If you've ever tried to pull down the window shade during takeoff-either to block the glare or to squeeze in a few more minutes of sleep-you may have noticed a flight attendant asking you to raise it ...

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.

During taxi, takeoff, and landing, the cabin crew may well ask a passenger to raise their window shade. Some passengers may think it's just trivial and that the cabin crew are being difficult, but ...

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 ...

See more of our trusted coverage when you search. Prefer Newsweek on Google to see more of our trusted coverage when you search. Love bagging the window seat on planes? It's exciting to watch the ...

Nothing can make a lengthy flight packed in an aluminum tube feel good, exactly, but having the shades closed is a reliable way to make it worse. On a recent long-haul trip, I was struck that as soon ...

Maybe you know the answer to this one; nobody else seems to. As my flight into Portland was coming in for a landing, a recording told passengers to return tray tables to the upright position and open ...