I can only remember them doing this for the past couple of years. During the walkthrough to make sure all seatbelts are fastened, tray tables up, and seat backs in the upright position, they're now making all shades go up.
2006-09-18 14:40:43 · 7 answers · asked by flutterby2474 2 in Travel ➔ Air Travel
That way if the plane crashes, you can quickly scan outside the window for any dangers before you exit the aircraft.
2006-09-18 15:09:50 · answer #1 · answered by Screwball 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
There's a couple of reasons and all of them have to do with being able to exit the plane during an emergency. First, if the shades are up, you can see outside the window and tell if there is debris or fire blocking the exit; this lets you choose a clear exit before you get there (imagine if everyone headed for the exit only to find it blocked then had to turn around and go the other way). Plus your eyes will adapt to whatever the outside lighting is, which will help you make a speedy exit in a crash instead of being blinded by the sun. Also, if there is a crash, you can look out the window and get your "bearings" and see which way is up and so forth.
It's not a law in the US so you will see some variations on this. If you're seated in an exit row, you can count on being asked to keep the shades up till you're off the ground. If you're not in an exit row, it's at the discretion of the flight attendants; if it is a very bright and sunny day, the shades go up but if it's overcast, sometimes they let you keep them down.
By the way, takeoff and landing is the most dangerous time for a flight; you can lower the shades once you're at cruising altitude because the risk of a crash is a lot lower then.
2006-09-18 15:48:57 · answer #2 · answered by dcgirl 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The same reason that they now tell you where the cockpit is located (like anyone was wondering), so that they can tell you not to approach or stand near the cockpit door. Is that really such a problem that they have to announce it on every flight?
Like the window shades thing, it doesn't make much sense.
2006-09-18 14:49:20 · answer #3 · answered by retorik75 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They want you to be able to see outside to see if any parts fall off the plane!
2006-09-18 14:54:51 · answer #4 · answered by mobilmen59 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
because sunlight is so heavy, they don't want the plane to crash from being unbalanced...the snipers can't see who they're shooting if the shades are closed...or maybe they just want to be able to see you (in case you're trying to light the fuse on your shoe...)!
2006-09-18 14:50:12 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
I'm wondering too ...... I'm very sensitive to sunlight n my eyes start to water. My hope is that airlines will b less insensitive to people like us
2006-09-18 14:47:20 · answer #6 · answered by PikC 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
To enjoy the view out the window.
Why else?
2006-09-18 14:44:02 · answer #7 · answered by livitet 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋