Before some of you start to go off on the passenger seated in the window seat, please understand that there is always a flip-side to the issue!

From my perspective, I always insist on a window seat. I rarely give it up, but will do so depending upon the situation. Why? Because I absolutely love to look out of the window during a flight!

I do not agree that there is only a few minutes during each flight where one looks out the window. That may be the case for some, but for many of us -- it is the very reason we've requested to sit by the window! In fact, I've often enjoyed looking out of the window for nearly the entire flight. I enjoy watching many aspects of the flight -- the takeoff/landing, flap and slot adjustments, landmarks, cities, etc. In fact, one of my favorite things about flying is simply looking out of the window at the clouds as I daydream. I also enjoy exhileration I feel when we break through the clouds and are skimming rapidly along the tops of them -- it enables you to gain a sense of just how fast you are traveling!

In any event, I think it depends on the mood of the flight in general, as well as the attitude of the passenger requesting such things. I've had other passengers ask me to close my window, and I usually comply. Just understand that there is another perspective sometimes.

I still think FQTV said it best...