I have been thinking about the issue of windows on board aircraft. Some people like to have their windows open so they can look out the window, or even just enjoy some sunshine. While many others seem to prefer windows to be closed, so they can sleep or watch the IFE. The problem is, the open windows for those who enjoy them let in light when the others want darkness, and the closed windows block the view and sunlight for those who want that.

Is there a compromise solution? Different cabins? Ways to block the light from one seat flooding the cabin? Just looking for some creative ideas.

It's too bad there have never been any other threads about this subject.

it would probably help if everyone had a common understanding of ownership rights of the window shade: the window seat person controls the shade. If you want to control the shade, book that seat. Aisle/center seat people sometimes get sun in their eyes. It's an imperfect world.

Opening a window on a aircraft in flight is not a terribly good idea since the cabin is pressurised at altitude. If a window were to be opened it would cause raped depressurisation, which can make the rest of the flight very uncomfortable for the other passengers and difficult for the pilots. Only a few of the cockpit windows can be opened (and then it is strongly advised to do this only when the aircraft is on the ground.)

I don't understand why you are asking. Have you been on a plane where this was possible?

As stated in other threads about this issue, I hope that everybody keeps the windows closed on an airplane.
If you are talking about the shades, common sense is, whoever sits in the window seat controls the shades. If you are bothered by sun glare or would like to have a peek out the window, you always can ask your seat neighbor to adjust the shade. I would never reach over to do this myself

I don't know why, but lately I have deliberately picked windows seats
that have no windows! (for example, the exit windowless windows
seat on UA 777)

I hope you are not serious with your comments, he didn't meant to open the window as you mean really open, he is talking about the window shade.

Gentle teasing, as in the quoted post, is one way to urge him or her to be more precise in the future.

I think that the LCD system used to darken windows on the Boeing 787 is a good solution. Even in their darkest state, it is still possible to see out the window if you like the view. Having said that, some have complained that they do not get dark enough, so the manufacturer has made them darker in the next generation, so hopefully that doesn't go away.

Now I'm really confused. Are you suggesting it's ok to actually open the windows? I have a pilot friend and I just asked him and he says you definitely should not do it.

Isn't opening windows like reclining seats? That is, if the aircraft is designed so that passengers can do it, shouldn't it be OK to use that feature as intended? So, if an aircraft is designed with cranks or controls to open windows in flight, passengers should feel free to open them - for example, if they want a cool breeze. However, using a brick or such to open a window that was not designed that way is like using a sledgehammer to force a seat back if it doesn't have a normal reclining mechanism.

Thanks finally someone has stated some logic to opening or closing the window with a bonus of seat reclining explained too.

So it's also OK to try to open an emergency exit or door in flight?

Well, there is always unpressurized aircraft.

I did think that bit would be obvious, but point taken, I should be more precise. Actually, a second thing I wasn't clear on-

I know there are answers like eye-masks, and the whole debate over whether you should open them or not. However, I am more concerned with actual cabin design.

For instance, on larger aircraft like the 747, some were designed with a long mid-cabin galley and heads, creating narrow sub-cabins along the side. One thought would be to make "dark" cabins, where you would be required to close the windows in that section after takeoff and until landing for those looking for a darker environment, while another would be set where you would only have glare shields to prevent direct sun glare.