A320
Flight Attendant Current
Confusion; Situational Awareness
Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Other / Unknown
Flight Crew Took Evasive Action
Procedure; Environment - Non Weather Related
This flight departed at night so it was very dark. The 2014 FA Policies and Procedures book states on page 18 that the ceiling and sidewall lights for the Airbus should be both be 'Off' for night time departures. FAs have been taught to set the lights inside the airplane match the brightness or darkness of the time of day so passengers' eyes are able to see as the exit the airplane if there is an emergency evacuation. Page 4.43 of the FAOM states that the cabin view panels must be open to allow greater cabin visibility during critical phases of flight. FAs are taught that we should monitor the cabin for passenger safety and security (passengers standing up during taxi; possible medical emergencies; possible terrorist activity; etc.). These 2 policies are in direct conflict with each other on this airplane at night. When the lights were turned off; the cabin was so dark that it was impossible to see the passengers sitting in the first row of the economy cabin from my jumpseat at 1L; much-less anyone in the cabin. In fact; I could barely see the passengers sitting in row 3. I was extremely uncomfortable that I could not see the main cabin or the passengers. I was concern from a passenger safety standpoint; if anyone got up; I could not see them. If anyone had a medical emergency; I could not see them. And most importantly; if anyone was doing anything to endanger the security of the flight; I could not see them. I weighed the 2 policies and decided to follow the intent of the cabin view panel policy and I left the lights on dim 2 setting for taxi and takeoff. I had tried to turn off the sidewall lights; but leave the ceiling lights on. When I pushed the WDO button to turn off the sidewall lights; the sidewall lights did not go off. When I tried again before the beverage service; I was able to get the sidewall lights to turn off. The service was done with only the ceiling lights on Dim 2 and then all the lights were turned off for the duration of the flight. I was still concerned for the safety of any passengers (trip hazards; unobserved medical emergencies; etc.) but all of the passengers clearly wanted to sleep on this red-eye flight.I've brought this issue to my supervisor before and expressed my concern for the safety and security aspects mentioned earlier.
An A320 Flight Attendant commented that her Company Policy requiring dark cabin lighting during night takeoff and landings does not permit her to monitor the cabin or passenger conditions.