My only experience with such a situation was in Y when I was in the aisle seat next to a window seat on a 777. The window seat occupant had left the shade up but gone to the bathroom. The FA asked me if I wanted to pull the shade down, I said it was not upto me as I was in the aisle seat and he said he felt sure I wanted to pull it down so did and walked off.

Personally I believe window seat occupants "own" the window shade but need to be very careful about balancing personal comfort with that of the community. I like to think I would have asked other people who were awake and sitting in the vicinity if they minded your having it open. However, I have poor social skills so would probably not have done so.

edited for typos

[This message has been edited by Kovich (edited 10-25-2001).]