Originally Posted by
mrkdips
Just wondering why with most AA flights I take, is it allowed to have the window blinds down during take-off and landing.
Because it is. Except, I believe, in exit rows.
This is never allowed in Europe or any any other airline I have travelled on before. In fact, it is one of the compulsory pre take-off and pre-landing checks for the crew and you will be asked to pull the blind up if it is engaged.
There is no FAA regulation as far as I know that requires US air carriers to have window shades up. Some US airlines may wish to make it policy/write it into their Ops Specs but apparently the FAA/FARs do not mandate it.
I think that flight safety is enhanced if all shades are up during critical phases of flight. The FAA and AA apparently disagree.
In some countries, no carry-on luggage is allowed to be placed under seat in exit rows. In the US, the FARs and carriers' Ops Specs allow it. Many aviation regulations are inconsistent around the world.
Originally Posted by
fishferbrains
I can confirm that sitting in 15F this morning (Exit Window seat) before landing I was asked to make sure the blinds were up/down to not obstruct visibility outside the aircraft in case of an emergency.
I believe that you are correct. Shades up in exit rows is, I think, an AA policy so presumably written into its manuals and thus just as controlling as the FARs.