Is the standard now for window shades to be closed on all flights at all times?
#76
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 1999
Location: Over the Bay Bridge, CA
Programs: Jumbo mas
Posts: 38,638
I too have had an emergency landing - no flaps on our little CR200, and I was in the exit row, so the FA came and gave us the REAL briefing on what to do if it came to that.
It diidn't come to anything. It was a hot landing, one the pilots have practiced for countless times. The lights on the firetrucks were pretty, though.
It didn't change my outlook over windows, exit rows, or safety of planes.
It diidn't come to anything. It was a hot landing, one the pilots have practiced for countless times. The lights on the firetrucks were pretty, though.
It didn't change my outlook over windows, exit rows, or safety of planes.
#78
Join Date: Jan 2024
Posts: 3
EXACTLY! Carriers provide eye shades and ear plugs too. I love a window seat and I find great joy in seeing the stars at night over the North Pole, and the sun shining brightly on the melting glaciers (which I would not be able to see at any other time). If I am able to book a window, I would like to see what it is I’m flying over. I can’t stand being told “there’s nothing to see.” It seems im in the minority as per this thread. And maybe I’m a nerd but why can’t I see the earth as I pass over it? Use your eye shades everyone!
#79
Join Date: Dec 2023
Location: GTHA
Programs: Aeroplan, NEXUS
Posts: 170
I prefer an aisle seat but if stuck with a window the blinds go down if the sun is shining directly in. On a clear day I do like to look out when the plane is coming in for a landing to identify landmarks, etc.
#80
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2011
Location: NYC (LGA, JFK), CT
Programs: Delta Platinum, American Gold, JetBlue Mosaic 4, Marriott Platinum, Hyatt Explorist, Hilton Diamond,
Posts: 4,895
Just boarded a daytime transcon, JetBlue on their new A321neo. This is a single aisle cabin, so every seat is a window seat. All shades are down. I am going to bet that shades remain down for the most part for the entire flight…
#81
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Under the Cone of Silence
Programs: UA Gold; AA Dirt; HH Diamond; National Emerald; CONTROL SecretAgent Platinum; KAOS EvilFlyer Gold
Posts: 1,499
I just flew LAX-IAD on a United 787 daytime flight. By default, the windows were all darkened.
And even though the wi-fi and entertainment system was down for most of the flight, virtually nobody lightened their windows to look outside or to let in some natural light, other than perhaps 2-3 windows in the entire cabin.
Nothing like sitting in a dark airplane for 4.5 hours after a 9:00 AM departure, made me pretty sad thinking about the mentality of a majority of the traveling public.
(as a late booking to the flight, all I could get was an aisle, so made me doubly sad...)
And even though the wi-fi and entertainment system was down for most of the flight, virtually nobody lightened their windows to look outside or to let in some natural light, other than perhaps 2-3 windows in the entire cabin.
Nothing like sitting in a dark airplane for 4.5 hours after a 9:00 AM departure, made me pretty sad thinking about the mentality of a majority of the traveling public.
(as a late booking to the flight, all I could get was an aisle, so made me doubly sad...)
#82
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2011
Location: NYC (LGA, JFK), CT
Programs: Delta Platinum, American Gold, JetBlue Mosaic 4, Marriott Platinum, Hyatt Explorist, Hilton Diamond,
Posts: 4,895
I just flew LAX-IAD on a United 787 daytime flight. By default, the windows were all darkened.
And even though the wi-fi and entertainment system was down for most of the flight, virtually nobody lightened their windows to look outside or to let in some natural light, other than perhaps 2-3 windows in the entire cabin.
Nothing like sitting in a dark airplane for 4.5 hours after a 9:00 AM departure, made me pretty sad thinking about the mentality of a majority of the traveling public.
(as a late booking to the flight, all I could get was an aisle, so made me doubly sad...)
And even though the wi-fi and entertainment system was down for most of the flight, virtually nobody lightened their windows to look outside or to let in some natural light, other than perhaps 2-3 windows in the entire cabin.
Nothing like sitting in a dark airplane for 4.5 hours after a 9:00 AM departure, made me pretty sad thinking about the mentality of a majority of the traveling public.
(as a late booking to the flight, all I could get was an aisle, so made me doubly sad...)
flight. I had shades up until after meal service, then took a nap, so I lowered for an hour. Many people slept most of the flight on an 11 AM departure. The approach to LAX is one of my favorites so i will go shades up
My overall point here is that no matter what many of us think, most passengers seem to prefer a darker cabin, and as a result, I think cabins will continue to get darker (whether through tech like on the 787, FA action, passenger action, inertia) going forward
#84
Join Date: Jan 2024
Posts: 3
I don’t know about the video thing but it seems like equal needs. I never realized or thought about the glare on their screens. But it seems like a no-brainer that airlines should have side flaps that can be bent on both sides of the screen similar to the ones that they have on the headrests that keep your head from rolling to the side if you fall asleep. It would block any glare. I know we’re all bored to tears in these long flights but there is no other way to view the scenery than looking out the window on a flight. Videos are available all the time and sleep is possible on the plane with masks.
#85
Join Date: Jan 2015
Posts: 2,918
I don’t know about the video thing but it seems like equal needs. I never realized or thought about the glare on their screens. But it seems like a no-brainer that airlines should have side flaps that can be bent on both sides of the screen similar to the ones that they have on the headrests that keep your head from rolling to the side if you fall asleep. It would block any glare. I know we’re all bored to tears in these long flights but there is no other way to view the scenery than looking out the window on a flight. Videos are available all the time and sleep is possible on the plane with masks.
BTW, Welcome to FlyerTalk!
Last edited by StuckInYYZ; Jan 21, 2024 at 8:53 pm Reason: ETA
#86
Join Date: Jan 2024
Location: Boston MA
Programs: celestehedequist.com
Posts: 1
Hey! Currently on a JFK to LAX flight at 10:30, chilling in business class with my shades up, squeezing in some work (Flyertalk break, of course). What's interesting is, every other business class window shade is down, and it's the same story in coach. Noticed this trend on recent midday flights too. Wondering if shades-down has become the new default. What are your thoughts on this? 🤔✈️
#89
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: SEA (the REAL Washington); occasionally in the other Washington (DCA area)
Programs: DL PM 1.57MM; AS MVPG 100K
Posts: 21,373
DCA-LAX tomorrow morning, I’m in 2F and I guarandamtee my shade will be up the entire flight
#90
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Wanting First. Buying First.
Programs: Lifetime Executive Diamond Platinum VIP with Braniff, Eastern, Midway, National & Pan Am
Posts: 17,492