Originally Posted by
username
As far as take-off and landing, until we have an incident in the US where closed shades slowed down evacuation or someone opened an exit without checking what is outside first due to closed shades, nothing will be done. The foreigner carriers I have been on all require it.
Originally Posted by
RooseveltL
I find it immensely unsafe to have the shade down during landing. I wish more US carriers require all window shades up during take-off and landing.
Originally Posted by
Proudelitist
In the event of an emergency, that shade needs to be open so you can see the situation outside...fire? Smoke? During an evac it's important to NOT open the door on the side that is on fire or smoke filled where possible.
And of course, in the event of a crash it helps rescue workers to see inside.
This is the bigger issue, as far am I'm concerned.
We've debated the civility of shades up vs. shades down on long flights -- I started one of those earlier threads and it devolved in similar form. We'll never all agree on this one.
But, it's laughable to me that UA flight attendants police seat backs and carry-on bags protruding 5 inches from under seats, but do nothing regarding window shades on takeoff and landing. Recently landed in HKG with less-than-favorable weather; I was in the center section and not a single shade around me was up. I choose window seats whenever I can. I believe the window seat passenger has wide discretion over the shade being up or down. But keeping shades down during takeoff and landing poses a legitimate safety hazard, and diminishes the passengers' situational awareness in the event of an emergency.
UA needs to change its policy on this topic.