Airlines require passengers to raise window shades during takeoff and landing for safety reasons. This allows flight attendants to quickly assess conditions outside the aircraft, identifying potential hazards like smoke or damage. Pilots emphasize this practice ensures passengers are visually prepared for a potential emergency evacuation. The unobstructed view aids in a swift assessment of the situation outside, enabling a faster and more organized response. This procedure is a standard safety protocol, aligning with broader emergency preparedness measures. The Polish publication Onet, part of Ringier, highlighted the importance of these often-overlooked regulations.