Originally Posted by
Azamaraal
An open window shade does not just affect the people in the immediate vicinity. Flying ANA 777 from Seoul to LAX in J a year ago (14 hr) I was unable to see the screen of the tv because of glare from an open window across the aisles and rows ahead but perfectly aligned with my screen. I suppose the major problem was the poor design of the screen such that it could not be adjusted but nevertheless I was unable to use IFE because of the unscreened light. I asked the FA to have it lowered but this only lasted a few minutes.
So if you think that looking out the window at clouds or the ocean is thrilling (after 10 minutes?) then please consider that you could be negatively effecting the flight of many people near and far.
I sympathize with the problem, but I don't keep my shade open to look out at the view. I do so because it is essential to my not getting violently ill on the flight. For people with motion sickness, being able to see something that is not moving like the plane does is critical to minimize symptoms. I hope you would agree that it is better to have a problem seeing the IFE than to have someone nearby getting sick.
I do try to lower the shade as much as I can, but closing off the outside view completely makes me very ill within minutes. You may find that your problem evaporates as IFE gradually becomes a more individual matter, whether the airline offers an individual screen on the plane or you bring your own. I hope so. I wish my problem would somehow go away!