Why does the flight attendant always ask people to lift the window shade during takeoff and laning on a plane?

Question

Why does the flight attendant always ask people to lift the window shade during takeoff and laning on a plane?

Answer 1

uhm...bcuz the window shades are heavy and the engine is already heavy sooo... it will like make the plane more heavier and when the plane crash, then it'll be like...crrrsshh!!!

P.S. dont thumbs down me, just trying to make you smile=)

Answer 2

To allow as much light in as possible.In case of a

crash,whether in daylight or night time,you must be able to see,in order to exit the lpane.

Answer 3

I'm an ex-Flight Attendant and we were told in training to do this for several reasons.

First, the interior lighting should match the outside as much as possible for take-off and landing, which is helped by opening the shades. We had to adjust the cabin lighting accordingly, either full-bright for a daytime landing or completely off for a night landing.

This means time isn't lost during an evacuation when people are either blinded by the outside light or need a second to adjust to the dark. It can't be matched exactly but even a slight adjustment either way can help.

Second, in a crash, the emergency lights should go on. Even if they didn't, the passengers would have any outside light to help them find an exit. It would also help their orientation. In either case, having as much outside light as possible, logically, is helpful.

Lastly, after the evacuation, any rescue personel from outside can see inside the cabin more easily, to see if anyone is trapped inside.

It's true that the F/A's look out the window to evaluate the situation before opening the emergency door but on all but one aircraft, we had our own specially designed window for this purpose. Also, this is easier said than done and really the F/A's job. We spent a lot of time on evaluating various situations so just follow their instructions.

There have been claims that it's so that the authorities can do a "body count" after a crash by looking through the windows. This is so absurd a reason and illogical, it doesn't merit comment. I think I know the source, a very bad book on the profession, filled with misinformation.

Another small plus, which isn't the reason for the rule, but if anyone gets airsick, it's good if they can see outside. On descent, you can get stuck in a "holding pattern", not fun for those who are prone to getting motion sickness. Seeing the ground, even if far below, helps equalize their inner-ear balance.

Please let me remind you that in an emergency evacuation, do NOT grab any of your bags. As soon as the plane comes to a complete stop, follow crew members', and only crew members', instructions. If you are supposed to get out, do so and don't take anything with you.

If there is someone else having trouble exiting their seats, evaluate the situation and only help if you can do so quickly. In most cases, it's better to take note of the location, evacuate yourself and immediately tell any rescue personel on the ground and/or crew members where the help if needed.

Hopefully that's information you never need to use! Just a small public service message...that could save your life!

It's nice to have the window shades down during the flight but for take-off and landing, the most dangerous portions of the flight, it's more practical to have them up. Everyone really should be awake at those times anyway so even if the sun is in their eyes, they'll be on the ground shortly anyway.

Don't be afraid to ask the crew any emergency questions next time you fly! We spend hours and hours on this information that most of us will never use. If they have the time, they are usually happy to explain things.

Answer 4

In case of an emergency you will need to see outside to determine where to exit,  for instance if there is a fire,  you would get out of the plane on the other side.  If the shade is down, the person in the window may panic and not think to open it.  Keep in mind that this is a supposition on my part and not based on any research or firm knowledge.  In other words, an educated guess.