Open for takeoff and landing to view outside environment in an emergency. I have seen some variation between all shades open and exit seat shades only.
Reduction if visual signature for self protection? Maybe in some of the more unsettled areas of the world, but if so it is the exception, not the rule. It is certainly not beyond the realm of possibility, but considering the visual and noise footprint of an arriving or departing airplane, the utility of this is questionable.
I have also heard the request to close the shades on long range flights.
It is pretty standard during summer months to hear requests to close shades before deplaning (as well as turning off reading lights and opening Wemacs, gaspers, air vents, punkah louvres, whatever) to help keep the cabin cool at the gate.
I have never heard of a requirement to close the shades for takeoff and landing. Perhaps Mr. Fisher innocently misunderstood the request. Either that or he flies in and out of Somalia and/or Chechnya a lot.
Last edited by BobnSpike; 2nd Aug 2012 at 00:59.