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.

Every frequent flyer has encountered the familiar instruction: keep window shades up during takeoff and landing. While it might seem like a minor request, this standard procedure is actually a ...

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 ...

While it might seem like an annoying ask, keeping the window shades open can actually be a helpful tool in dangerous situations Getty Leaving the window shade open on a plane as a passenger during ...