Why Flight Attendants Want You to Close the Plane's Window Shades and the Consequences of Refusal
Have you ever wondered why flight attendants repeatedly ask you to close the airplane window shades? If you decide to keep your shade open, airlines and flight crews have clear reasons for their requests, and it's important to understand why. Let's explore the issues and the potential consequences of refusing to close your shades.
Heat and Comfort on a Plane
When you step onto an airplane, especially on a hot day, the plane transforms from a cool environment into a warm trap. This is because airplanes are designed like heat sinks. The windows reflect heat from the concrete ramp, which can make the internal temperature even hotter. Closing the shades effectively blocks the sunlight and helps keep the cabin cooler.
Airplanes don't have the same kind of HVAC systems as cars. Instead, they rely on external air conditioning from the gate (a big yellow hose) or the aircraft's APU (Auxiliary Power Unit), which provides hot air to the AC pack. The AC pack compresses and heats the already warm air, which is then cooled by a turbine. This process works well on the ground but becomes more effective in the air, thanks to the cooler temperatures at higher altitudes. Closing the shades helps to maintain a more comfortable cabin temperature, ensuring a more pleasant experience for all passengers.
Regulatory and Safety Requirements
Refusing to comply with a flight attendant's instructions can have serious consequences. Federal aviation regulations mandate that passengers cooperate with flight attendants to ensure a safe and comfortable flight. Failure to follow instructions can lead to removal from the aircraft by the police if necessary.
While it may seem like a minor task, closing the window shades is part of a series of safety checks and comfort measures that flight attendants must perform. They work tirelessly to ensure that each passenger has a safe and pleasant journey. Refusing their instructions can not only lead to your removal from the flight but also pose a risk to the overall safety of the crew and other passengers.
Quiet and Privacy during Long-Haul Flights
Besides keeping the cabin cooler, closing the window shades also serves a practical purpose in ensuring a peaceful and quiet flight. The morning sun can wake up sleeping passengers, leading to numerous requests for drinks, snacks, and other services. On full-service airlines, this can create a significant disruption, but on low-cost airlines, it can be even more challenging for passengers who may have paid for a more affordable experience.
Closing the shades also provides a sense of privacy and peace, especially for those who want to continue sleeping or relax throughout the flight. It helps to minimize the disturbance and ensure that the cabin environment is conducive to rest and recovery from travel fatigue.
Modern Aircraft and Window Shade Technology
On newer aircraft, such as the Boeing 787, electronically controlled window shades allow for centralized control by cabin crew. This not only enhances the efficiency of the cabin crew but also helps in maintaining consistent light levels throughout the flight. The central control system ensures that the cabin remains dark when necessary, allowing passengers to continue sleeping without interruption. This is especially important for long-haul flights where maintaining passenger comfort and rest is paramount.
In conclusion, closing the airplane window shades is not just a request from flight attendants; it's a crucial step in ensuring a safe, comfortable, and peaceful flight. Complying with flight attendant instructions supports the overall safety and comfort of the aircraft. So, the next time a flight attendant asks you to close your window shade, think of the reasons mentioned above and cooperate to make the flight journey better for everyone.