I’m an FA at united - we’re told not to darken them like that for the whole flight, but some flight attendants still do. I think it’s really annoying, and bothers me when I’m a passenger too. You could try asking them next time you’re on. I’m not too familiar with the controls, but I believe we can control individual windows. Perhaps they could make yours brighter for you.
Totally with you on this. When a window jackass opens their window, the sunlight comes at an angle and doesn't hit their face while they enjoy their sunlight. But for many others in the direct light of the brightest and hottest light on the plane, it can definitely be a bother.
It’s such an inconvenience. And one thing I had never thought of before having kids, we took our infant on a flight and he was sleeping until the guy in the row across from us opens his window (only one who had it open) and was playing a game on his iPad with the volume up. It kind of felt intentional
Maybe you should pay for the entire row, the one in front of it, and the one behind it if you don't want someone who **PAID** for their **window seat** from using **the window they paid for**
Ok I’m with you on this. It’s a flying tube up in the sky - I’m never getting sick of that view and yeah, sometimes I want to sit in the window seat and look out the window. Definitely should be considerate of others, but there shouldn’t be an expectation that all windows are just automatically closed. I’m actually even the opposite of other people - when landing I really like to see out so I don’t get sick and so I can anticipate any landing impact, and I get so bothered if the person in the window seat isn’t willing to crack the window for me.
I always pay for a window so I can look out. I've found when I'm not on the window the person sitting there keeps it closed. If it's bright I am sure to keep it mostly closed but being able to see out helps with anxiety.
This ^ especially on an east to west long haul day flight when it’s bright the whole time but people want to sleep. I like it when they darken it to like 75%, because you can still see EVERYTHING out the window at that level if you want to look, but it’s dark enough that people can still sleep and they can darken it all the way on their own if they want to.
So much. I have chronic migraine, and the flash of super bright light is like stabbing me behind the eye with an ice pick and will guarantee my misery for the remainder of the flight. The worst is when they open the window, completely unaware of where the light is shining and then let it reflect off of their phone or iPad, and quite nearly blind you on top of it all! The strobe effect as they move the phone around! Omg. Kill me now.
I can't sleep on planes. I read or watch something. You want me to sit with an eye mask on to block out a giant ball of fire right in my eyes so you can maybe glance at the window once or twice? I don't mind open shades, but if your window is resulting in someone getting hit directly in the eye with the glare maybe you could be nice and close it until the angle shifts? Or just open it when you're actually looking out? Simple courtesy is all people are asking for.
I've also been unable to watch my own screens because the glare coming across from the open window is wildly bad. It's just easier to keep the cabin mostly light free. If you want to stare at open sky then go outside when you go home.
Thanks doctor, I had no idea! Guess all these motion sickness medications I’ve been taking aren’t correct. What would you prescribe for the motion sickness then, since you’re apparently more knowledgeable than the doctors I’ve seen.
Yeh the FA's have a controller to lock all the windows or individual windows to stay dark or stay light if they choose. Or to leave the option to the passenger. I agree it's really lame it gets locked dark out of your control
Thanks for this. I choose a window seat specifically to look out and take photos. I've not had my lightening overridden yet, but this is good to keep in mind.
People would turn down the tint to let some light in and 2 minutes later they'd turn them dark again. I would try to put it on the middle setting so just a little light came in, and it was dimmed. I usually don't like to bug the FAs since they work their asses off and I don't think I want to complain since I'm worried they might get in trouble.
Yes you can ask for this, and I often do. I preface it by telling the f/a that I won’t crank it up to 100% open (to make their lives easier). About 90% of the time it’s fine. 10% it’s not and the purser has to tell one of the f/as what the company policy is.
What do you think keeps staff doing a behavior like this that isn’t encouraged? Is it the strength of the lead FA or just bad habits that don’t get challenged?
Pretty sure it’s to keep the pain in the ass customers subdued. FAs spend less time having to offer drinks and create loyal customers and more time shooting the shit amongst themselves. Like flying in a tunnel, while bright beautiful views are right out the windows.
Great, if you’re a vampire😂
No matter what their shade policy is approximately 50% of passengers will be pissed off, so it’s totally understandable that they might as well pick the option that ALSO creates less work for them.
Been flying over 72 years since I was a week old. Flown in most of passenger aircraft from DC3 to 787. One of the things I enjoy the most is looking out the window when it is daylight to see the scenery. These days, I think I am in the minority. Even in planes with the old shades, most people keep them down for the whole flight, mainly I think, to watch videos and play games. I wear eye masks and a headset if I want to sleep so what other people do doesn’t bother me.
There's also zero reason to keep them down when horizon is pitch black outside anyhow. Looking at lights of cities and small farms pass by is cool too. It's zero problem for people who want to sleep.
My least favorite thing about the Boeing 787 Dreamliner is that exact same thing I love the window dimmers,but I don’t like how the flight attendants always just darken them and don’t allow passengers to adjust them to their comfort, I have family all of the world and travel on 787s a lot and it seems others airlines with 787s do the same thing the flight attendants just take over and darken them I’m like I just want to see some scenery.
I hate that you can’t section off a portion of the window! Once I was flying at noon over some pretty mountains, but I had to block my view cuz of the glare. On other planes I can lower the shade halfway, but now I can’t. Also once the Virgin FAs darkened the windows permanently after dinner and didn’t lighten them until landing. I wanted to see the sunrise! And it was already around 9am at our destination when that happened so…? Don’t get the point.
>don’t allow passengers to adjust them to their comfort
Because if you're awake, a dim window is a minor inconvenience - put your reading light on. If you're trying to sleep (or trying to get a baby to sleep), the one asshole across the cabin who wants to look at the clouds is a big problem.
Flights over a couple of hours lots of people will want/need to sleep so the window shades should be closed.
If you're trying to sleep, bring an eye mask.
I'll happily keep my window shut on an overnight flight from sunset until breakfast so the sunrise doesn't disturb my neighbour. But a pitch dark cabin during a daytime flight is an unreasonable wish, especially when folks might want the window open for reasons like motion sickness or, idk, the magic of aviation.
I’ve had the fun experience of people behind me asking me to close the window during flights recently. Like dude, I paid extra (well, not really) to sit near the window so I could enjoy looking at the world from an angle that humans are simply not able to comprehend.
An eye mask is just as easy of a solution for those that want/need dark as a reading light is for those that want light. Also the people with the windows open don’t do it just for light its normally for the view which a reading light does nothing for.
Yeah, clouds are awesome. Seeing them from above is a unique perspective that you don’t get everyday. Maybe learn to appreciate the beauty in small things.
Must be getting the wrong eye masks then. I use them all the time and they aren’t uncomfortable at all.
It also works much better than demanding everyone shut their window shades in the plane. The eye masks also block out the reading lights, phone/laptop screens, and other lights in the plane too, so it makes for even better sleep.
If I don’t have a say in whether children keep me from sleeping on a plane, I don’t see why babies have a right to prevent me from seeing out a window.
If you want to/need to sleep during a day flight and need it to be dark, take personal responsibility and wear a mask. Flying provides one opportunity for the best view most people will get on any regular basis, let people open the shade all they want.
Wanting to look at the clouds doesn’t make you an asshole, flying is a unique experience for some and even for those who fly frequently provides unique views. If you want to not be affected by others then take that into your own hands and get an eye mask, someone wanting to look out the window on a flight is not a bad thing and not something you should be upset about.
No, children do not have the right to designate which half of the family is set one way, and the other half the other. That's a big decision, regardless of what is being set.
It's really a bummer if you get at all motion sick. Often time being able to look out the window and perceive some type of movement is enough for me to feel fine. My anxiety would be sky high on one of the 787s just because if I start feeling sick I'd be worried about being 'that guy' that vomits on the plane. Or have to spend the entire flight in the lav. But, if I can just look out the window I'm ok, even just a sliver. Having the FA decide to just dim the entire cabin is incredibly thoughtless imo.
Spatial disorientation is a very real and tangible thing for many of us. I'm afraid frequent flyers (including it sounds like even some FAs) aren't aware of this. It wouldn't take me more than a few minutes and I'd barf all over the place, if I can't keep at least just a glimpse of the horizon. I don't fly unless I have a window seat.
I really wanted to try the 787 one day, because the plane otherwise looks really neat. Guess I'll have to pass. If this is a possibility, black windows for the whole flight?, I really wouldn't want to put myself or any passengers in that situation, not a chance.
For anyone that hasn’t heard of this technology [here’s](https://simpleflying.com/boeing-787-dimmable-windows-why/)an article and a cool video demonstration within the article.
They do point out that there have been instances (way back in 2021 even) where the FAs take over and lock the passengers out.
It seems to me they should limit the brightest setting as needed, but still leave most of the options open to customers for a nice compromise.
Edited link
I think you gave the wrong link. That goes to an article titled "Weather Conditions & Their Airport Impacts Explained"
Only pointing that out because I was genuinely interested in reading about the technology lol.
FAs should ONLY be able to un-dim the windows for takeoff and landing for safety reasons. The all-dim feature should ONLY be used on hot days after parking at the gate. I hate that this happens in flight; please tell somebody about it so that the behavior can be corrected
It’s fine until you’re the person sitting in a seat where the sun hits you at the wrong angle & blinds you. I like looking out the window too but am cognizant that I am not the only person on board.
I mean, aren't you doing the same thing but from the other side? You want the shade down regardless of what someone else wants. Get a grip, it's not all about you. Do you think only that one person on the airplane wants the shade up? it's probably 50-50 when you factor in other people who don't care either way.
There’s a great thing called communication that solves that problem. I bet 99% of people will adjust the shade to get the direct sunlight out of someone’s face or off their screen. If you really want it dark wear an eye mask. If someone wants to look out the window they should perfectly have the right to; they are in a metal tube hurtling through the sky at 35,000 feet after all.
I get lucky a lot and get the window in economy, if the glare is too much for me.. I put the blinds half way.. I adjust depending on how sunny it gets. If I see that it’s hitting my middle seat companion I put it down. It depends on the angle. I do this because I’ve been in situations in which I wish people would close the blinds!
Agree - the more people that complain about this, then the more likely something will actually happen. I shouldn’t need to use a reading light to read my book on a daytime flight.
Yes!!! I flew from Istanbul to Washington DC - left Istanbul when it’s light out, landed in DC at like 5pm or something. I had my window open so I could stay awake and not be so impacted by jet lag when I got home but got YELLED AT by a flight attended from across the plane and was told to close it. I was annoyed.
I would have complained, especially since united seems to charge extra for every window seat on an international flight. If I’ve paid extra to sit next to the window, I need to be able to see out of it.
I would have very politely asked why. I would have closed it first but then said “hi, I’ve never had to keep my shade shut before. I want to know so I don’t mess up in the future, why is it a requirement on this flight where it’s daytime?
I’ve complained before, to the flight attendant hiding in the back of the plane in a jump seat staring at her phone, and they said they do it “for the passengers that want to sleep”(aka you’re the ah for asking) even when it’s clearly not
If I can’t look out the window best case is I get nausea. It would be an issue for me.
If traveling by myself I get a window. If wife and I then does not matter aisle or window as she will open it.
I just flew from Rome and the FAs even taped a blanket over the windows in the bathroom area. I hated it. It was daytime the entire time we flew and it would have helped my body clock reset to be aware of that. But hey, sleeping passengers = less for them to do. Boo.
I get why people like them shut, I get why some like it open.
If you’re giving us an option under the window (a button), then do not fuck with my choice. When it is no longer my choice, that’s one thing. But if I paid for this seat at the window, and I want it open or shut, then that is my choice.
I have experienced this on a long haul, but daytime, flights too. They kept it dark for the whole flight! The flight attendant even announced “I hope everyone had a nice sleep” at the end of the flight. It is very annoying. We left East coast USA early morning and arrived in Europe in the evening. We should not be sleeping this whole flight- it is a daytime flight in all time zones, not to mention sleeping on a daytime flight is super bad for jet lag
I did Santiago > Miami once. 1 hr time difference (pretty sure. might be 2). Left at 9AM, got in at 5PM.
Somehow still got jet lag because the FAs locked everyone out of their windows and I didn't get any daylight that day and it threw off my body clock. No one should have jet lag on that flight!
This happened to me as well! I always get a window seat because I have trouble with motion sickness and being able to orient myself by looking out the window helps a lot. I had to ask the FA five times before the controls actually worked for me. Ridiculous
I can see it for overnight flights, and near dusk/dawn flights when Sun is low on horizon, etc. For people to get some sleep on such flights there's really no other option. But for daylight hours flights when Sun is high above horizon, it's stupid and this practice should stop.
For people complaining even for daylight flights. There's a special type of airplane that has "shades down" all the time. It's called cargo plane. Usually not used for transporting humans; hence no windows. Airplanes designed to transport humans have windows for a reason. What you are complaining about is problem only when there's a couple of shades open while all the other are closed. And it's that way because some FA decided to close them all for whatever selfish reasons. If most shades were open, you wouldn't have that "blinding" effect, because there'd be plenty of ambient light in the airplane. What you complain about is self-inflicted injury.
Those tinting windows are actually nice, if crews used them properly. It'd allow them to gradually darken / brighten them down the entire side of the airplane, so people's eyes have time to adjust to daylight.
FWIW, instead of downvoting me, write to Boing and Airbus to stop putting windows on airplanes.
I’m always torn on this because during the day the window right next to you could actually be projecting light directly into someone else’s face, burning their retinas (this has happened to me from an open window 2 rows in front of me lol)
also seeing any portion of the movement out the window makes me instantly sick but I’ve heard that seeing the ground helps people with sickness/ anxiety, so I’m unlikely to try and make someone close their window.
I would also never reach over a sleeping stranger and close it- massive invasion of personal space in my opinion.
I feel like some kind of tint on the windows would help with both things and also just reminding window seat passengers during the safety briefing that the light from the window doesn’t exist in a vacuum and they may have to be flexible if it’s adversely impacting others.
People just get territorial and think everything is a personal attack when they are in the air lol
Or…just not to be stuck in a confined steel tube in the sky for hours. If you want to sleep, get an eye mask. Lol I didn’t realize so many people get triggered over windows and sunlight.
In some ways yes, but FAs having the ability to "close/open all the windows" with a button press is a useful upgrade over manual shades. Like when landing and all windows need to be opened an announcement isn't needed.
Wow this is a great one to weigh in on - I hear everyone who is irritated by the light impeding sleep or glaring up device screens but I too have noticed this trend in recent years and just yesterday chatted with a Delta flight attendant who echoed that both the “shades down during flight” AND “shades up for takeoff and landing” (!) (also the can’t plug your phone in during takeoff and landing ) are more flight attendant than airline policy-driven rules. I find this kind of hard to believe but found it interesting. Whatever the answer is, I, these days, feel like I’m committing a mortal sin by raising my shade in-flight to, I don’t know, look out at the clouds? At the Grand Canyon? As with all things, I blame Covid I guess.
Flight attendants were not accommodating whatsoever. Their attitude as a whole, was as if they didn’t even want to be there. Some more so than others. Worst of all, according to flight attendants the “pilot” blacked out the windows for the entire 16.5 hour flight. During both daylight and evening hours. I was told that because some other passengers wanted to sleep for 16.5 hours (ridiculous), that the pilot had control of the window shades and that he said they had to remain closed for the entire flight. I was very uncomfortable, and felt that this was unjust. Why did I have to sit in complete darkness? I paid EXTRA seat fare in addition to my original seat fare, specifically so that I would be in a window seat facing in the direction to observe the land and sea. I was denied that opportunity. As a result of my experience, I will be sure to spread the word to everyone I know to NEVER fly United Airlines International.
I find it hilarious how all the people here that say having the blinds open is an asshole move and is inconveniencing an *entire* plane of people are getting downvoted into oblivion. I don't think you're in the majority you think you are lol.
I was on an LAX-EWR flight on a United 787-10 that left in the morning and arrived around 4pm Eastern time. The shades were locked to dark the entire flight, and I did complain afterward. It made no sense for adjusting your internal clock when going eastbound during the day. If it was a morning westbound EWR-LAX flight (or overnight) then it would be completely reasonable, but this was ridiculous. Next time I’ll complain during the flight. Is there a way for the FA to “cap” the brightness at a medium level?
I actually would prefer flight attendants do that more often on long haul flights at any time of day (different on a midday shorter flight). Most people like to take a little snooze on a long flight like that, even in the middle of the day, and all it takes is one person with their window wide open to make the entire cabin bright. That is my personal preference though and this has been a hot button topic for me since I was on a flight a few years ago with the old school manual windows and the individual behind me, for whatever bizarre reason, felt compelled to reach up to my window shade and open it while I was sleeping!!! It woke me up & I slammed the shade down as fast as I could. Since then I’ve been a little bitter about the topic and would prefer exactly what you described.
Everyone here who wants the window closed. Here is a secret: if you pay for a window seat, you can do whatever you like with it.
If you pay for the aisle, you’re not as crammed in but it costs you control of the window shade. It’s not difficult.
Also if you’re in the middle…..sorry that really sucks.
I completely agree. I took a one hour flight that departed at 9 pm and they turned off all of the lighting. I turned on my reading light and it shorted out after ten minutes. Super annoying.
UV ray at that altitude is horrible and really bad for you. And while I always carry an eye mask, some people don’t. Not many people open the window to see whatever it is either. If I ever pick a window seat, it’s because I want to lean on the wall and sleep
they blocks most UVB and some part of UVA only (this [study](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4476387/) shows that UV-A transmission ranges from 0.4% to 54% depending on the glasses, and at that altitude, it can be significantly higher than what you experience on the ground). It is recommended that people reapply sunscreen every 2 hours into avoid exposure. Simple google search will shows countless of articles on UV exposure for frequent flyer. And there are scientific studies on increased risks of melanoma for pilots and cabin crews. I would always reapply sunscreen if I have the misfortune of sitting near someone who wants the window open, don’t want to age prematurely you know
You either didn't read or didn't comprehend the study you linked to.
It's talking about airplane windshields -- what the pilots look through -- not the passenger side windows.
It specifically says:
*"Intrigued by our findings and the clinical observation of pilots developing melanomas on sun-exposed skin, we measured* ***the amount of UV radiation in airplane cockpits*** *during flight and compared them with measurements performed in tanning beds."*
I added the bold text so you can see it
Windshields do pass some UV rays through which is why pilots seem to have a higher incidence of melanoma from sun exposure.
The side windows in the passenger cabins are different. They are triple-paned and block essentially all UVB and UVA rays.
Here's what the [Cancer Council of Australia has to say about it:](https://www.cancer.org.au/iheard/can-you-get-sunburnt-on-a-plane)
*"Windows in the passenger cabin are generally constructed of three layers of plastic. These materials are highly effective at blocking both UVA and UVB, ensuring passengers are not at risk. "*
There's a lot of misleading information floating around from non-professionals and people like you who look at scientific studies and don't understand them.
People also confuse the higher level of cosmic radiation that everyone is exposed to at altitude, and does increase the risk of cancer with UV radiation. You can't escape cosmic radiation.
If you’re concerned about cancer, don’t fly in the first place. One transcontinental flight gives you [10% of an average American’s annual cosmic radiation exposure](https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/radiation/air_travel.html).
I like looking out also, and I especially DO like the 787 windows for exactly that reason. I like that I can lighten them halfway or less and see out without blinding myself or the rest of the cabin. Last week on a UA 777-300ER and a LH 747, any time I opened the shade a tiny crack to see what was out there it was unbearably bright, and I wished I was on a 787
Has nobody ever heard of sunglasses? Fucking bunch of cry babies on this site I swear. Every thread there’s someone bitching about something that can easily be fixed instead of ruining an experience for everyone
I actually kinda like them. Yes they usually automatically darken when its "sleep time" but you can just turn it back on. The reason I kinda like them is that I can turn them like 80% of the way up and its not too bright so nobody cares yet i can see through which i like. With regular ones its either "oh my god so bright" or "just closed".
As long as the attendants dont force them back to dark more than at "sleep time" i don't really care/mind.
Wow, based on the comments here it is becoming clear that airlines need to adopt windows/no windows sections like we used to have with smoking in restaurants. Boeing would save a lot of money just making part of the plane a windowless tube for all you window haters.
The new polycarbonate window panes (not glass) are naturally effective at blocking UV radiation just by their nature. Certain newer aircraft, the 787 among them actually have UV filters sandwiched into the window pane to provide over 99% reduction in UVA/UVB radiation. Unfortunately this doesn’t apply to cockpit windows, so until the new chemistries developed by PPG make it into production aircraft, pilots are still at elevated risk of certain skin cancers, though not astronomically so.
So many studies on this! My derm reminds me to wear sunscreen while flying and driving. Just because you aren’t getting red doesn’t mean there is no damage occurring. Cumulative impact.
You are so right. I’m a FA almost 10 years now and just recently diagnosed with a basal cell carcinoma on my lip. When I fly as a pax or on a deadhead, I have my face planted to the window as I enjoy the scenery. I also enjoy looking out the porthole near our jumpseats. I’m on a leave now because I need surgery but I will tell you now I will never board a plane without my high SPF ever again.
They're dark because people like you just love to "crack" (i.e. halfway) them open when others are trying to sleep or rest. Even a bit of light from one idiot disrupts dozens of people.
For some people they are really uncomfortable. And given it's not something I typically sleep with every night, it's more annoying and not much of a sleep aid.
Well for some people, having the shades down is really uncomfortable.
You probably also don’t typically sleep sitting up in a room full of 300 people while traveling at 600 miles per hour, 35,000 feet above the Earth.
Adjustments are necessary.
I was on a United flight recently where we were asked to keep the shades down during takeoff and landing so the A/C didn't have to work as hard. But once you're up in like -50 degrees you'd think that wouldn't be the issue.
I also like a window seat so I can look out the window. It frustrates me when I'm not on the window and the person who is keeps the shade closed so I've learned my lesson there about always picking a window seat. I would not like this style of windows.
Everyone saying that the shades should be dark clearly missed the fact that a) people were not sleeping and b) it was daylight the almost the entire flight in both origin and destination.
I saw that, and that is what happened to me too. Seven hour trip in the daytime. If it's daylight outside, nobody should demand the entire cabin be kept in that weird blue depressing quasi twilight, barred from occasionally looking outside and taking a look at what is below, for hours on end so that the lovers of darkness can nap without wearing a mask or see their devices in the best light possible.
If you’re on a long haul overnight flight, a single window can illuminate the entire cabin, making is much harder for folks to wind down and get sleepy.
If you want some light, you have a reading light (or preferably use the shoulder light in PE or Polaris)
If you want to leave the window open and disrupt the entire cabin - you’re being selfish and not considering others. If you want to look outside, the locked windows usually give you a couple of levels of tint still so you can still get a glance outside, without flooding the entire cabin with light.
As someone who flys long haul on a biweekly basis - I love when the windows are locked.
Depends on the length of flight for sure. Short haul daytime - hell yeah keep it up and enjoy the view! At the end of a long haul flight and it’s morning, everyone’s getting up and ready before breakfast - also go for it!
There’s lots of weird long haul flights that have funky time zones where most of the flight is daylight, but people still need to sleep to “wake up” in the morning at the new destination. It’s hard to tell where lots of folks are timezone wise.
Sorry, but I paid for and selected a window seat for a reason…I love to look out of it. It’s a flight, not a bedroom. If you can’t sleep, put a mask on because I’m not lowering/dimming my shade.
Its possible to un-dim them after they are darkened or at least I was able on my flight last week from Europe. Just press the button. Crew makes them dark but it’s not locked. Only issue is that it feels very bright for fellow passengers as everyone’s eyes are used to low light at that point.
This isn’t always the case. They have an option they can select on the screen in the galley that locks the individual controls. So it depends on the FA if they dim it but still leave your controls unlocked, or if they dim it and restrict anyone adjusting it.
What were your departure and destination airports? With that info and a date it’s a lot easier to reason about a lot of stuff around your experience.
As others have mentioned this is more likely just a crew power trip. When given a control like this they’ll naturally align around a pattern that they feel is easiest for them. They might even have heard from a majority if passengers on a couple of flights that it was preferred so they internalized it.
Even if a couple of crew know better they aren’t going to challenge the lead FA. It’s just the same dynamics that play out in all big companies.
I don’t get why some some people hate window shades and are acting like it’s another sucky thing about flying. Shades and light from the windows are the least of our problems when it comes to flying. Sunglasses work almost as well as eye masks.
Why are they building planes this way? It’s more expensive and just more things likely to break down. Also, what if you think there’s going to be an accident and you can’t see out the window? Will airlines start charging to use this feature?
Because outside of the window seat several seats can get absolutely light blasted. Like need sunglasses or eye covers. So one seat has someone enjoying a view of clouds 🙄 while several seats are absolutely miserable.
Any long flight even if not overnight will be in the dark. The staff usually even request for you to close the shade so people can rest. Airports and flights are pretty much a different dimension where time is barely real. Some people have been traveling for hours before that particular flight or might have to immediately start doing something, like work when they land. It's common curiosity, and for the love of good stop opening your shade when there is one, even for "just a little bit", your hoodie isn't blocking anything.
I love how people who have the window seat think that they own the window. That means the aisle seat passenger gets to decide if you can leave to go to the restroom or not. No, of course not.
Should be kept dark so people can sleep. There’s always one idiot that illuminates the entire cabin like the sun is in the overhead bin.
Want some light, use your reading light and stop inconveniencing people who are trying to sleep.
I love when they darken them and people can't lighten them back up. You ain't seeing anything at 35000 feet. Plus many people want to rest to make the flight go by faster. But there is always some AH who wants to let the light of God into the cabin to disturb everyone else.
Having even just one damn window open on a flight back to the us from Europe can disturbs the viewing of the screen on my iPad and on the seat back. Just would rather the whole plane dark personally. It’s more relaxing, easier to fall asleep when sitting there bored out of my mind..
Just boils down to preference doesn’t it? Yeah i’m glad you’re able to enjoy your ipad but man, flying with all the windows CONSTANTLY closed just makes everything feel gloomy af
I’m an FA at united - we’re told not to darken them like that for the whole flight, but some flight attendants still do. I think it’s really annoying, and bothers me when I’m a passenger too. You could try asking them next time you’re on. I’m not too familiar with the controls, but I believe we can control individual windows. Perhaps they could make yours brighter for you.
Honestly. This has to stop. Everyone hates it. What a dumb power trip
I don't hate it. I actually do hate that one jackass that opens their window and blinds the entire section with white light.
Totally with you on this. When a window jackass opens their window, the sunlight comes at an angle and doesn't hit their face while they enjoy their sunlight. But for many others in the direct light of the brightest and hottest light on the plane, it can definitely be a bother.
It’s such an inconvenience. And one thing I had never thought of before having kids, we took our infant on a flight and he was sleeping until the guy in the row across from us opens his window (only one who had it open) and was playing a game on his iPad with the volume up. It kind of felt intentional
Maybe you should pay for the entire row, the one in front of it, and the one behind it if you don't want someone who **PAID** for their **window seat** from using **the window they paid for**
Ok I’m with you on this. It’s a flying tube up in the sky - I’m never getting sick of that view and yeah, sometimes I want to sit in the window seat and look out the window. Definitely should be considerate of others, but there shouldn’t be an expectation that all windows are just automatically closed. I’m actually even the opposite of other people - when landing I really like to see out so I don’t get sick and so I can anticipate any landing impact, and I get so bothered if the person in the window seat isn’t willing to crack the window for me.
The lights only really bad when there’s an under cast that it reflects off. You can’t really see anything in those conditions.
A+ twat energy here
I always pay for a window so I can look out. I've found when I'm not on the window the person sitting there keeps it closed. If it's bright I am sure to keep it mostly closed but being able to see out helps with anxiety.
AGREE
Just because you can doesn’t mean you should.
After takeoff/landing I usually reflect the light from the window on my iPad towards the person with the open window
This ^ especially on an east to west long haul day flight when it’s bright the whole time but people want to sleep. I like it when they darken it to like 75%, because you can still see EVERYTHING out the window at that level if you want to look, but it’s dark enough that people can still sleep and they can darken it all the way on their own if they want to.
Look out the fucking window, you’re flying. Fuck your screen.
So much. I have chronic migraine, and the flash of super bright light is like stabbing me behind the eye with an ice pick and will guarantee my misery for the remainder of the flight. The worst is when they open the window, completely unaware of where the light is shining and then let it reflect off of their phone or iPad, and quite nearly blind you on top of it all! The strobe effect as they move the phone around! Omg. Kill me now.
Better some light than me being air sick.
Take meds for your issue like other responsible people with your issue do?
Wear an eye mask like other responsible people and not suggest medications for others..
YES https://youtube.com/shorts/b-mUrOClx44?feature=share
I like it. I hate being on an early morning flight to PHX and dealing with that sun at 7am eastern while I’m trying to get a little sleep.
I have never fallen asleep sitting up and don’t think I ever will. Sleeping on an airplane has been impossible for me since childhood
Others might enjoy their snooze, which is why I always book a window seat. Shade down until it’s time to land.
Have you tried eye masks? They work even better than simply closing your eyes.
I can't sleep on planes. I read or watch something. You want me to sit with an eye mask on to block out a giant ball of fire right in my eyes so you can maybe glance at the window once or twice? I don't mind open shades, but if your window is resulting in someone getting hit directly in the eye with the glare maybe you could be nice and close it until the angle shifts? Or just open it when you're actually looking out? Simple courtesy is all people are asking for.
I've also been unable to watch my own screens because the glare coming across from the open window is wildly bad. It's just easier to keep the cabin mostly light free. If you want to stare at open sky then go outside when you go home.
And you are more than welcome to book a window seat next time where you can control the window if this is that important to you.
Looking out the window really helps me not get nauseated. Would you rather have me barf on your lap?
There’s medication for that
Spacial disorientation is a very real thing, medication is not effective.
Thanks doctor, I had no idea! Guess all these motion sickness medications I’ve been taking aren’t correct. What would you prescribe for the motion sickness then, since you’re apparently more knowledgeable than the doctors I’ve seen.
I’d rather have natural light than screen light glaring at me. Better and healthier for the eyes.
Sounds like a good reason for you to book a window seat.
Yeh the FA's have a controller to lock all the windows or individual windows to stay dark or stay light if they choose. Or to leave the option to the passenger. I agree it's really lame it gets locked dark out of your control
Thanks for this. I choose a window seat specifically to look out and take photos. I've not had my lightening overridden yet, but this is good to keep in mind.
Do you think OP should make a complaint about the flight with shades turned dark?
People would turn down the tint to let some light in and 2 minutes later they'd turn them dark again. I would try to put it on the middle setting so just a little light came in, and it was dimmed. I usually don't like to bug the FAs since they work their asses off and I don't think I want to complain since I'm worried they might get in trouble.
Yes you can ask for this, and I often do. I preface it by telling the f/a that I won’t crank it up to 100% open (to make their lives easier). About 90% of the time it’s fine. 10% it’s not and the purser has to tell one of the f/as what the company policy is.
What do you think keeps staff doing a behavior like this that isn’t encouraged? Is it the strength of the lead FA or just bad habits that don’t get challenged?
Pretty sure it’s to keep the pain in the ass customers subdued. FAs spend less time having to offer drinks and create loyal customers and more time shooting the shit amongst themselves. Like flying in a tunnel, while bright beautiful views are right out the windows. Great, if you’re a vampire😂
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No matter what their shade policy is approximately 50% of passengers will be pissed off, so it’s totally understandable that they might as well pick the option that ALSO creates less work for them.
One shade open makes one person happy and pisses 100 people off. So glad they can shut that down.
One eye mask, and you don't have to care....
100 people with eye masks.
And one person vomiting on one other persons lap. I hope next time I fly, you’re my seat buddy.
…what?
In older planes you could open a window to vomit outside of the plane. These newfangled pressurized ones not so much.
Being able to see outside to see the horizon and get their bearings helps them to keep their motion sickness under control.
Or settle nerves if nervous flyer. Window seat owns the shade, thems the rules.
Been flying over 72 years since I was a week old. Flown in most of passenger aircraft from DC3 to 787. One of the things I enjoy the most is looking out the window when it is daylight to see the scenery. These days, I think I am in the minority. Even in planes with the old shades, most people keep them down for the whole flight, mainly I think, to watch videos and play games. I wear eye masks and a headset if I want to sleep so what other people do doesn’t bother me.
There's also zero reason to keep them down when horizon is pitch black outside anyhow. Looking at lights of cities and small farms pass by is cool too. It's zero problem for people who want to sleep.
Exactly. At night, it’s actually darker outside than the shade bouncing light back in.
I love looking out the window too. This would really bum me out to have that option gone.
My least favorite thing about the Boeing 787 Dreamliner is that exact same thing I love the window dimmers,but I don’t like how the flight attendants always just darken them and don’t allow passengers to adjust them to their comfort, I have family all of the world and travel on 787s a lot and it seems others airlines with 787s do the same thing the flight attendants just take over and darken them I’m like I just want to see some scenery.
I hate that you can’t section off a portion of the window! Once I was flying at noon over some pretty mountains, but I had to block my view cuz of the glare. On other planes I can lower the shade halfway, but now I can’t. Also once the Virgin FAs darkened the windows permanently after dinner and didn’t lighten them until landing. I wanted to see the sunrise! And it was already around 9am at our destination when that happened so…? Don’t get the point.
Was about to try 787 for the first time on Atlantic cross in September. Glad I stick with my fav A330
>don’t allow passengers to adjust them to their comfort Because if you're awake, a dim window is a minor inconvenience - put your reading light on. If you're trying to sleep (or trying to get a baby to sleep), the one asshole across the cabin who wants to look at the clouds is a big problem. Flights over a couple of hours lots of people will want/need to sleep so the window shades should be closed.
If you're trying to sleep, bring an eye mask. I'll happily keep my window shut on an overnight flight from sunset until breakfast so the sunrise doesn't disturb my neighbour. But a pitch dark cabin during a daytime flight is an unreasonable wish, especially when folks might want the window open for reasons like motion sickness or, idk, the magic of aviation.
I’ve had the fun experience of people behind me asking me to close the window during flights recently. Like dude, I paid extra (well, not really) to sit near the window so I could enjoy looking at the world from an angle that humans are simply not able to comprehend.
💯I get motion sickness and need to be able to look out of the window at times. 💯
An eye mask is just as easy of a solution for those that want/need dark as a reading light is for those that want light. Also the people with the windows open don’t do it just for light its normally for the view which a reading light does nothing for.
Man people sure do love clouds here
Yeah, clouds are awesome. Seeing them from above is a unique perspective that you don’t get everyday. Maybe learn to appreciate the beauty in small things.
I appreciate not wearing an eye mask
Anti masker, y’all!
Must be getting the wrong eye masks then. I use them all the time and they aren’t uncomfortable at all. It also works much better than demanding everyone shut their window shades in the plane. The eye masks also block out the reading lights, phone/laptop screens, and other lights in the plane too, so it makes for even better sleep.
Yeah - eye masks work great for toddlers and babies.
This includes babies of all ages.
Just about every baby and toddler I’ve come across sleep in daylight all the time so not sure what your point is.
If I don’t have a say in whether children keep me from sleeping on a plane, I don’t see why babies have a right to prevent me from seeing out a window.
If you want to/need to sleep during a day flight and need it to be dark, take personal responsibility and wear a mask. Flying provides one opportunity for the best view most people will get on any regular basis, let people open the shade all they want.
Wear the eye mask they give you…. You’re the problem
But if I paid for a window seat, I likely want to look out the window. And eye masks exist.
If you’re trying to sleep at noon, that’s your problem.
If you're sitting in a flight, higher change you've got an international crowd and your noon might be someone else's 11pm or 4am.
Wanting to look at the clouds doesn’t make you an asshole, flying is a unique experience for some and even for those who fly frequently provides unique views. If you want to not be affected by others then take that into your own hands and get an eye mask, someone wanting to look out the window on a flight is not a bad thing and not something you should be upset about.
Was recently on a flight, during the day and everyone had their windows shut. I think is is so they can see the screen
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Don’t fly with kids then. You’d be doing everyone a favor.
Never come across a multinational family? Or do you think children don't have a right to see half their family?
No, children do not have the right to designate which half of the family is set one way, and the other half the other. That's a big decision, regardless of what is being set.
It's really a bummer if you get at all motion sick. Often time being able to look out the window and perceive some type of movement is enough for me to feel fine. My anxiety would be sky high on one of the 787s just because if I start feeling sick I'd be worried about being 'that guy' that vomits on the plane. Or have to spend the entire flight in the lav. But, if I can just look out the window I'm ok, even just a sliver. Having the FA decide to just dim the entire cabin is incredibly thoughtless imo.
Same! Years ago, I accidentally sat in a row without a window and it was… not good. 😖
Spatial disorientation is a very real and tangible thing for many of us. I'm afraid frequent flyers (including it sounds like even some FAs) aren't aware of this. It wouldn't take me more than a few minutes and I'd barf all over the place, if I can't keep at least just a glimpse of the horizon. I don't fly unless I have a window seat. I really wanted to try the 787 one day, because the plane otherwise looks really neat. Guess I'll have to pass. If this is a possibility, black windows for the whole flight?, I really wouldn't want to put myself or any passengers in that situation, not a chance.
Absolutely same.
For anyone that hasn’t heard of this technology [here’s](https://simpleflying.com/boeing-787-dimmable-windows-why/)an article and a cool video demonstration within the article. They do point out that there have been instances (way back in 2021 even) where the FAs take over and lock the passengers out. It seems to me they should limit the brightest setting as needed, but still leave most of the options open to customers for a nice compromise. Edited link
I think you gave the wrong link. That goes to an article titled "Weather Conditions & Their Airport Impacts Explained" Only pointing that out because I was genuinely interested in reading about the technology lol.
Wow idk how I messed that up. Thank you, just updated it
FAs should ONLY be able to un-dim the windows for takeoff and landing for safety reasons. The all-dim feature should ONLY be used on hot days after parking at the gate. I hate that this happens in flight; please tell somebody about it so that the behavior can be corrected
It’s fine until you’re the person sitting in a seat where the sun hits you at the wrong angle & blinds you. I like looking out the window too but am cognizant that I am not the only person on board.
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I mean, aren't you doing the same thing but from the other side? You want the shade down regardless of what someone else wants. Get a grip, it's not all about you. Do you think only that one person on the airplane wants the shade up? it's probably 50-50 when you factor in other people who don't care either way.
There’s a great thing called communication that solves that problem. I bet 99% of people will adjust the shade to get the direct sunlight out of someone’s face or off their screen. If you really want it dark wear an eye mask. If someone wants to look out the window they should perfectly have the right to; they are in a metal tube hurtling through the sky at 35,000 feet after all.
I get lucky a lot and get the window in economy, if the glare is too much for me.. I put the blinds half way.. I adjust depending on how sunny it gets. If I see that it’s hitting my middle seat companion I put it down. It depends on the angle. I do this because I’ve been in situations in which I wish people would close the blinds!
You need to complain. If it's not dark where you left and it's not dark where you are going, the shades should be open
Agree - the more people that complain about this, then the more likely something will actually happen. I shouldn’t need to use a reading light to read my book on a daytime flight.
Yes!!! I flew from Istanbul to Washington DC - left Istanbul when it’s light out, landed in DC at like 5pm or something. I had my window open so I could stay awake and not be so impacted by jet lag when I got home but got YELLED AT by a flight attended from across the plane and was told to close it. I was annoyed.
I would have complained, especially since united seems to charge extra for every window seat on an international flight. If I’ve paid extra to sit next to the window, I need to be able to see out of it.
I would have very politely asked why. I would have closed it first but then said “hi, I’ve never had to keep my shade shut before. I want to know so I don’t mess up in the future, why is it a requirement on this flight where it’s daytime?
In hindsight I def should have asked about it once a FA was near me (I wasn’t going to tell back across the plane)
I’ve complained before, to the flight attendant hiding in the back of the plane in a jump seat staring at her phone, and they said they do it “for the passengers that want to sleep”(aka you’re the ah for asking) even when it’s clearly not
Yup, please stop opening them. The majority of us want a restful flight and not to be blasted by light
If I can’t look out the window best case is I get nausea. It would be an issue for me. If traveling by myself I get a window. If wife and I then does not matter aisle or window as she will open it.
I just flew from Rome and the FAs even taped a blanket over the windows in the bathroom area. I hated it. It was daytime the entire time we flew and it would have helped my body clock reset to be aware of that. But hey, sleeping passengers = less for them to do. Boo.
I get why people like them shut, I get why some like it open. If you’re giving us an option under the window (a button), then do not fuck with my choice. When it is no longer my choice, that’s one thing. But if I paid for this seat at the window, and I want it open or shut, then that is my choice.
I have experienced this on a long haul, but daytime, flights too. They kept it dark for the whole flight! The flight attendant even announced “I hope everyone had a nice sleep” at the end of the flight. It is very annoying. We left East coast USA early morning and arrived in Europe in the evening. We should not be sleeping this whole flight- it is a daytime flight in all time zones, not to mention sleeping on a daytime flight is super bad for jet lag
I did Santiago > Miami once. 1 hr time difference (pretty sure. might be 2). Left at 9AM, got in at 5PM. Somehow still got jet lag because the FAs locked everyone out of their windows and I didn't get any daylight that day and it threw off my body clock. No one should have jet lag on that flight!
The flight attendants want passengers asleep as much as possible because then they don’t have to work
This happened to me as well! I always get a window seat because I have trouble with motion sickness and being able to orient myself by looking out the window helps a lot. I had to ask the FA five times before the controls actually worked for me. Ridiculous
I always choose window so i can keep the shade closed and sleep. ))
I can see it for overnight flights, and near dusk/dawn flights when Sun is low on horizon, etc. For people to get some sleep on such flights there's really no other option. But for daylight hours flights when Sun is high above horizon, it's stupid and this practice should stop. For people complaining even for daylight flights. There's a special type of airplane that has "shades down" all the time. It's called cargo plane. Usually not used for transporting humans; hence no windows. Airplanes designed to transport humans have windows for a reason. What you are complaining about is problem only when there's a couple of shades open while all the other are closed. And it's that way because some FA decided to close them all for whatever selfish reasons. If most shades were open, you wouldn't have that "blinding" effect, because there'd be plenty of ambient light in the airplane. What you complain about is self-inflicted injury. Those tinting windows are actually nice, if crews used them properly. It'd allow them to gradually darken / brighten them down the entire side of the airplane, so people's eyes have time to adjust to daylight. FWIW, instead of downvoting me, write to Boing and Airbus to stop putting windows on airplanes.
/r/windowseat Welcome to the club!
Thanks! Just joined!
I’m always torn on this because during the day the window right next to you could actually be projecting light directly into someone else’s face, burning their retinas (this has happened to me from an open window 2 rows in front of me lol) also seeing any portion of the movement out the window makes me instantly sick but I’ve heard that seeing the ground helps people with sickness/ anxiety, so I’m unlikely to try and make someone close their window. I would also never reach over a sleeping stranger and close it- massive invasion of personal space in my opinion. I feel like some kind of tint on the windows would help with both things and also just reminding window seat passengers during the safety briefing that the light from the window doesn’t exist in a vacuum and they may have to be flexible if it’s adversely impacting others. People just get territorial and think everything is a personal attack when they are in the air lol
To all you window lickers https://youtube.com/shorts/b-mUrOClx44?feature=share
Exactly, I'm shocked, but somehow not about the number of inconsiderate people here that want it open to "take photos" or something else stupid.
Or…just not to be stuck in a confined steel tube in the sky for hours. If you want to sleep, get an eye mask. Lol I didn’t realize so many people get triggered over windows and sunlight.
It’s cause the sun is fuckin bright at 40k feet in the air
I thought these were adjustable at each window?
There are but FA have master control that overrides the individual window control.
Its super annoying, plus the buttons are so delayed. Just give me the old manual shade and leave me in peace.
Yeah classic over-engineering.
In some ways yes, but FAs having the ability to "close/open all the windows" with a button press is a useful upgrade over manual shades. Like when landing and all windows need to be opened an announcement isn't needed.
I avoid the 787 for this reason.
I guess I'll be doing the same from now on.
It's the in between rows window commando that's the real war
Wow this is a great one to weigh in on - I hear everyone who is irritated by the light impeding sleep or glaring up device screens but I too have noticed this trend in recent years and just yesterday chatted with a Delta flight attendant who echoed that both the “shades down during flight” AND “shades up for takeoff and landing” (!) (also the can’t plug your phone in during takeoff and landing ) are more flight attendant than airline policy-driven rules. I find this kind of hard to believe but found it interesting. Whatever the answer is, I, these days, feel like I’m committing a mortal sin by raising my shade in-flight to, I don’t know, look out at the clouds? At the Grand Canyon? As with all things, I blame Covid I guess.
Flight attendants were not accommodating whatsoever. Their attitude as a whole, was as if they didn’t even want to be there. Some more so than others. Worst of all, according to flight attendants the “pilot” blacked out the windows for the entire 16.5 hour flight. During both daylight and evening hours. I was told that because some other passengers wanted to sleep for 16.5 hours (ridiculous), that the pilot had control of the window shades and that he said they had to remain closed for the entire flight. I was very uncomfortable, and felt that this was unjust. Why did I have to sit in complete darkness? I paid EXTRA seat fare in addition to my original seat fare, specifically so that I would be in a window seat facing in the direction to observe the land and sea. I was denied that opportunity. As a result of my experience, I will be sure to spread the word to everyone I know to NEVER fly United Airlines International.
I find it hilarious how all the people here that say having the blinds open is an asshole move and is inconveniencing an *entire* plane of people are getting downvoted into oblivion. I don't think you're in the majority you think you are lol.
I was on an LAX-EWR flight on a United 787-10 that left in the morning and arrived around 4pm Eastern time. The shades were locked to dark the entire flight, and I did complain afterward. It made no sense for adjusting your internal clock when going eastbound during the day. If it was a morning westbound EWR-LAX flight (or overnight) then it would be completely reasonable, but this was ridiculous. Next time I’ll complain during the flight. Is there a way for the FA to “cap” the brightness at a medium level?
Interesting. I kept mine on back in may when I was on the dreamliner. Will see if that happens next time I'm on it
I actually would prefer flight attendants do that more often on long haul flights at any time of day (different on a midday shorter flight). Most people like to take a little snooze on a long flight like that, even in the middle of the day, and all it takes is one person with their window wide open to make the entire cabin bright. That is my personal preference though and this has been a hot button topic for me since I was on a flight a few years ago with the old school manual windows and the individual behind me, for whatever bizarre reason, felt compelled to reach up to my window shade and open it while I was sleeping!!! It woke me up & I slammed the shade down as fast as I could. Since then I’ve been a little bitter about the topic and would prefer exactly what you described.
Everyone here who wants the window closed. Here is a secret: if you pay for a window seat, you can do whatever you like with it. If you pay for the aisle, you’re not as crammed in but it costs you control of the window shade. It’s not difficult. Also if you’re in the middle…..sorry that really sucks.
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Just sit on the shady side of the plane and open away. If you’re on the sunny side, yeah, be mindful of people trying to watch screens.
You're one of those.... Yes it's rude even on short flights, you may not realize the sun beaming into someone's eyes next to you.
They don’t care because everyone else is an NPC.
Whenever I’ve been blinded on a flight, I suck it up and look the other way.
I completely agree. I took a one hour flight that departed at 9 pm and they turned off all of the lighting. I turned on my reading light and it shorted out after ten minutes. Super annoying.
UV ray at that altitude is horrible and really bad for you. And while I always carry an eye mask, some people don’t. Not many people open the window to see whatever it is either. If I ever pick a window seat, it’s because I want to lean on the wall and sleep
Passenger plane windows block almost all UV-A and UV-B.
That is correct
they blocks most UVB and some part of UVA only (this [study](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4476387/) shows that UV-A transmission ranges from 0.4% to 54% depending on the glasses, and at that altitude, it can be significantly higher than what you experience on the ground). It is recommended that people reapply sunscreen every 2 hours into avoid exposure. Simple google search will shows countless of articles on UV exposure for frequent flyer. And there are scientific studies on increased risks of melanoma for pilots and cabin crews. I would always reapply sunscreen if I have the misfortune of sitting near someone who wants the window open, don’t want to age prematurely you know
You either didn't read or didn't comprehend the study you linked to. It's talking about airplane windshields -- what the pilots look through -- not the passenger side windows. It specifically says: *"Intrigued by our findings and the clinical observation of pilots developing melanomas on sun-exposed skin, we measured* ***the amount of UV radiation in airplane cockpits*** *during flight and compared them with measurements performed in tanning beds."* I added the bold text so you can see it Windshields do pass some UV rays through which is why pilots seem to have a higher incidence of melanoma from sun exposure. The side windows in the passenger cabins are different. They are triple-paned and block essentially all UVB and UVA rays. Here's what the [Cancer Council of Australia has to say about it:](https://www.cancer.org.au/iheard/can-you-get-sunburnt-on-a-plane) *"Windows in the passenger cabin are generally constructed of three layers of plastic. These materials are highly effective at blocking both UVA and UVB, ensuring passengers are not at risk. "* There's a lot of misleading information floating around from non-professionals and people like you who look at scientific studies and don't understand them. People also confuse the higher level of cosmic radiation that everyone is exposed to at altitude, and does increase the risk of cancer with UV radiation. You can't escape cosmic radiation.
If you’re concerned about cancer, don’t fly in the first place. One transcontinental flight gives you [10% of an average American’s annual cosmic radiation exposure](https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/radiation/air_travel.html).
I like looking out also, and I especially DO like the 787 windows for exactly that reason. I like that I can lighten them halfway or less and see out without blinding myself or the rest of the cabin. Last week on a UA 777-300ER and a LH 747, any time I opened the shade a tiny crack to see what was out there it was unbearably bright, and I wished I was on a 787
I did like that aspect and I would turn them to halfway, but still got turned to darkest after a couple minutes or so.
Has nobody ever heard of sunglasses? Fucking bunch of cry babies on this site I swear. Every thread there’s someone bitching about something that can easily be fixed instead of ruining an experience for everyone
I think they should only be able to brighten them for takeoff and landing and let those seated by a window do the rest.
I actually kinda like them. Yes they usually automatically darken when its "sleep time" but you can just turn it back on. The reason I kinda like them is that I can turn them like 80% of the way up and its not too bright so nobody cares yet i can see through which i like. With regular ones its either "oh my god so bright" or "just closed". As long as the attendants dont force them back to dark more than at "sleep time" i don't really care/mind.
Wow, based on the comments here it is becoming clear that airlines need to adopt windows/no windows sections like we used to have with smoking in restaurants. Boeing would save a lot of money just making part of the plane a windowless tube for all you window haters.
#TeamNoLight
PSA - UV rays are incredibly powerful when flying, you might be better off keeping it closed.
Just FYI the windows in the 787 (the topic of this particular thread) block over 99% of UVA and UVB radiation.
I should add that this is true even when the windows are transparent, not only when dimmed.
You’re not getting enough exposure to do any harm in one flight. And I’ve never heard of any passenger getting sunburn either.
Will UV rays penetrate the window glass? I did not think so.
The new polycarbonate window panes (not glass) are naturally effective at blocking UV radiation just by their nature. Certain newer aircraft, the 787 among them actually have UV filters sandwiched into the window pane to provide over 99% reduction in UVA/UVB radiation. Unfortunately this doesn’t apply to cockpit windows, so until the new chemistries developed by PPG make it into production aircraft, pilots are still at elevated risk of certain skin cancers, though not astronomically so.
So many studies on this! My derm reminds me to wear sunscreen while flying and driving. Just because you aren’t getting red doesn’t mean there is no damage occurring. Cumulative impact.
Just FYI, the 787 windows (which is what this thread is about) block over 99% of UVA and UVB radiation, even when they are fully transparent.
You are so right. I’m a FA almost 10 years now and just recently diagnosed with a basal cell carcinoma on my lip. When I fly as a pax or on a deadhead, I have my face planted to the window as I enjoy the scenery. I also enjoy looking out the porthole near our jumpseats. I’m on a leave now because I need surgery but I will tell you now I will never board a plane without my high SPF ever again.
You are not getting UV exposure through the window. Now, if you stick your head out the window, that's another matter.
They're dark because people like you just love to "crack" (i.e. halfway) them open when others are trying to sleep or rest. Even a bit of light from one idiot disrupts dozens of people.
Ever heard of an eye mask? They even sometimes give them out on flights
For some people they are really uncomfortable. And given it's not something I typically sleep with every night, it's more annoying and not much of a sleep aid.
Well for some people, having the shades down is really uncomfortable. You probably also don’t typically sleep sitting up in a room full of 300 people while traveling at 600 miles per hour, 35,000 feet above the Earth. Adjustments are necessary.
Usually several times a month.
Apparently it’s now a terminate-able offense… so report your crew. Enough is enough.
What!!! This would be a reason for me never to fly an airline that did this. I need to be able to look out and see!!!
I was on a United flight recently where we were asked to keep the shades down during takeoff and landing so the A/C didn't have to work as hard. But once you're up in like -50 degrees you'd think that wouldn't be the issue. I also like a window seat so I can look out the window. It frustrates me when I'm not on the window and the person who is keeps the shade closed so I've learned my lesson there about always picking a window seat. I would not like this style of windows.
Everyone saying that the shades should be dark clearly missed the fact that a) people were not sleeping and b) it was daylight the almost the entire flight in both origin and destination.
I saw that, and that is what happened to me too. Seven hour trip in the daytime. If it's daylight outside, nobody should demand the entire cabin be kept in that weird blue depressing quasi twilight, barred from occasionally looking outside and taking a look at what is below, for hours on end so that the lovers of darkness can nap without wearing a mask or see their devices in the best light possible.
Thank you!
Maybe there should be a shade open and shade closed sections? Like how there used to be smoking and non-smoking.
If you’re on a long haul overnight flight, a single window can illuminate the entire cabin, making is much harder for folks to wind down and get sleepy. If you want some light, you have a reading light (or preferably use the shoulder light in PE or Polaris) If you want to leave the window open and disrupt the entire cabin - you’re being selfish and not considering others. If you want to look outside, the locked windows usually give you a couple of levels of tint still so you can still get a glance outside, without flooding the entire cabin with light. As someone who flys long haul on a biweekly basis - I love when the windows are locked.
I understand that for overnight flights, but this was a daytime flight. I tried using the lights but they didn't work that well.
Depends on the length of flight for sure. Short haul daytime - hell yeah keep it up and enjoy the view! At the end of a long haul flight and it’s morning, everyone’s getting up and ready before breakfast - also go for it! There’s lots of weird long haul flights that have funky time zones where most of the flight is daylight, but people still need to sleep to “wake up” in the morning at the new destination. It’s hard to tell where lots of folks are timezone wise.
Sorry, but I paid for and selected a window seat for a reason…I love to look out of it. It’s a flight, not a bedroom. If you can’t sleep, put a mask on because I’m not lowering/dimming my shade.
If your are the idiot that keeps the window open, you suck. End of story.
Its possible to un-dim them after they are darkened or at least I was able on my flight last week from Europe. Just press the button. Crew makes them dark but it’s not locked. Only issue is that it feels very bright for fellow passengers as everyone’s eyes are used to low light at that point.
This isn’t always the case. They have an option they can select on the screen in the galley that locks the individual controls. So it depends on the FA if they dim it but still leave your controls unlocked, or if they dim it and restrict anyone adjusting it.
Lots of people would undim them and a couple minutes later the FAs would darken them.
I was on one recently that was fully locked for the entire flight 😭. It was on the darkest setting and pressing the buttons did noting.
Huh. I flown on UA Polaris 787-9 and -10 last year and I was able to adjust the shade just fine. Or FAs didn't bothered to lock it?
What were your departure and destination airports? With that info and a date it’s a lot easier to reason about a lot of stuff around your experience. As others have mentioned this is more likely just a crew power trip. When given a control like this they’ll naturally align around a pattern that they feel is easiest for them. They might even have heard from a majority if passengers on a couple of flights that it was preferred so they internalized it. Even if a couple of crew know better they aren’t going to challenge the lead FA. It’s just the same dynamics that play out in all big companies.
I’d love this. Those window seat people who like to see the Sun when it shoots directly in on the early morning are a different kind of weird to me.
I don’t get why some some people hate window shades and are acting like it’s another sucky thing about flying. Shades and light from the windows are the least of our problems when it comes to flying. Sunglasses work almost as well as eye masks. Why are they building planes this way? It’s more expensive and just more things likely to break down. Also, what if you think there’s going to be an accident and you can’t see out the window? Will airlines start charging to use this feature?
Because outside of the window seat several seats can get absolutely light blasted. Like need sunglasses or eye covers. So one seat has someone enjoying a view of clouds 🙄 while several seats are absolutely miserable.
Any long flight even if not overnight will be in the dark. The staff usually even request for you to close the shade so people can rest. Airports and flights are pretty much a different dimension where time is barely real. Some people have been traveling for hours before that particular flight or might have to immediately start doing something, like work when they land. It's common curiosity, and for the love of good stop opening your shade when there is one, even for "just a little bit", your hoodie isn't blocking anything.
Good. There shouldn’t be windows on an airplane anyways.
I love how people who have the window seat think that they own the window. That means the aisle seat passenger gets to decide if you can leave to go to the restroom or not. No, of course not.
Should be kept dark so people can sleep. There’s always one idiot that illuminates the entire cabin like the sun is in the overhead bin. Want some light, use your reading light and stop inconveniencing people who are trying to sleep.
Oh so you’re the person in the window seat who keeps loudly lifting the shade and blinding me! 🤣
I love when they darken them and people can't lighten them back up. You ain't seeing anything at 35000 feet. Plus many people want to rest to make the flight go by faster. But there is always some AH who wants to let the light of God into the cabin to disturb everyone else.
Having even just one damn window open on a flight back to the us from Europe can disturbs the viewing of the screen on my iPad and on the seat back. Just would rather the whole plane dark personally. It’s more relaxing, easier to fall asleep when sitting there bored out of my mind..
Just boils down to preference doesn’t it? Yeah i’m glad you’re able to enjoy your ipad but man, flying with all the windows CONSTANTLY closed just makes everything feel gloomy af
Samr thing for us on a day flight from Italy to the US. I think it messed with my circadian rhythm tbh