. Thalassa in Siolim is known for its vibrant dance performances and welcoming vibe with free entry for women.

While clubbing, one should stay with their friends and not stay alone, and make sure that their drinks are safe. Most importantly, pre-arrange your travel back to the accommodation to avoid any risks late at night.

Renting transportation for flexibility and safety

Rent scooters or cars for easy travel all over Goa. This will help you easily explore all popular options without any worries or limitations. Scooters would give you the freedom to explore underrated beaches and places in the daytime, while cars are safer for travel at night. Always carry your valid driver’s license, wear helmets on scooters, and prioritize reputable rental services.

Choose safe and comfortable accommodation

Prefer hotels, resorts, or private villas that are located in more popular and lively areas like Calangute, Baga, and Morjim. Since these areas are mostly crowded, they ensure good security and also offer easy access to beaches and nightlife. Opt for budget-friendly hotels and resorts and always check the reviews of the place for better safety.

Use reliable digital tools

It is better to be prepared than sorry, so it is advisable to download offline navigation apps and maps beforehand as one might face network issues in some areas. Having a local SIM card or portable Wi-Fi allows easy coordination within your group and quick access to emergency contacts or booking confirmations. Carrying a power bank ensures continuous device use during long sightseeing or beach days.

Stay connected and share itinerary

Share your plans for the day with a trusted friend or a family member who is not there with you on the trip. This measure allows you better safety and one can easily aid in quick response during emergencies. Keep phones charged and switch on location sharing with group members. Designate meeting points in crowded events or if someone gets separated to minimize confusion.

Carry a first aid kit

It is advisable to carry a first aid kit with band-aids, antiseptic cream, pain relievers, and any personal medications. Keeping a mosquito repellent is also advisable. This would help you be prepared for any situation that comes.

Explore iPhone’s Photos app for travel photography and passport size photos. Use Live Stickers, browse by location, and identify landmarks with Visual Look Up. Enhance travel memories with animations and effects.

Summer is here! With sunny skies and warm weather, it’s the perfect time to pack your bags and explore new places. Whether you’re jetting off to a far-flung destination or taking a road trip closer to home, capturing those travel memories is essential. Here’s a guide that will show you how to use your iPhone’s built-in Photos app to take your travel photography to the next level.

How to use iPhone Camera for passport size photos

If you are applying for a visa, you need passport size photos. While it is always recommended to visit a studio for a professional photo, you can also use an iPhone to do the same work in case of emergency.

• Get a friend, family member, or use a tripod to take a well-lit photo on your iPhone.
• Make sure nothing covers your face and switch your phone to Light Mode.
• Tap and hold on the subject in the photo to separate from the background.
• Copy and paste this image into a new note in Notes.
• In Notes, take a screenshot of the image and open it in Photos.
• Edit and crop the screenshot.
• Use the rectangular icon in the top right corner to choose your desired aspect ratio.
• Adjust the image to ensure you’re fully in frame.
• Hit Done, and your new ID photo is ready to upload.

How to use Live Stickers in photos

iPhone users can breathe life into their travel photos with Live Stickers.

• Open the Photos app and tap a photo to view it full screen.
• Touch and hold to trace around yourself, then tap “Add Sticker.”
• Choose animations or effects and share them in Messages, add them to other photos, or use them on social media.

How to find image in Photos app

iPhone users can quickly browse photos by location in the Places album.

• Select a location on the map to see all your photos taken there.
• They can also use Visual Look Up to identify landmarks, art, and plants while exploring a new city.
• Take a picture of what you want to identify and open it in Photos.
• Look for the Info button at the bottom (circle with an “i” inside).
• If information is available (for plants, pets, landmarks, etc.), a star symbol will appear.
• Tap the Info button, then “Look Up” at the top of the photo information to discover more.
• Visual Look Up works for videos too! Just pause a video on any frame and tap the Info button.