There are lots of opinions when it comes to appropriate airplane etiquette, ranging from seat recline, to dressing up, to changing seats with others, and more. In this post I wanted to address the topic of etiquette around opening and closing airplane window shades.
Who controls airplane window shades, and what’s reasonable? Also, what happens when crews try to take control of window shades on longer flights?
In this post:
The person in the window seat controls window shades
On the most basic level, the person in the window seat has control over the window shades, and shouldn’t need permission from the person in other seats as to how the window shades are kept. The person in the window seat can, within reason, decide if they want the window shade opened or closed during the flight.
One of my favorite things about flying is looking out the window and appreciating just what a miracle aviation is, and the ability to control the window shade is one of the reasons I typically choose a window seat when flying. While it’s of course their prerogative, I’m always surprised by how many people just keep the window shades closed for the entire flight, no matter how pretty it is outside.
Be considerate of others, use the golden rule
While I firmly believe the person in the window seat controls window shades, there are limits:
- You should be considerate of others — if the sun is blinding someone else because your window shade is open, consider lowering it
- Use the golden rule — if the person seated next to you asks politely for the window shade to be lowered, and has a legitimate reason, consider compromising
- Don’t get into a confrontation — if someone is rude about you having the window shade open, or rudely demands you close it, don’t get into it, and either just agree or ask a crew member to get involved, because we don’t need any more inflight disturbances
Go with the flow in the cabin
I do think there’s something to be said for taking cues from other passengers as well. If you are on a long haul flight and every other passenger has their window shades closed, consider closing your window shades as well.
It’s one thing if half or a quarter of window shades in a cabin are open, but when just one window shade is open, the glare is extremely unpleasant for others, whether they’re trying to sleep or watch seatback entertainment.
Now, let me be clear, this often frustrates me, as I’m often tempted to be less courteous. Sometimes you’ll be on a daytime flight across the Atlantic over Greenland, where the views are ridiculously gorgeous, yet the cabin is pitch black. I’m always so tempted to keep my window shades open, but I think if you’re the only person doing so, you should probably reconsider, at least for extended periods of time.
What about crews closing window shades?
It’s not uncommon to see flight attendants suggest that passengers close window shades. This can come in a few different forms:
- Crews will sometimes make an announcement along the lines of “we know a lot of people will be trying to sleep on this flight, so we ask that you go ahead and lower your window shades to allow them to rest”
- In premium cabins (or empty flights otherwise) crews will sometimes come through the cabin and just close window shades themselves, to make the cabin darker
- On Boeing 787s (which have window dimmers — some A350s have these as well now), crews will sometimes take it upon themselves to dim windows and “lock” them, so that passengers can’t change the setting (this practice is sometimes discouraged by airlines)
Personally I think there’s merit to this on an overnight flight, especially an eastbound one, where the sun can in some cases rise just a few hours after setting. That being said, personally I think some airlines take it to the extreme:
- I get frustrated by crews insisting all window shades be lowered on a westbound daytime transatlantic flight, when I generally prefer to stay awake, and not sit in darkness for hours on end
- I get especially annoyed by this on shorter morning flights, like an 8AM flight from California to Hawaii, where the crew asks all passengers to lower window shades because some people want to sleep; it’s daytime, I’m a morning person and got a good night of sleep, I’m solar powered, and I don’t want to sleep
What do I do in these situations?
- I try to be considerate of others, so I’m never going to be the only person to keep my window shade open, and will generally go with the flow; I also won’t be the first to close it, though
- On a long haul daytime flight where the crew tries to get passengers to close window shades, I will be among the first people to “reopen” my window shade around the time the pre-arrival meal is served, which I think is fair
Bottom line
If you’re an avgeek like me, gazing out the window and watching the world go by is one of the best parts of flying. Unfortunately not everyone shares my enthusiasm, which is why I always try to snag a window seat, so I have control of the position of the window shades.
While I absolutely think the person in the window seat should control the window shades, I also think it’s important to be considerate of others, and on some level to go with the flow in the rest of the cabin.
Where do you stand on airplane window shades, both when it comes to who has control, and what’s appropriate on longer flights, particularly daytime ones?
If you want to sleep wear an eye mask.
Ben loves posting this topic. Drives "engagement" by bringing out all the absolutists, including me. I took the bait again. If we don't understand the business model, we're the product.
Who the heck wants to be stuck in a dark cabin during a flight? Normal people want to look out the window and see the view. If someone wants to sleep, they can bring an eye mask! If it's night time, it's going to be dark anyway. Do these weirdos who like a dark cabin during the daytime also keep their curtains closed all day at home? WEIRDOS!!!
This year on a trip to Europe was the first time staff asked me to close my blinds. It was a beautiful sunrise and I rather watch that than the annoying screen inches from my eyes. I pulled it down 3/4 and they insisted. I was pretty upset but complied. I have never seen that before. Not everyone wants to watch a movie.
I was wondering, can we see fully enclosed business suites down the line akin to the Emirates game changer seats (or something similar to that effect) to make this a moot point (at least in business)?
Another done again story on here. Still ... it's baffling in the usa the number of airlines that have shade closed for take off and landing. It's dangerous people. It's a dumb and stupud action. Heaven forbid if there was an emergency. You need to see where you are and what's going on. Just dangerous stupidity.
Circadian rhythms matter. On a westbound (daytime) flight from Europe, as a courtesy I'll lower my shade about halfway, but I and my body deserve to know that it's light outside. Same thing on a westbound flight from the US to Asia. Drives me crazy when the plane takes off at 10am local time and the crew force everyone into darkness for the next 12-13 hours. On overnight flights where dawn comes fast and bright,...
Circadian rhythms matter. On a westbound (daytime) flight from Europe, as a courtesy I'll lower my shade about halfway, but I and my body deserve to know that it's light outside. Same thing on a westbound flight from the US to Asia. Drives me crazy when the plane takes off at 10am local time and the crew force everyone into darkness for the next 12-13 hours. On overnight flights where dawn comes fast and bright, and almost everyone is asleep, of course I'll pull my shade down until the majority of the cabin is awake again.
My compromise is lowering the shade partway, so the light slanting across the cabin is more limited to the vicinity around my seat. If I'm challenged by the crew, I've found that simply saying "I have claustrophobia and it helps me to be able to see outside... I understand the light is disturbing, which is why I've lowered my shade halfway" usually ends the discussion very quickly.
I desperately wish the US would join the rest of the planet in requiring all shades to be open for takeoff and landing, though. Other countries do such a thorough job with this, whereas in the US it's very common to takeoff and land with more than half the shades pulled down. If cabin crews are here for our safety first and foremost, shouldn't they want more uniformity?
You choose to sit at the window, the obviously its the person at the window who is in control of the window. Simple. Period.
I have real problem going west from Europe with all the shades closed. It's not night time and when we arrive back in the US it will be (late) dinner time and then off to bed. If your body is being tricked into thinking it is nighttime it's not good. This never used to be some thing airlines did and there is some probability that having every thing closed causes people to simmer down as...
I have real problem going west from Europe with all the shades closed. It's not night time and when we arrive back in the US it will be (late) dinner time and then off to bed. If your body is being tricked into thinking it is nighttime it's not good. This never used to be some thing airlines did and there is some probability that having every thing closed causes people to simmer down as if it was nighttime making it life easier for the flight attendants. I don't open the shade wide in a window seat but a few inches to still get some day light. Going east to Europe is a different thing as you are flying over night and everyone wants to get some shut-eye.
This is so timely. I was on a flight last week in domestic first class at the window. I also love looking out, especially during take off and during the first bit of the flight. My flight departed at 1am. About 5 minutes into the flight my seat mate reached across me, his arm right in front of my face and pulled the shade down. I was shocked. I didn't say anything but was irritated....
This is so timely. I was on a flight last week in domestic first class at the window. I also love looking out, especially during take off and during the first bit of the flight. My flight departed at 1am. About 5 minutes into the flight my seat mate reached across me, his arm right in front of my face and pulled the shade down. I was shocked. I didn't say anything but was irritated. I felt it was so rude and it's not like any sun was shining in. I let it be since I was going to try to sleep, but as soon as my sleep was over, I raised the shade and felt awkward about it.
And he didn't feel awkward about it. Like some downthread, he felt righteous indignation, even before he did it.
I will never forget flying from LHR-LAX on a DL 767 in 2014. An old, surly flight attendant reached over me in my seat in J and slammed the window shade shut. Then, she muttered something under her breath about passengers not listening.
Still makes my blood boil ten years later!!
If you leave your window shade open on a flight longer than two hours, then you are a menace to society. Plain and simple. Sociopath.
You forgot to say "period".
The window is open during take off and landing. Otherwise, unless it's the Grand Canyon, it is closed.
Trying to watch a film in the dark while the window seat in your peripheral vision has the sun blazing in, is tiring on my eyes. If you’re the only person who has the blind open, you’re probably annoying the rest of the section. All open or all closed please.
On Spirit, you're only entitled to control the window shade if you pre-pay the $17 shade adjustment fee.
LOL
How about a story on how frequently is it ok to go to the loo is you’re in the window seat in coach.
Yes, that would be great!
Sorry Ben, but how did you manage to write a 1,000-word blog topic without once mentioning the word "eyemask"?
If crew says "close your shade" I have a little rehearsed speech: "I will always comply with all lawful crew instructions. Are you instructing me to close my shade?" The FA always admits it's a request and I may do as I please.
Obviously conflict in the cabin is bad. But I'll reject all accusations of "rudeness". Close my blind so people can watch TV? When I'm in J, I'm awake, reading my book, enjoying the sunshine, my refusal is a reaction to rudeness.
you seem like a pleasant guy
Leave me alone to read with natural light and I'll be as pleasant as you like. Tell me I have to be in the dark because others want to watch TV and I feel ripped off. FA telling me I must close it, when that's a lie, will make me unpleasant. I didn't pay for a J seat to win a popularity contest. Just once, I'd like a FA to remind other pax that some like to enjoy gazing at the clouds and it's just as legitimate as re-watching sitcoms.
Agreed. How often are you 30,000 ft in the air with the ability to look down at the world?! Especially if there's interesting clouds! I'm astounded how few people seem to bask in the wonder of flying through the air just so they can watch the new Avengers movie.
One of the strangest phenomena in the US is how people don't open the window shades at all during a flight. You'll get on a flight during the day and people will quite happily keep the shade closed through taxi, take off, everything. It boggles my mind. I know it's not required that you open the shade for safety reasons as in other countries, but why would you not open it? Flying is a miracle...
One of the strangest phenomena in the US is how people don't open the window shades at all during a flight. You'll get on a flight during the day and people will quite happily keep the shade closed through taxi, take off, everything. It boggles my mind. I know it's not required that you open the shade for safety reasons as in other countries, but why would you not open it? Flying is a miracle of the modern world. Why would you not want to see yourself take to the skies? And, in the worst case, even if it's not required, don't you want to _see_ what's going on in the worst case of an emergency?! One of the greatest cultural divides. The desire to sit in a modern miracle of a metal tube hurtling through the sky without seeing the outside world.
The other problem is the modern aversion to reading. Not only do people read, but they're often astonished and annoyed that I expect to enjoy the sunshine for most of the daytime flight, since that puts glare on their screen, diminishing their enjoyment of the Kardashians, or whatever these people watch.
good one.... true.
100%. It’s a much bigger issue on US carriers than on any others (at least in my experience).
It depends, if your side is facing the sun directly, those window seats person will feels the heat. I wish all the air crafts are like Dreamliner shades where flight crew can control it.
I always choose eastbound daytime flights for JFK-LHR specifically because they are daytime and have light. I'll drop the shade maybe halfway, but no way am I closing them completely (unless ordered to by the crew) - it completely screws with my anti-jetlag reasons for taking that flight in the first place.
If it’s daytime and there’s good views (mountains, cities, islands), keep them open. If there’s nothing to see but ocean or clouds, keep it closed.
"nothing to see but oceans or clouds"
If controlling the window shade is important to one then one should pay for/reserve a window seat. It's that simple.
George. No it’s not. You clearly didn’t read the post. If I reserve a window seat, and shut it to get some sleep, but someone keeps theirs open - it is not that simple. If I reserve a window seat to admire the view but the crew asks me to close it - ditto.
Eye masks are a thing. If you can't sleep wearing one, that is a you problem.
If memory serves, the next article in this series should be whether or not it's ok to recline one's seat. Followed by whether or not to use the call button.
Before the crew announces that we have reached cruising or once the crew announces that we have started descent, there is no reason to shut the window
Are you up to date with your trip reports Ben? You sure have been covering a lot of random opinion topics recently.
No, but don't worry. They'll be coming soon.
I feel like I read this one before, seems like an annual repost (I guess for new members...)
I'm in solidarity with you. If there's any kind of pretty view, my shade is staying open, even if it's the only one. People sleeping can use eye masks; no view of a screen is a match for nature.
If there's an obvious blinding shine through my window, I'll close the shade enough to mitigate it.
If the crew has the gall to lock the dimmers, I'll politely request to have mine unlocked. If they...
I'm in solidarity with you. If there's any kind of pretty view, my shade is staying open, even if it's the only one. People sleeping can use eye masks; no view of a screen is a match for nature.
If there's an obvious blinding shine through my window, I'll close the shade enough to mitigate it.
If the crew has the gall to lock the dimmers, I'll politely request to have mine unlocked. If they come to close my shade, I'll politely tell them it's not necessary.
If I'm going to sleep, I'll close the shade if others have done the same. But when I wake up, or if there's turbulence, I'll check what's outside.
I don't even think the windows should have shades.
Suggesting windows shouldnt have shades is stupid. What if the sun is blazing though and pushing the cabin temp to uncomfortable levels?
'I don't use window shades so I think no windows should have shades!'
Well, I don't care about the view, so I guess planes shouldn't have windows at all.
Also, since I am not disabled, I guess I don't think wheelchairs should exist either.
DFW-LHR, crews definitely prefer J suite windows to be closed, even just an hour after takeoff. When I awoke at 4:30 LHR time 10:30PM DFW, and it was just getting bright, they also would prefer for it to be closed as I was one of the only ones stirring. If if was just me, I'd have left the windows open the entire flight. Good article!
What annoys me most are the people that leave their windows open and fall asleep while everyone else on the flight has their window closed. That leaves the sunlight blasting in someone's eyes, often sitting on the other side of the row on the opposite side of the plane. There's no recourse for that person since there is an aisle and several occupied seats between the sleeping window passenger and the effected passenger.
Yes! If you aren’t actively looking out of the window, keep it closed! I’ve reached over sleeping window seat people to close their shades.
But I don't want it closed. Why is closed better than open? I like it open.
I was recently on a flight back to the US from Europe. I was in the last row of Premium Economy. After the meal service someone behind me in Coach reached around the divider to close my window. I immediately snapped it back open. People have absolutely no shame. They could have at least asked me.
I'm completely with you Ben. Often I compromise by closing all but one window if someone asks me to close them. But the real problem is when some FAs start closing them and it is not really a night time flight (as start and landing both are at daytime) just because they can use it as an excuse to work less.