It just wouldn't be feasible.
The windows in the WTC are not designed to be opened, and were made of very tough glass so it's not as though you could have easily broken one.
Even if they could have gotten the window open, how many people in the WTC do you think have ever even been on a parachute jump before, let alone, know how to properly put on a parachute harness and operate it?
There's also a big difference between jumping out of a plane versus jumping out of a building (also called base jumping.) Base jumping is significantly more difficult and dangerous due to the unpredictable winds that could slam you into a building.
Finally, there's the height. Most parachutes are designed to work at 1000s of feet - not 100s. So even if you could get the window open, get your chute on properly, jump and somehow get far enough away from the building that your chute wouldn't immediately slam you back into the building, you wouldn't have enough altitude for your chute to slow you down enough. You'd still be dead, either from having your head splattered on the wall as you bump-bump-bumped your way down the side of the building, or from simply smashing into the ground at 20mph instead of 35mph - and THEN having the entire building come down on top of you.
I actually remember an interview on a morning show shortly after 9/11, where someone demonstrated the idea. The demonstration actually turned out to be quite humorous in light of the recent tragedy. As the interview went on, you soon realized that properly securing yourself in a parachute harness is a complex process and impossible unless you are properly trained. So the answer is: training all people who work in skyscrapers to parachute is just not feasible. However, it would not be a bad idea to take it upon oneself to train and have a parachute in ones office if you worked in a building that is susceptible to that kind of attack.
Go to the Empire State Building right now. Do you think anyone stores parachutes in the Empire State Building offices? Even after 9/11? The answer is no because no one expects the unexpected.
Few Americans ever dreamp to see such scenes as the tragic WTC workers waving from windows calling for help. Those images will haunt all who saw them for the rest of their lives. But at the time, no one ever remotely anticipated such horrors.
Perhaps an outside cable car device similar to the ones used by Window Cleaners, but modified for fast escape could help. But am sure New York's fine Fire Safety Officers have already considered such systems.
You may have something there. An external shoot system that would hold several hundred and resemble an escape pod/amusement ride. You actually have a good idea for safer emergency egress.
They wouldn't have helped.
The right question to ask is, why no jews on that day?
parachutes in their rooms JUST IN CASE, something like 9/11 were to ever happen? i've watched some videos on youtube of the people falling/jumping out of the windows and at least if they had something like a parachute, i feel like a lot of those lives could have been saved. at least having something like parachutes is better than absolutely nothing. it couldnt hurt having them in the rooms...?
just an idea i've had for awhile...
