Originally Posted by nd_eric_77
Just curious, has anybody else noticed that some airlines require that "all window shades be up for takeoff and landing" while others do not? Even regional affiliates for the same carrier often differ. CO mainline, CO Express, DL mainline, WN mainline, FL do not require window shades to be up. ASA (DL rj operator) and Comair (also DL rj operator) do require window shades be up. Whats the story here? Its not really that big of a deal to me, but I just wondered why the other airlines require this.
Btw, I searched this forum but was not able to find any previous posts about the subject.
I believe window shades are supposed to be up in the event of an emergency during takeoff or landing. One or two down is probably no big deal, but the majority of them should be up, including emergency exit rows. With some carriers not 'requiring' this, is it perhaps lax enforcement by the flight crews?
Having the window shades up allow your eyes to adapt to the lighting outside at time or take-off or more specifically arrival, plus allows you to see any potential problems such as potential obstructions, fires, etc, in the event an emergency evacuation is necessary. I.e. if there is a fire on the right wing, you will be able to see it, look at the left side, see no fire, and exit to the left.
As far as Federal Requirements, I would think it's required - but enforcement varies depending on airline, flight crew specifically and their training/mood/etc.
SDF_Traveler