Originally Posted by
remyontheroad
I agree.
To me it makes sense that if you want light, and others don't, you can have personal, directed light from the overheads, but if you don't and others do, it's pretty annoying to have the shades open.
Of course you could wear a mask, but I find them annoying and more of a burden when I want dark, than a reading light is when I want light.
Thing is, some people like shades open because they are claustrophobic, some because they like to watch the scenario (whatever it may be: take-off, landing, oceans, islands, mountains, etc.), and I'd say only a few seeking a light source per se.
Having said that, I do think it's common courtesy to lower the shade if it's hitting someone right on their face. Especially is that person is trying to sleep.
BUT... if light bothers a passenger so much, I think he/she should spend $20 on a decent mask. Knowing you're that that sensitive and not being proactive about it is a bit silly (nb: this is not direct to the previous poster, so no offense)