Why onboard Aircraft during Morning, Afternoon or Evening take off that All Window Shades must be lift up/open

Question

Cabin Crew Insist that all Window Shades MUST be lift Up/Open Mode during take off. This applies to all 3 Classes not just Economy Class.

I did ask a Cabin Crew to explain of why. She said we are busy preparing for take off now, Im sorry we don't have time to explain.

During the flight it was vice versa. I was enjoying the view of the Horizon suddenly the same crew came and request me to pull down the Window Shade again with no explanation and walk away.

Then prior to touch down the same cabin crews came and request me to lift up the Window Shades Up/open. This time Im truly furious and asking her to explain of why?Again she said, sorry we are busy preparing for landing?

What with the myth of Opening and Shutting of the Window Shades on board the aircraft.

What happen if passenger like myself refuse to comply with the Request? Is this a demand/instruction coming directly from the Pilot? or is there a hazard that we passengers must know of this myth or mysterious cabin crews act

Answer 1

No idea. It can't affect flying the plane as the pilot can't see the inside of the plane.

Why do they dim the lights at take off? Don't know that either.

Also, phones DO NOT interfere with navigation equipment. Do you really think they'd allow them on the plane if they did? No way, they'd force you to check them in with your luggage.

Answer 2

For the same reason that has been given the last thousand times this has been asked. Safety.

Answer 3

That sounds very absurd.  I have NEVER heard of this situation happening like that at least.

The only time I have seen this, which was back in May when I was finishing a last leg of a trip and I was coming frmo Nashville, TN back to Greensboro, NC, the pilot went around closing all of the windows before anyone really got on the plane (I was one of the first on because I had an emergency row seat).  I figured that it was to help cool the interior of the plane because it was very hot that day, the sun was shining, and the plane got finished sitting inside of a really hot hangar.  I asked him and he confirmed my thought.  He asked people to leave them down to cool off the plane until we begin to taxi to the run way, then you can lift them up if you like.

Other than that, I have never been in a "mandatory" shades up or down situation.  Sounds pretty strange to me.

Answer 4

On take-off and landing the blinds are open and lights dimmed to allow your eyes to become accustomed to the light outside in case of an emergency. In-flight who knows why the cabin-crew asked you to shut the blind, from the sounds of it you're a bit of a pain as a passenger, maybe they were just responding to that and being arsey themselves.

Answer 5

1. In case of accident, you may need to see out and check a route of escape.

2. If it is asked by pilot, and you don´t comply, you will not take off, at least on that plane.

Answer 6

Which airline was this on?  I keep asking that and nobody has been able to answer me.  Also, if the flight attendant asks you to do something, it's a federal law that you must comply.  It doesn't have to come from the pilot or anyone else.  The Captain is in charge, and everyone must obey him, but the FA is in charge over you, and you must obey him or her.  And, don't get mad, they are just doing their job.  Perhaps they don't know why either.

Answer 7

shades up before takeoff for safety - so resue workers can peer in..  Once on the ground at the gate shades down saves some dough on AC. Dimming cabin lights takes electrical load off generator - and on takeoff you want availability of maximum power.

Answer 8

It is not a requirement by TSA, but of the individual airline itself.  It is for safety and security.  Just like the 24hr restaurant leaving their curtains up at night "just in case"  As for the F.A asking you to shut your shade after you were airborne; it sounds like they were just being an ***.  If you refused to to open your shade after being asked to do so, you would get an armed escort to the free government hotel for refusing to follow flight crew instructions.  

The airline I work for asks the passengers to shut their shades prior to deplaning in an effort to keep our cabins cool during a turn

Answer 9

In case of an incident/accident, shades up will assist rescue personnel.