You may have noticed that the airlines’ cabin lights are turned down during takeoff and landing if you have ever taken a flight. Although the majority of flyers see it, very few stop to consider the reasons behind it. We’re here to help you understand it, so don’t worry. Saudia Cargo’s Director of Global Corporate Key Account Management, Dr. Vandana Singh, has explained the true rationale for this widespread airline practice.
“The dimming of cabin lights is regarded as a best practice by airlines worldwide, despite the lack of international legislation requiring it. Reducing lights is more of a suggested safety measure than a safety requirement; however, national authorities such as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) provide guidelines that require airlines to adopt safety standards.”
The airlines adopt these safety procedures based on industry guidelines and a commitment to passenger safety. One of several strategies to make flying safer for everyone on board is to reduce lights during takeoff and landing.
Why Airlines Dim Cabin Lights?
Your eyes start to adjust and become more sensitive to light when they are exposed to darkness. This process, referred to as “dark adaptation,” enhances your vision in low light. Dr. Singh notes that this modification can have a significant impact in an emergency, particularly one where sight may be poor.
During takeoff and landing—the two most critical phases of any flight—the crew dims the cabin lighting to help passengers’ eyes adjust to the outside environment. Should an emergency arise and the cabin suddenly need to be evacuated, passengers are more likely to see illuminated exit signs, floor path lighting, or potential hazards outside the aircraft if their eyes are already acclimated to lower light levels.
Whether you’re buckled in for a transatlantic red-eye or a quick hop between cities, this dimming of the lights is more than a gentle cue to relax or catch some sleep. It’s part of a carefully observed aviation safety protocol. Like activating airplane mode on your phone or keeping your seatbelt fastened, lowering the lights serves a specific and vital purpose.
Enhanced Visibility In Emergencies
Another beneficial advantage is that lowering the lights makes it easier for passengers and crew to see what’s going on outside the aircraft. This is especially helpful in the event of an emergency when it comes to spotting fire, debris, or strange activity.
Even though it can seem like a minor, uninteresting aspect of your journey, this modest action is just one of several behind-the-scenes precautions that make flying safer. Thus, the next time the engines roar and the cabin dims, pause to observe the silent ballet of safety playing out over the clouds.
Finding Emergency Exits Is Easier
During takeoff and landing, airplanes primarily dim the cabin lights to make it easier for passengers to locate the emergency exits. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) of the United States has mandated that commercial aircraft with 110 passengers have a minimum of two Type I or higher emergency exits. Naturally, the majority of incidents happen during takeoffs and landings; thus, commercial airlines must make their emergency exits accessible to travelers. The LED emergency exit signs will be visible to passengers if the cabin lights are dimmed. Therefore, turning down the airlines’ cabin lights when taking off and landing at night can save lives.
It Helps The Engines In Producing More Power
Unbelievably, maintaining the lights requires a significant amount of energy, which puts more pressure on the aircraft’s engines. It simply helps the engines to add extra power because takeoff and landing are the most crucial moments for flying a plane. The lights are turned off during takeoff and landing for another, possibly the least significant, reason: to save electricity for the engines. This is also one of the explanations for why lights can be kept low for the whole short journey.
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