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.

It’s an airplane command that feels slightly mysterious: keep window shades up during takeoff and landing. While it might seem like an annoying chore for travelers trying to get some rest on an ...

Why do airplanes dim cabin lights for takeoff and landing? We asked a pilot and a flight attendant to weigh in.

Before every flight, you hear that familiar instruction from the crew: “Please raise your window shades for takeoff and landing.” It may seem like a trivial request, especially when all you want is to ...

A cracked cockpit window forced a Delta Airlines flight to make an emergency landing in Memphis on Wednesday morning. Flight 557 was flying from Detroit to Mexico City. None of its 104 passengers and ...

Next time you're on a flight, look just above the windows, and you might spot a small black triangle sticker. Most passengers never notice them -- they're easy to miss, just like the tiny holes in the ...