"Dimming the cabin lights for take off"

[#1]

I am not long home from Belfast City airport after being on a training course in Southampton. Every time I fly I always ask myself the same question so now I will ask you.
Why are the cabin lights in planes turned off for take off and landing?
The cabin crew always announce "For safety reasons we will be dimming the cabin lights for take off".
I am interested in planes and watch loads of aviation documentries on tv but for the life of me I cannot work out why this is done. Surely there is no light penetrating from the cabin into the cockpit through the door? Anyone know the answer to this?

[#2]

Sorry should have tried Google first. I got my answer. Makes sense now.
"For 2 reasons, both safety related.
Take-off and landing are the most dangerous bits in flying. If there is a fire in one of the engines, or some other emergency event outside during take-off or landing, it'll be quickly spotted with the cabin lights dimmed.
And secondly, if the aircraft needs to be evacuated, your eyes are already accustomed to the light that is outside, so when you get out of there in a matter of seconds, you can see where you're going."

[#3]

and a third is that they need all the power they can get to wind that lakky band and get up a good speed for takeoff.

[#4]

A forth is that if you like looking out of the windows (as I do!!) it improves the view no-end, without having interior lights reflecting on the windows.

[#5]

I want to know why on night flights they don't remain dimmed, that would be much better

[#6]

So people don't fall over when going to the toilet

[#7]

I didn't say off 
I've seen plenty of people fall over when the lights are on too so probably wouldn't make much difference..

[#8]

I flew back on a late evening flight from Dublin about 7 years ago and was the first time I'd flown since I was four and the dimming of the lights did unnerve me somewhat after the horrendous day flight out a week earlier where the pilot practically took off vertically and seemed to be struggling to level the plane out, people behind me were gripping the arms of their seats and screaming oh my God and that was just the stewards.
Tip there is, never fly on a well known budget airline or indeed any budget airline. BA all the way from now on.

[#9]

Quote from: Jameseh

So people don't fall over when going to the toilet

Makes you wonder whats difficult about walking the aisles between seats, unless there's been too much time in the bar before take-off. Although people do sometimes dangerously leave bags etc. sticking out into the aisle I suppose, If I see one, I usually surreptitiously kick it very hard, and hope to hear a satisfying sound of something breaking.

[#10]

Thank you Sean for your Googled answer. If I ever fly for a second time I am now reassured. 

[#11]

Quote from: Petlew

Makes you wonder whats difficult about walking the aisles between seats, unless there's been too much time in the bar before take-off. Although people do sometimes dangerously leave bags etc. sticking out into the aisle I suppose, If I see one, I usually surreptitiously kick it very hard, and hope to hear a satisfying sound of something breaking.

I've got a pretty good excuse for not being able to walk in a straight line, especially when it's dark

[#12]

I do understand it must be worrying flying for the first few times. There are so many strange noises etc too.
After take off the noise of the undercarriage going up, the flaps retracting etc etc..
I find explaining to people helps them a lot.
Mind you easy for me - I've flown a lot since I was 19 - learnt to fly and became an instructor. -

[#13]

First few times? More like every time 
Hate flying - hence just packed SWMBO off to New York shopping on her own!

[#14]

Flying is brilliant, especially if you get a bumpy landing!!! That said, when I was younger I used to fly to see family in Scotland several times a year. Now I prefer to get the train because it's easier and no slower by the time check in and baggage collection times are taken into account...

[#15]

Totally agree about domestic UK flights v railway.
I've used both a great deal - and despite all the jokes and bad press - the train is vastly more reliable, comfiortable and less stress.
And yes - by the time you've taken to drive to the airport, parked car, got to terminal, checked in boarded etc etc, got from airport to destination - it's almost as quick using train. And so sos so more confortable. at least you can work etc on the train and have a decent meal in the restaurant car.
With a suitable amount of spare time to allow for raod delays etc, I have to leave home 3 hours before adverised departure time for the airline, but only 30 minutes to the railway station.