Why is it when during Airtravel, must you have your window shutter open for take-off & landing?

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Sandy

It is for staff and passengers to see if there is anything wrong with the aircraft (such as smoke coming out of the engine) during take-off and landing since pilots are located in the front of the plane and cannot see what is happening to the rest of the body. They can notify the pilots immediately if they spot anything unusual happens.

It applies to any airlines. If you haven't been told by the staff, you might have your shutter opened already or the staff just missed you.

It's just like any other safety measures - cannot leave seats, wear seatbelts, tray table up and seat in upright position during critical moment in take-off and landing.

First, FAA emergency evacuation regulations require that an airliner be able to empty out completely, using all available exits, in 90-120 seconds, depending on the size.

Second, 80% of all aircraft accidents and incidents happen during takeoff and landing. It's a statistical fact (www.ntsb.gov) that made the FAA re-examine the rules about takeoffs and landings.

With those two things in mind, realize that in order for everyone to get out of their seats, into the aisle, and to the nearest exit, all things must be out of the way. That is why not only do the seatbacks nad tray tables need to be up, but all the luggage needs to be stowed either overhead, or below the next seat.

Also, you may be wondering why it is now mandatory to have the window shades open during those same phases of flight. This is to help orient people to which way is up in the event of a crash.

All of these rules are designed to get you out of an aircraft as fast as possible, to save your life, in a non-fatal crash.

Remember, many people who die in plane crashes don't die because they hit the ground. They die because they could not get out of the aircraft fast enough, and either suffocate, or burn to death. When the flight attendant tells you to locate your nearest exit, make sure you take the time to do it, it may save your life someday.

For all of you that have never heard of this before, perhaps you should stop fiddling with your ipods and listen more closely to the safety announcements.

skyhigh

There is no FAA regulation that stipulates passengers must open the window shades for take off or landing.

However, some flight attendants do include this into their safety repertoire. The mindset behind it is, in the event of an emergency, it would make it that much easier to assess conditions outside of an aircraft if an evacuation was warranted.

As for the seats and tray tables, there are many good reasons for this. The seats are not locked until they are in the upright position. So, if there is, say, a hydraulic failure on landing, and you are snoozing in your reclined seat. If your seat isn't locked, you are going to be in bad shape on impact. They will be picking pieces of your head out of your fanny for months.

The tray table issue: Imagine yourself flying down the runway at about 180 to 200 miles an hour. At the last split second, the pilot has to abort takeoff, which means he SLAMS ON THE BRAKES!! If your seat belt was even a wee bit loose, that tray table could just about slice you in two.

There really are reasons for all the things you think are ridiculous. But hey, it's for your own safety. I'm double buckled in my jumpseat, I'll be fine in an emergency. If you don't want to comply, don't. But really, think of how ridiculous that is? You aren't hurting me when you decide not to ensure your own safety.

minitheminx65

It's so the ground staff and other travellers can't see your scared faces during take off.

Celt

I've been traveling for a number of years & never heard that. is it pos. that you misunderstood something else like "and your seatbelts fastened"?

kiki_dees

ive never noticed that before.

good question.

Sarah A

Excellent random question - will keep looking to find out if anyone else knows!!

iamthegreatestinalltheland

What- In case you need to jump out the window? That's redonkulous. Do they want you to keep them open to see what you are going to crash into?
There is no reason, just like the cell phones off during flight.

m434u

that is so when you crash you get to see everything

Delta Virtual Airlines #3438

Hmm.. I've been on a log of flights and I've never had to have my shutter open durin takeoff or landing. That's kinda odd... Hmmm.. Maybe it's an airline thing. I've never been on that airline before.

soccerknocker199

never noticed it

Pashta

I have flown many times on 3 different airlines and none of them ever said anything about the windows.

aloneinga

I've never had to do this before, maybe it is just during certain times of the day when they take off or land.
To the poster below...I always listen to the announcements as I rarely fly I like to be told of any new safety things that may come up...I have never heard of the shutter open rule on any of my flights. Even on my international flight last year to Europe.

JAMES

yes they always have annonced it on the flights i ahve been on. i am not entiely sure why they ask for this but i would think it is for security reasons in case the authorities want to see who is on the plane

Glasswings21

well this actually by the fedreal aviation rule made world over by IATA(International Air Travel Association) and such thing is required because while taking off they wont bother u for window tilt or open....the only time its required open is during landing its because Ait traffic requires such things...and its also for cabin crew to make sure and let the pilot know if they see anything suspicious or really close during landing

rach b

No you dont

emma l

The reason is so that you can see the wings tilt and everything to ensure that you know your life is in their hands so don't dare piss them off

Camilla the First

I would imagine you would fall out if the window was left open during these times. Its a safety precaution but it assumes people are really stupid and may try to open a window.

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