I did a search and found some very vague stuff on this, but:

Today IAH to BHM on and COEx ERJ out of the bus terminal, so all the aircraft were sitting outside with the doors open baking in the sun, and the AC did little good...got onboard and in 12A, all the shades were down except the exit row, of course I pulled the shade to help with the cooling, and I've known before that it's (according to the FA's) CO's policy to keep the exit row shades open during takeoff and landing.

The question is, 1) is there really a policy for this, CO, FAA or otherwise? 2) is it against policy to close the shade once airborne? (as the FA told me today)

I know the drill on why the shade theoretically should be open in case of an emergency, etc, need to be able to see if there are any hazards before popping open the exit door, but I would simply open the shade if that was the scenario.

This part is ridiculous. On flights with entertainment the FA will usually request that people in window seats pull down the shade in order to cut down on glare. They'll sometimes make the same request on overnight flights so passengers can sleep through sunrise.

Outside of takeoff and landing I doubt shade use is policy. I think it's just the airline asking you to be courteous to fellow fliers.

There is no FAA policy (F.A.R.) on window shades at exit rows. It is up to the airline if they want to enact a policy regarding window shades at the exit row or for movies. CO mainline policy is that FA's are NOT to request all shades be lowered during a movie and there is NO policy regarding exit row shades. I can't speak to COEX policy which may indeed be different.

Whoops. Didn't notice the part about it being specific to exit rows.

Remember this was on an ERJ, so no IFE, it was a 10am departure, so no overnights. I think I was actually the only one sleeping, and it was not as restful as it could have been because I was having "Shade Wars" with the FA.

When I had the shade half drawn, she came by with her bev. service and requested I move it all the way down. I politely debated to her that half shade was more than sufficient "window" to determine if there was a hazard outside should the need arise for the use of the exit, and I politely reminded her that the galley service door was also an emergency exit and the porthole on it was much smaller than the window with half the shade drawn. She was polite as well and got my joke, but that's when she laid the "it's our policy and an FAA reg." (of course I already knew it wasn't an FAA thing).

I for one think it's a little stupid, but that's just me.

"I know the drill on why the shade theoretically should be open in case of an emergency, etc, need to be able to see if there are any hazards before popping open the exit door, but I would simply open the shade if that was the scenario."

Really? So you've been in that situation before? You know 100% how you would react and the airline and the 100+ lives on board could count on your experience in this matter? The chances of you seeing a danger right outside of the door are a lot better if they are guaranteed that the window shade is open. The way to best ensure that is to remove the human element and make sure it's open.

In terms of your shade wars, did you step up and take responsibility for yourself and buy a set of a $5 eye blinds before the flight or are you debating with the FA without taking basic steps to ensure your sleep? The FA probably thought of that argument but was too nice to bring it up.

All window shades should be open during takeoff and landing. During cruise, the passenger next to the window should decide positioning while being courteous to other passengers during movies and/or on redeyes.

Exit rows should be no different, except that perhaps the FAs should be a bit more vigilent in enforcing the window shades open for takeoff and landing policy.

This is not (necessarily) official policy, but it should be

I can guarantee having the shades open is safer than having them closed. And no, you can't be counted on to open them to check for danger before an evacuation...just like you can't be counted on to raise your tray table or seat back, remember how to unbuckle an unfamiliar seat belt (not at all kidding), or remember to put your own oxygen mask on before assisting others.

People who sit in exit rows for the extra leg-room should realize that the extra leg-room comes with the price of being responsible for potentially helping to save the lives of their fellow passengers.

Actually, if my plane was crashing, I would prefer the shade to be closed so I don't see my impending death. Kinda of like Wile E. Coyote when Bugs drags his shack filled with TNT on a train track and when he turns around and sees the locomotive coming right at him, he just closes the shade.

- HF

1. I don't know if it's an FAA mandate, but many airlines seem to request that the window shade on exit rows be open during takeoff and landing;

2. According to CO Insider, I believe, there is a new policy--well almost eighteen months I believe--where FAs are not supposed to ask people to lower window shades. I have used this policy to see how long it takes changes in policies to propagate through the airline. It's at least eighteen months.

Isn't the window shade open policy on some airlines during takeoff and landing so that your eyes are already acclimated to the natural outdoor light.

FAA rules. It has a lot to do with safety. In case of a crash landing, or a mishap during takeoff the ground crews should be able to get to the right spot to help and save lives.

They need to see inside.

This rule exists because of several instances in the past during plane crashes, ground crew could not help properly. After enquiry commission recommended that such rules be implemented because the hearing in such enquiry revealed that lives could have been saved. Now it has become a FAA (Federal Aeronautics Administration) rule.

It is just the same reason why small objects should be tucked away safely (it can be a projectile during a crash), seats must be upright (to prevent injury) and belts fastened (same reason).

Also if you recall, in some instances a plane landing with the window shades up can be perceived as being hijacked. I remember several years ago landing in DFW and the FA forgot to tell us to lower the shades - it was a hot day - and two police cruisers were waiting for the plane at the gate. During the summer, once the plane is parked and the door open, here in Texas they usually ask to raise the shades back up to keep the plane cooler.

So your aircraft has a device on it that's illegal to use? Why bother carrying the weight of the shade if it cannot be closed (except perhaps while on the ground)?

Sorry to correct you but, since there seems to be some confusion/misconceptions, I'll repeat the rule:

There is no FAA rule concerning exit row window shades. I promise you.

A lot of what has been posted is logical and makes sense but it is up to each airline to create policy on just about anything non-FAR related at which time it becomes enforceable.

Once you are in flight, it is your choice to lower the shade if you wish, on an exit row or NOT.

Federal Aeronautics Administration? Where did you come up with that?

After reading this thread, I am somewhat confused about windowshade policy. Here is what I believe to be true:

1) there is no F.A.R. concerning windowshades (at least, no one has pointed to a specific regulation. If I have time, perhaps I will do my own search);

2) CO's policy is that FA's not instruct passengers to lower their shades for IFE purposes;

3) CO Express may or may not have a policy that requires exit row windowshades to be up during takeoff and landing.

With respect to number 2), I routinely hear FA's making such an announcement despite the policy.