Window shades on landing?

Question

Why do people keep asking about why the crew tells them to open the shades upon landing? I flew on four airlines this week, and none of them did this. I have seen it once, only on foreign flag carriers (non US). Are people lying about this? Is this some kind of ruse? Why would someone do this?

Answer 1

It is a safety consideration. In the unlikely event of a mishap on landing, having the window shades already open aids in seeing what obstructions or danger may be present outside the aircraft (if the shade were down and the window somehow damaged, it may be impossible to open it). With the shades open the cabin crew can quickly determine if something outside the aircraft, like a fire, may make exiting on one side of the aircraft extremely dangerous and they will then direct the passengers to exit on the other side.

It also allows rescue workers to see inside the aircraft if necessary.

Answer 2

It boils down to utility, company policy, condition of the aircraft, and a potential host of other things.  Use your imagination and a little common sense.

If the airplane is going to be parked in the sun and heat, and the air conditioning (cooling) system is operating poorly, I have had the crew ask passengers to leave shades closed to limit the sunlight and heat that can enter the aircraft during the time the aircraft is on the ground.

Alternatively, leaving shades open can allow light in for cleaning and service crews to see while they do their work if the aircraft is to be powered down completely during service turns.  It also allows the flight crew to see outside in winter months to inspect the status of deicing operations on the wings of the aircraft from inside the airplane.

Answer 3

i never been told to put them up

Answer 4

Not only is it a ruse, it is a communist conspiracy, just like the airplane that flew into the Pentagon.

Answer 5

up or down you just pull them on every plane ive been on.. has to why the crew want them up is so  people can see in