Originally Posted by
exbayern
I even started a thread about it a few years ago, as it isn't totally uncommon when I fly LH longhaul. I don't know what closing the shades will do to ward off wind, but it has happened a few times.
I fly LH long-haul all the time (albeit not polar routes) and have never experienced this. Granted, I don't think I have ever had an extreme wind situation at altitude either. I have had them request shades be shut on east-bound transatlantics because of the early sunshine in the morning.
They also almost always request that shades be raised for take-off and landing, even if they have requested they remain closed while boarding to minimize the heat problems in the tropics.