nrr

I was on an AA flt shortly after 9/11/01, about 30 minutes before landing we were instructed to keep all shades DOWN = CLOSED, the captain noted (on PA) this was being done for "obvious reasons"; two weeks later we were told to keep shades UP. The "logic" of shades DOWN was that the terrorist aboard the plane wouldn't know which landmark/gov;t building the plane was over when he detonated his BOMB.
Departing from LAS VEGAS (for most of the year) the shades are usually all closed when you board the plane and until the AC kicks in, most pax keep them closed for departures.

VegasGambler

@LarryJ: At what point am I allowed to recline my seat? I usually do it about 10 milliseconds after the wheels leave the ground. But of course the FAs are all strapped into their seats and can't see me do it, so I'm not sure if I'm breaking the rules by doing this. Should I wait until the 10k feet announcement?

LarryJ

As soon as you're off the ground. Same with the tray table.

AeRoSpaceman

As another poster said I also don't have to much to offer from the UA POV. I live in PNS (DL) and as I think beachmouse noted when arriving on a flight after landing they ask us to close the shades to help keep the aircraft cool for the next flight. I really haven't seen people not oblige. For takeoff and landings I thought it was the norm for all airlines to keep the shades up, but at the most hear it on ~5% on my flights no matter the carrier. As for charging devices, I can only speak from a DL perspective but I have never once heard a FA say that you cannot have your device plugged into either USB or regular power outlet during any portion from gate to gate. I can see there "could" be an issue but if you are not using a huge gauge power cord (outdoor orange extension cord) type of thing my escape from the aircraft will immediately destroy your tiny cable. I haven't flown UA in a while but didn't realize that was part of the pre departure announcement and I applaud them for this even though 99.9% of people will ignore.

As others have asked what is the "all of a sudden" reasoning for this? FAA mandate, new UA protocol, etc.. I figured one of the bloggers would have had a "source" by now about this.

Safe Flights Everyone!

AlreadyThere

At least the flight attendants won't have much trouble on 787s, where the passenger does not have ultimate control of his/her own window shade.

fezzington

So... the window shade announcement is a "request" and is loaded into the announcement booklet only. It is currently NOT part of a Compliance Check (FA post-demo walkthrough) and there is no basis for a demand within the FAOM.

But I wouldn't go arguing with a power-tripping FA over it, either.

chavala

Especially when they don’t even stay plugged in when you want them to.

Catbert10

I think people underestimate the ability of a small cord to cause someone to stumble, especially in a panic situation. Hit a power cord waste high, you'll go right through it. Hit it around your shins or ankles, and while your momentum will pull the cable out, some people are going to stumble. Down low, it doesn't cause much for people to stumble.

JimInOhio

Just a moment ago pre-departure... FA announced small devices must be unplugged if you’re in an exit row.

eng3

I heard the announcement on my flights yesterday. This is a change I like. They finally recognize that the power cord doesn't really have any effect on egress, especially when you compare it to headphone cords which were allowed. I'm ok with the restriction in the exit row, you will have alot of people going through there, the less clutter, the better

LordHamster

I for one am happy about this announcement. I really DO think it is safer to have window shades open to quickly help people identify the safest exit during an emergency. As for the electronics being plugged or unplugged, I really don't think it is a major issue either way. I for one would be like an olympic hurdler on my way to the exit. No little usb plug will stop me from making an exit.

lhrsfo

Yet again today I got the announcement (and this time a long one) that all power cords must be unplugged for engines on and take off because of power surges. This was mandatory. There was then a request to raise the window shades for take off but expressed as optional.

ironcow13

I must be the only one who hates the shade rule. First, open shades make these planes even hotter than they already are. So many flights now, particularly on 737s, are stuffy and hot, which often causes me mild nausea. This rule will make it worse. Second, there is little more annoying on a flight that getting blasted in the face by the sun because you are just sitting in the wrong spot and the person across the aisle doesn't close their shade. Almost as bad is when the sun reflects off someone's ipad or computer screen and into one's face.

Hate the change, and will generally attempt to not comply.

JimInOhio

Maybe it’s a good time to start your own airline.

cmd320

The second the wheels leave the ground you should be able to recline your seat because at that point there’s no more possibility of an evacuation. Realistically as soon as the aircraft hits V1 you should theoretically be able to recline as you won’t be stopping anymore.

Shades up is definitely a good change and something that should happen for taxi, takeoff, and landing on all airlines. It never hurts being situationally aware in the most critical phases of flight and when an evacuation could be possible.