Opening Windowshades for Takeoff
 

There may be something obvious that I am missing . . . but I can't figure out why airlines insist on the window shades being open during takeoff and landing. Any ideas?

The only place I've heard this is on TWA - they made a huge deal about it .. "FAA requires that window shades be in the up position for takeoff and landing for safety reasons"... I can't figure out a single way this affects safety - what, they want to be able to look in the windows if you crash? They could probably find a big hole to look in instead http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/frown.gif

So if the FAA requires it, why am I not hearing this on other airlines? Which airlines have you heard this message on?

There's a discussion on window shades in the UA forum:

What's with closing the window shades?

This was discussed in a prior thread some months ago, but I'm too lazy to go search for the link. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/frown.gif

However, as I recall it was claimed that visibility was important in case of an emergency evacuation. If you're picking an emergency exit to head for, it helps to be able to see if there are flames or other problems outside the plane in that direction. I don't know why all airlines don't emphasize this, but I'm sure some helpful soul will straighten me out if I'm all wet. FT'ers are nothing if not vigilant! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

svpii: that's one of those other FAAs QuietLion writes about.

I do recall a few instances where the FAs explicitly requested the shades to be open on takeoff. It makes perfect sense. Without the horizon as a reference, disorientation is common when attempting to exit the plane, which might be upside down. Surprisingly, gravity offers minimal cues in such a situation.

BTW (and please don't hold this non sequiter too much against me), the same logic applies to prison construction. It is one of the reasons that windows are very high, or non-existent, in maximum security cells, exercise areas, etc. ... the lack of a horizon reference for extended periods has been shown to place escaping prisoners at a momentary disadvantage.

This is one area I would never have trouble with. I can't imagine anyone not wanting to look out when taking off or landing. Then again, I can't imagine closing the window shade at any other time either...

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

So the emergency crews know where to cut into the fuselage to get you out of the crash!

And you can better see the evil troll on the wing.

I believe most airlines require it on take off and landing. And, I believe the reason is so you can see what is going on in the event of an emergency.

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speedbird001

In 1,000 or more flights on probably 50-100 airlines, on every continent, I believe the window shades have ALWAYS been up. Landing and take-off. Seems to be universal to me?

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~ Glen ~

Hi there,
I have an exception to the rule...
On several flights into various countries where the political situation isn't too stable (!), friends of mine have been asked to keep the windows shades shut on takeoff at night.

Why? Apparently due to the local sniper activity, they don't use any lights at all on takeoff and window lights could draw sniper fire.

Don't laugh, this is true! There was an indcident like this about 5 weeks ago with a Sabena airbus into Kinshasa(I think). The snipers managed to get the plane but fortunatley didn't down it or kill any passengers.

Jason

At UA, the windowshades on all emergency exits must be open for take-off and landing.

During an evacuation, before opening any door, we are trained to assess the conditions outside the aircraft before deciding to open that door. For example, it might not be wise to open the door if there is fire or significant debris.