Originally Posted by
littlejt1
2) is it against policy to close the shade once airborne? (as the FA told me today)
This part is ridiculous. On flights with entertainment the FA will usually request that people in window seats pull down the shade in order to cut down on glare. They'll sometimes make the same request on overnight flights so passengers can sleep through sunrise.
Outside of takeoff and landing I doubt shade use is policy. I think it's just the airline asking you to be courteous to fellow fliers.