I always choose window seats primarily because I like to look out during my flight. Apparently, some deliberately choose window seats in order to keep the window shade closed…
Bad Etiquette? People Who Choose A Window Seat Deliberately To Keep The Shade Closed
On Reddit, someone asks, “Who are you psychopaths and why do you pick a window seat just to have the shade closed from gate to gate?” I would not go so far as to call people “psychopaths” who like their window shades down, but I am the sort of traveler who loves to keep the window shade up the entire flight on a daytime flight.
I prefer natural light to the sterile light of an airplane cabin and even after decades of flying, I still find it exhilarating to look out the window and see the world fly by below. Flying is such a privilege and looking out the window helps me to appreciate it even more. I also think the natural light helps my circadian rhythm to adjust when traversing several time zones and leaves me more alert and ready to hit the ground running.
Lately, I’ve boarded a lot of flights in which all the window shades are shut. I understand that serves two purposes. First, it keeps the aircraft cooler, which will be particularly important during the warmer summer months. I also understand that flight attendants prefer this arrangement because it makes people more likely to sleep and therefore reduces service onboard.
But I am not amused by those who deliberately choose window seats in order to keep the windows shut on a morning or afternoon flight. Of course, glare is reduced when the window is closed and some people just like to watch movies on flights, no matter the time of the day. But I was on a flight the other day (in an aisle seat) in which a woman shut the two window shades, then proceeded to turn on her reading light to read a book. At 2:00 pm in the afternoon! Come on!
Even worse is when I am seated in a window seat and the person next to me asks me to shut the window shade. No, I won’t…unless it is an overnight flight in which everyone is (reasonably) trying to sleep. Don’t like the natural light? Bring an eyeshade along.
CONCLUSION
I’m firmly in the “window open” camp on daytime flights. If you do not like the concept of natural light on a daytime flight, bring an eyeshade along.
It is true that flying can be tedious and one way to pass time is to sleep through it, but there are better ways to do it than deliberately booking a window seat expressly to keep the window shade closed.
I think it’s fair enough that the window shade is kept shut on longer flights – it’s easier for people to stay awake without natural light than for people who want to sleep to sleep with natural light. It’s fair that the “default” setting for most people is to get rest on a plane, especially on a longhaul.
But if you’re going to get off your rocker if I open the window shade to take a sunset photo, then I’m less sympathetic.
Disagree. When I want to sleep – in the MIDDLE OF THE DAY – I use eyeshades. Problem solved.
I use an eyeshade, too. I still get a window seat, because I sleep against the wall. And, closing the window makes a better surface to sleep against. Sorry (not really).
Disagree with your disagree.
I prefer the window shades closed during daytime flights. I take a window in business or first just so I have it under my control and not to ask others.
Windows are in planes for a reason.
Yes, to be kept open during take-off or landing so if anything untoward is happening passengers can warn the flight crew.
I like to use the window as a headrest to sleep. The UV exposure is much higher at 35k – 40k feet.
Each passenger has a similar opportunity to book whatever type of seat they want. Each type has different advantages and differences and those may even differ due to person variables. likewise for other aspects of flying. I like the window seat because the side of the plane provides a backboard to allow me to lean up against it, with a pillow in between the side of the plane and my head, so I can sleep. That means I obscure the window view for others. If that bothers you choose a window seat on that or some other plane where one is available. People on the aisle can more easily get up and move about. I rarely need to do that. But if I did, it’d be a hassle. Most people like the middle seat least. But if you travel with someone, one of you will want it so you can sit next to the person you area traveling with. So that’s a plus if you have someone to travel with. I don’t usually. I’m small and hardly take up my own seat. Others are larger and often take up some of mine. For airlines that charge for bags, I weight less than most adults, bring little, but still have to pay for that extra bag. All together bags and body, I probably weight half what the majority does and yet I still pay the same for the seat and the bag. You can not dictate what others do. You have choices. Beyond that…chill.
For some people the seat choice has nothing to do with the window, but rather that they have nobody sitting next to them on that side. My seat preference is an aisle, but if one isn’t available, then I’ll choose a window seat over a center.
I personally like having the window open for take-off and landing, but if it’s a bright daytime flight with clouds or otherwise boring terrain below, I’ll close the blind to make it easier to work.
I view the window in the same context as reclining your seat. The temporary inhabitant of the window seat gets to choose whether it’s open or closed.
People who like windows up:
“The window decision belongs to the person in the window seat!”
*Proceeds to keep window share up during the entire flight regardless of preference of other passengers.
When another passenger in a window seat exercises his/her right to keep window shade donw
” I am not amused!”
LOL – why don’t you people just argue that window shades should be open during the day by default if that is what you want?
Personally I am indifferent / can see both camps / have experienced both camps. I just think that the self righteousness of the shades up camp is mockable
Thank you for pointing out the hilarious irony to the writer
Actually, the two issues are separate. It was not a discussion over who has ownership of the shade (yes, that is the passenger seated in the window seat), but why people like to choose window seats to keep them closed.
Why do you care? I would be thrilled if my biggest concern in life was if a window shade was open or closed, or if the seat in front of me was reclined or not. Your life must be amazing.
Dude, this is a blog about first world problems. R – E – L – A – X
> “The window decision belongs to the person in the window seat!”
> *Proceeds to keep window share up during the entire flight regardless of preference of other passengers.
Yes.
That’s part of the unwritten rules of flying… if the other flyer doesn’t like the shade up, they should book a different seat. Otherwise, I’m leaving it up.
Ah now we know who “that guy” is who’s the only one with the window open during that 12+ hour “daytime” flight to Japan.
Not the whole flight, but certainly while I am eating and probably for longer than that.
I HATE that on some airlines, the F/A’s insist on pulling window shades down immediately after the meal service on international daytime flights. I get that they want a dark, quiet cabin so they’re not disturbed, but sitting in the dark for over 11 hours, only to arrive in the dark is a real irritant, as well as having to do a cabin walkabout in the dark. I’ve always requested an aisle seat, but from now on, will be booking a window seat so I can control the shade. The solution is to hand out sleep shades to all passengers since First, Business and Economy Plus already get amenity kits with sleep shades.
Agreed!
The best is when they have multiple windows instead of one and close them all. Eyes wide shut.
I sometimes feel like I am the only one who enjoys the view out the window. These days people are so enamored with their devices that they’ve forgotten the relaxing part of flying.
I’m of two minds on this. If the passenger is the complaining type about needing them closed, then they should choose a window seat, rather than complain to the FA if the window passenger chooses to look out the window. I’ve actually had someone complain to the FA that my window shade was open on a short-haul mid day flight.
On most non-US carriers, it’s actually a requirement to leave the window shades open for takeoff and landing. Not so much in the US, where it’s pretty routine to see people not even open the shade to see the view once during flight, takeoff to touchdown.
Plus, keeping the window open during daytime flights helps with jet lag, at least for me.
I think my viewpoint is, bottom line, the window passenger has full control.
Like you and Matt, I also enjoy the view out the window–and there are no “boring” views to be had, no matter the terrain or ocean. If you think the views from 30,000 feet of our magnificent world are boring, than you have no imagination or appreciation of your ability to even have the possibility of experiencing such views
But I agree that the prime whiners about having the widow shade up are those addicted to their phones. Kind of sad, but they get more pleasure out of life staring at a tiny 3×5 screen for all hours while awake than real life itself.
“And there are no “boring” views to be had.”
I agree. I love looking out the window.
My imagination works better in the dark.
I always choose window seats. I might look out and leave it open or I might close them to rest. Ultimately, I choose the window to avoid people climbing over me and to feel more cocooned against the wall. It’s more about privacy than it is about the window.
Bingo.
Keep in mind that there are people who are very photosensitive to where light differences such as from a bright airplane window to the dark cabin can cause vision issues and migraines. And I’m not talking about the Sunday morning flights out of Vegas…
If they need to be able to function on a plane or after landing, controlling that window shade is a priority.
If you or someone else were to nicely tell me they get a migraine if the window is not shut, I would happily close the window shade, even on a short daytime flight.
I assume some like this always has sunglasses on them because they need to go outside at some point. They can put them on. Windows are there for a reason
If that’s a priority, then they should take night flights. In the event they can’t get a night flight, bring sunglasses. Your medical conditions are not my problem, they are yours and your physicians.
So your argument is that someone who is in a window seat and finds the sunlight at a certain time irritating should not have the freedom to lower their window shade? And your reasoning is because you are an uncaring person?
We learned this during the pandemic …
I like a window seat because it gives me a bit more space due to the curvature of the aircraft 🙂
. . . and nobody bangs your elbow passing by while you are asleep, unlike an aisle seat.
Also, the flight attendants butt in your face while they are serving/helping someone else. Or, someone standing over you while they wait for the bathroom or visit with someone across your aisle. I hate the aisle. Way too much going on over there.
Actually, the aisle seat gives more room than the window seat. Window seat has less space because of the curve.
I always choose window seats (in the emergency exit row). I might leave the shade open to look out or have light, I might close it to rest or watch video of some sort (movie, TV). The shade also has a temperature regulation effect due to the sun shining in or not and radiation/greenhouse heating of the shade when lowered. Ultimately, I greatly prefer a window seat to avoid people climbing over me, to feel more cocooned against the wall and to have control of the window shade. It’s mostly about potentially being the first person to assist and egress in an emergency, extra legroom, seat in front not reclining and as much about privacy and control (of the shade and others climbing over me) as it is about the window itself.
Open window for me unless it’s dark or so cloudy I can’t see anything.
The views are fabulous. So glad I got to see the Golden Gate at sunset and the glaciers of Greenland and the peaks of the Rockies. Gives me a refreshing view of our beautiful planet.
Plus it’s a healthy break for my eyes from all those electronic devices.
I thought shades had to be up during takeoff and landing…….. so incase of an accident and fire the FAs can quickly see and direct an evacuation from the other side of the plane. Also agree with others, shades up gives a wonderful view, and nothing beats natural light. I once look the Queen Mary 2 liner from NY to UK, on the return trip 2 weeks later by air from a window seat (shade up of course) I saw the QM2 ship below in the Atlantic near Ireland, at her natural best – a great memory.
In answer to his question, I prefer window regardless because I have a good bladder and like the privacy of sitting by the window and not being disturbed.
About the shade: I’ll close it if the sunlight is strong and interfering with the view of the IFE, reading, or using a computer. Yes, the bulb of a light is more gentle than full sunlight on a book.
About sleeping: My skin feels the natural light and it interferes with my circadian rhythm and I don’t sleep properly when exposed to it even with an eyeshade.
The view at 30,000 feet is largely boring (for me) and even as I am a flying enthusiast, I largely stop looking after we’ve cleared any interesting views.
If someone wants the natural light, though, I’m happy to provide. If I become an ambien zombie terrorizing them, though, that’s all on them.
I like the 787 because the stewardesses can lock the window shades closed.
Troll, troll, troll your boat.
https://liveandletsfly.com/american-airlines-787-window-dimmers/
https://liveandletsfly.com/787-window-shades/
I think we are seeing the people that have all their window shades at home shut at all times.
@ Matthew — Well, I guess I AM a psychopath after all.
LOL. Don’t worry, FCQ and I will vouch for you.
I’m with you!! The best thing about being high is the view! Even if it’s just the North Atlantic.
I’m considerate of others Mindful to close the shades when it’s just clouds below when the cabin is dark
Just returned from two long hauls. Flying in First with 4 windows.
1st left IAD at 10 pm for MUC arrival at 12:30 pm I knew the sun would rise in 3.5 hours and I intended to sleep after that I had to promise the purser that I’d close my shades after sunrise. At the end of the flight she said she noticed 🙂
Yesterday was FRA IAD daytime. I’m in 2A and asked to raise my privacy screen to block light from the guy in 3K. Later it became moot when his side got sun for the last 3 hours of so
I’m flying the JAL JFK HND next month seat 2K and intend to keep a look out for mountains, glaciers, and other beautiful things to see. I can sleep at the hotel that night. Then headed to FRA on 14 hours daytime flight over the North Pole
Granted sitting up from makes it easy to not want to sleep the flight away. I didn’t fall asleep on the IAD MUC BUT REALLY Enjoyed the sensation of just lying prone while the plane pushes through the sky
Like others, I prefer it up to look out. But I feel it’s the prerogative of the person in the window seat. On domestic I prefer the aisle so I lose the right to window control, which is fine.
But what I want to share is about something you can see which is really cool. In the Northern Hemisphere summer, the closer to the solstice the better, if you fly east from the US to Europe (or any other Great Circle route) on a clear night you can watch the sun’s glow coming over the top of the planet. It’s not the Northern Lights (though if you ever see that, eg CX NYC to HKG, that’s amazing), it’s just the earth spinning and the glow appearing. It’s super cool and really ties you back to your own insignificance on the planet. I love it. Most people here know this, but some may not. It’s worth checking out, take a left side window seat in June. Lovely.
I prefer the shades down as I have a condition where bright light severely reduces my already limited vision. I fly mostly international business class in solo seating, so not an issue for anyone else. However, in a 2-2-2 configuration I will select the window seat and close the blind. In my many years of flying, no seatmate has ever complained. Most are usually watching IFE, as am I, so it’s mutually beneficial to keep the shades down. I would venture to guess that on any aircraft with IFE, those wishing to keep the shades up would be in the minority by quite a wide margin. I also think rendering IFE practically unwatchable is more of an inconvenience than having someone suffer through artificial lighting.
The entire J cabin was about to mutiny this one wacko who wold NOT lower her shade during the entire 13+hourTLV-EWR flight (winter headwinds) UA 85 I think, the 11am departure that got you to EWR in time for same-day connections with 10 of those hours in daylight.
I’m with you Matt. I’m a window seat guy and taking in the view outside is my kind if in flight entertainment. Also I take a lot of pictures of the scenery outside the window during flight.
The wall. If I can’t have business class, I want to sleep against the wall. Also, i don’t want tk get up for anyone else. Also, i don’t want tk be smacked kn the arm by the cart while I’m sleeping through meal service. I sleep through every flight, and I’m sleeping with the window closed. Hope that clears it up for you.
I think of the arguments for seat reclining just because there is a button that allows it and without consideration of the person behind the seat and could apply them to the window shade. Since it naturally goes up and down, I have full right to put the window shade at whatever opening level I want. See how that logic falls short of getting along with others. I like window seats for the reasons that others have stated. I am mostly fine with closing the shade if others don’t want the light or glare. If it is a day flight and light and glare is not coming in the window, I sometimes enjoy the view from seven miles up. I’ve seen the Grand Canyon that way. I have seen Mount Rainier that way. I have seen Niagara Falls that way. I have seen Mount Fuji that way. I have seen the airplane (Korean Airlines – not KAL007) pass from American airspace to Russian airspace that way. I have seen Da Nang that way. I have seen the mountains and buildings close up while landing at the old Kai Tak Airport in Hong Kong (not seven miles up). Great memories.
I generally chose a window seat on the right side. If I want to close the shade due to glare, brightness, whatever, I will. My seat, my choice.
I really chose this seat in order to keep my notebook angled away from others. Don’t need others next to me, in an aisle seat, in the aisle, etc., to see my work. I do try to keep the window open as I also like looking out@
I’m an aisle man myself, but I can think of some reasons that make the window view irrelevant to your wanting a window seat:
1: You don’t use the lav in flight and don’t want to worry about people needing to get past you.
2: You want the wall to lean on.
3. It was middle or window.
4. Relatively short flight and you want off the plane as soon as possible, so your preference is now forward rather than aisle, middle, or window
And since you’re the one with the daylight in your direct view, you get control of the shade unless the FA says otherwise. Nuff said.
Easy answer. I don’t like people walking over me to go to the restroom. I like to lean my head on the side of the plane. I have the option to open it if I want usually when landing to see where we are.
I recently flew into DCA on a beautiful, sunny day; river visual, left side of the aircraft…arguably one of the best approaches in the US, (up there with LGA IMO). I mentioned to the woman at the window seat that I think it will be a great view of DC coming in if she wanted to raise her shade. She replied (kindly, at least) that she likes to keep it down because it puts a glare on her phone screen. She continued watching her phone all the way to the gate. Alllriightyyy then! LOL
So sad. And the approach on DCA is indeed just breathtaking.
The DCA and LGA approaches are the best!
I pick window seats because I like to sleep, if I’m not sleeping I’m watching movies, so the shade is down for better IFE. I find the tops of clouds boring, but I do open it for takeoff and landing, because that’s when you get to see. I always open for turbulence as well!
To make a long story short, and I’m not rearing all this right now, I get a window seat to keep it open and look out the window at the beautiful sky. I have claustrophobia (fear of closed spaces) because of the stupidest people trying to keep their window closed.
I keep my windows closed even on a day flight. I cant watch the inflight entertainment properly with the glare – do u watch movies with the lights on?
Also, UV rays are extremely strong.
You can get sunspots n pigmentation.
White people prune easily compared to Asians. (Hv u seen Koreans and their flawless skin? They avoid the sun at all costs)
Airplanes are already crowded and claustrophobic enough. When the device addicts close all the windows it feels like a blade-runner coffin. If I am in a window seat I’ll keep it open. If the sun is uncomfortable I’ll close it part of the way.
I am a frequent flyer and prefer the window down to limit exposure to radiation. https://aviationforaviators.com/2021/09/20/can-uv-rays-from-flying-hurt-you/?amp=1
I think solar radiation penetrates, goes through, the plastic shade but I would have to look that up.
Thanks for the reference website. I will save it (Sorry Matthew, but I still like your website!)
Looking out of the window prevents me from getting airsick. When I’m asked to close it, I explain that. Seems to work every time! I will often close it halfway if the glare is making it hard for my seatmates to watch their screens.
Easy, I choose a window seat when I need to sit in Economy Plus for the extra shoulder room. My shoulders (not my waist) extend beyond the width of the seat and when sitting in a coach seat they protrude into the seat next to me. The window seat gives me that few extra inches where my shoulders are not rubbing up against a stranger for several hours.
Also, I often shut the shade so that the glare of the light doesn’t effect my neighbors computer screen and they can see clearer. I generally prefer the natural light but respect the fact that there are others around me and it’s not just about what I prefer.
Unfortunately I usually keep the shades closed during landing, due in part to it being the best, most interesting view. I’ve had way too many middle/aisle folks lean over into my space to look or shove their phone in front of my face to take a photo out the window. No asking, no signaling, just suddenly up in my space. Since I mostly fly routes I’ve done dozens of times before, I’m not missing much and it’s just easier to not provide temptation to the encroachers.
Mid-flight my windows are open/closed based on the local time at the destination. Getting the daylight or blocking it helps set my internal clock.
Nothing irritates me more than someone keeping their window shade down. Gives me claustrophobia and invokes anxiety in me (the fear of closed, dark spaces). So I always assign a window seat for myself. But I also have to use the bathroom to pee on longer flights. So go figure on what to do.
Boeing’s electronic window shade control to darken the cabin on their 787s at the whim of the flight attendants was a terrible idea. For the comfort of the passengers, I hope they never use it.
Didn’t read the whole article. I’m a “psychopath”. I pick window seats to rest my head in long flights, number 1. And yes, so some inconsiderate individual doesn’t insist on keeping it open, number 2, even if the setting it rising sun is blinding people on the opposite side of the plane or bleaching the entertainment or my electronics screen in the middle of a movie.
This exactly…. In my opinion the OP is the psychopath. Disregarding the comfort of the guy across the aisle with a beam of light in his eye. One window shade brightens an entire cabin. Shades should be closed. Especially early morning or over large bodies of water (nothing to see there) I’m the one shirt your window shade when you get up to use the lav. I want you to know it was me….
I hope I never have the misfortune of flying with you!
In a 1 2 1 configuration I will always book a window seat to be alone. Depending on how blinding ig is outside I make a choice. To your avuueation of using eye coverings or sunglasses it can make seeing the ife or laptop impossible.. If you want it open, book the window seat. I respect the decision of whoever is in the window seat. This complaint bugs me as much as people asking to switch seats.
Haha, phone typing (in bright light) is not my forte. To your ‘suggestion’ rather
I have been lucky to have been able to fly my entire life. I love looking out the window. I always keep in mind there are people who never in their life get to experience flying and seeing our home from thousands of feet up in the sky! I always remember that up until pretty recently no human was able to see what I am seeing! It is always a beautiful moment to reflect on how lucky I have been to have the opportunity. Only boring people would describe mother natures art as boring. And I realize I probably sound like a cuckoo hippy or something, but I know Im not lying!
I’m claustrophobic and the only thing worse than a 14-hour flight in a metal tube is one without windows. I understand the comfort element for some people, but a little daylight goes a long way in making some of your fellow passengers feel less panicky. I love 787s but sometimes avoid them in case an overzealous FA locks the windows. Also, the views are great most places on earth and I’d hate to miss them for The Office reruns.
I just prefer they stay open during takeoff and landing. First five minutes, last five minutes of the flight. The rest of the time they can keep it closed if they want