FlyingJhawk wrote:I have noticed that several Asian carriers when landing or taking off have the cabin lights on and all the window shaded open when landing and taking off. What is the purpose and logic of doing this?
FlyingJhawk, at the company at which I work, in the United States, there is not a requirement to open the window shades during takeoff and landing. (Personally, I think they SHOULD be open during takeoff and landing so passengers are aware of outside conditions should the need arise for an evacuation, but that is not my call).
However, it IS company policy that cabin lights be turned off during night takeoff and landing operations. The idea is to allow passengers' eyes to adjust to low-light conditions should a situation occur in which all electrical power is lost, cabin lighting transfers to emergency lighting, or cabin visibility is reduced, i.e. smoke. It wasn't always company policy. This changed several years ago and I think this is a very appropriate procedure for night operations.
For takeoff, the flight attendants turn cabin lights off when advised by the pilots to "prepare for takeoff," (approximately 3 minutes prior to takeoff). For landing, we advise the cabin crew to prepare for landing as the aircraft descends through 10,000 feet above field elevation, and once the attendants have checked to ensure all the pax are seated and seat belts fastened, and when they take their jump seats, the cabin lights are extinguished, until parked at the gate.
With regard to your question, I'm not sure what the benefit would be of having cabin lights illuminated during night takeoff and landing. Personally, I prefer lights to be dimmed or turned off to allow my eyes to adjust to low-light conditions should an emergency occur.
e38