Some airlines/cabin crew want the window shades open for takeoff and landing as a safety measure. I think it's so that the cabin will be lighter inside and thus easier/faster to exit after a crash. If someone is accustomed to that rule, it's understandable that they would ask for the window shade to be open at such times.

I find it hard to believe that anyone could lean from one aisle seat all the way across the aisle and actually intrude into your personal space (i.e., the area above your seat). It seems almost physically impossible.

Just leaning into the aisle and looking out the window that happens to be on your side of the plane, seems completely unobjectionable.

If I'm not viewing some electronic device (or especially if I'm reading a book) then I like to have the window open for the extra light. Nothing to do with looking out. If you have the window seat, then imho it's completely up to you whether you choose to have the shade open or closed, but there's nothing at all wrong with asking, as most people don't care.

I'm also new to the idea that other people eating their own food on the plane is an intrusion against your rights.

As this issue could arise on any airline, I'll move to TravelBuzz to share with others. /Moderator.

Get over it
 

The sad news is that the world is inhabited by many insensitive, self-absorbed people. Sometimes we encounter them. The only solution is not to travel or charter a jet.

Roger Murdoch could accomplish that. Don't get him mixed up with anyone else, though...he doesn't like that.

I don't think FT is that bad,,,..

I agree but this site is rife with hyper-sensitive, passive/aggressive types who go through life looking for opportunities to take immense offense at the most picayune and innocuous events.

I am with the OP on this one. That would drive me nuts not to mention she can look out her own window. Please stop staring at my space. I would have slammed that window cover shut in 2 seconds flat. End of problem.

Drives me nuts too.

On a flight from BKK to NRT a few years ago we were in the first row of a UA 747. The woman in the row behind me reached past by seat to close the window shade that was, in the upright position, about 75% in 'my' space (and 100% in my space with even the slightest recline). She then stretched forward and closed the next one that was fully in my space. I turned around and told her to keep her hands to herself and opened them all up.

What would you do if she kept looking into your space even after you closed the window? Maybe you could call the FA and declare an emergency.

What an absolute xxxxxxSorry but that's not very polite by anyone's version of English. Just let people look.
Note: offensive word deleted by moderator, Obscure2k

^^^ Absolutely. I choose a window seat if available so I can see out. I like seeing out. Why should someone else intrude in my bit of space. What's wrong with their eye shades?

If it's uncomfortable for you then reciprocate the discomfort. Every time she leans across and looks you should engage with her in some way she wasn't expecting but that she would feel obligated to respond to politely.

E.g. She looks across and you hold up whatever is in your hand. If it's your iPad and you're playing sudoku say something like "It's always the sevens I can't get" while looking straight at her until she responds. She'll probably say something like "I was looking out of the window" to which you just respond "Oh!" in a very exaggerated way. Repeat until she doesn't look your way any more. Don't be rude. Just make her feel socially awkward. It's a fun game to see how long it takes her to stop.

If she shouts at you then call the FA.

Better than . . .
 

Better than those walking around airports with those things sticking out of an ear talking so loud about things in which we have no interest.

Did I accidentally stumble into the thread on how to provoke people and create a fistfight on the plane?

This is what bothers me. I too feel more for the person in front of her. People who pull my seat back and jerk my head back. No clue!