Most people presume it’s something to do with reducing the amount of light pollution around airports, but the truth is actually a little more unsettling.
Patrick Smith is a pilot who’s written a booked called Cockpit Confidential, and he explains making things darker is a vital step in case there’s an accident.
“Dimming the lights allows your eyes to pre-adjust to darkness, so that you’re not suddenly blinded if something happens and the power goes out, and you’re dashing for the doors in darkness or smoke,” he told The Telegraph.
On top of that, if your eyes are used to it being dim they’ll find it easier to spot emergency lighting when it comes on.
Those are the spotlights used to help people get to the exits as quickly as possible if something goes wrong.
Also, it means people will find it easier to see outside so they can quickly get orientated if there is a crash.
That’s why people have to put their blinds up too – so they can see outside and work out where they are in an emergency.
As most accidents happen during takeoff and landing, this makes sense.
On a lighter note, have you ever wondered why cabin crew always have their hands behind their back when they welcome you on board?
Don’t worry, there’s nothing sinister about this practice.
It’s actually so they can discreetly count the amount of passengers as they get on. They tend to use a click counter, and it means they can be sure everyone booked has made the flight and weight restrictions haven’t been broken.
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