Summary:

- The article explains the reason why flight attendants ask passengers to open their plane window shades during takeoff and landing. This is for safety reasons, as it allows the crew to quickly assess the outside conditions in the event of an emergency.

- Keeping the window shades open allows the crew to see if there are any issues with the engines, wings, or other parts of the aircraft during these critical phases of flight. It also helps their eyes adjust to the outside light if they need to evacuate the plane.

- The article notes that this is a standard safety procedure required by aviation authorities, and that passengers should comply with the flight attendants' instructions to open their window shades during takeoff and landing.