Slight odd, but a colleague here asked a couple of questions and for the life of me I can't recall the answers even though I've read them here before:

1, Why do seat backs need to be upright for takeoff and landing? I understand the tray part but the seatback is puzzling.

2, Why do blinds need to be opened for takeoff and landing?

Ta

1. So that it's easier to escape if the plane crashes. Reclined seats impair mobility.

2. So it's easier to see things when the plane crashes (so it's not dark when the power goes), and so that rescuers can see in. (more reasons?)

On my Eagle Embraers, the exit row shades must be open as well as 1A, for taxi, take-off and landing (critical phases of flight.) In the event of an emergency evacuation...the flight attendant has to assess the conditions outdoors, through the 1A window, prior to opening the passenger entry door. We look for fire, water, debris...anything that would make this an unsafe exit. The exit row shades must be be open for the same reason.

The seatbacks must be upright to allow the passengers behind you (or those that may end up behind you if a fuselage rolls over) more room to exit into the aisle. This is the same reason why your carry-ons must be ALL the way under the seat in front of you...to give you a clear row to get out of the plane.

Random answers:

1. He's only the second one without it!

2. 42

(Okay, the second answer isn't really all that random to Douglas Adams fans)

- Please see the first two responses above for the correct answers.