BlissWorld

I was on a United flight over the weekend in F, row 1, on a 757. Row 1 chair is positioned just past window #2 (about 1-2" past window#2) when not declined. When reclined, Row 1 covers the entire window #2.

I had a terrible headache so when we reached a cruising altitute (when there was nothing to see outside the window....just clouds), I shut the shades at window #1 and #2 so I could attempt to go to sleep. 10 seconds later, Mr 2D reached over and re-opened window shade #2.

...? I thought, but my head was about to burst, I didn't bother arguing with him. I covered up my face with my right arm. I tried to go to sleep.

10 minutes later, just as I was about to fall asleep, I heard the shade being shut at window #2 and his hand was next to my face.

So my question is, whose has window #2? 1D or 2D? It's technically 1D's when reclined because it covered up the entire window

2D already had window #3 to look out, I don't understand why he needed window #2 as well?

UNITED959

Here's your answer.

If your face is immediately next to it, it's yours IMHO.

But, as a courtesy (and for safety), I think it's a nice gesture to raise window shades for takeoff and landing. I really think this should be part of the flight attendant announcements. (I know some airlines do this; UA does not currently.)

danielonn

On some of the inflight safety videos there is an announcement that goes something like this" As we prepare for take-off we request that all seatbacks,tray tables be in their full upright and locked position. we kindly request that all widnow shades be raised for take-off and landing.

Analise

Your concern is about who has control of the window shade? I would think you would really want to know what this man's hand is doing next to your face! That's my reaction to your story.

BlissWorld

I said in my OP that I shut the shades AFTER we had reached a cruising altitude (i.e. pilot turned off the seatbelt sign)

BlissWorld

I don't think he was trying to do anything to me, he was just reaching for the shade....or so I hope.

basia

so... were you reclining? sounds like that would have solved your problem by denying him access

BlissWorld

I did, hence his hand in my face!

UNITED959

You should have smacked his hand and said, "Get that thing out of my face!"

redbeard911

Late afternoons I always drop the shade because of sun glare. I can't think of a time when I had it up and someone wanted it down or v.v. If I'm trying to use my laptop or PSP, I will put the shade down.

To answer the OP, I only control windows between my eyes and the eyes of the pax in front of me. If a window is behind my field of vision, I usually leave it alone.

If someone was sleeping and closed the window for that reason, I sure wouldn't put the shade up. How rude.

BamaVol

Maybe it was the Pope and he was offering his ring for you to kiss?

AllanJ

Whatever happened to asking?

Now opening the next can of flaming worms:

Q: Would it be assault to slap the hand that came in front of my face?

honmani2

Ummm . . I think the Pope gets first dibs on row 1.

oklAAhoma

Huh? Can of flaming worms? When (except for self-defense) is it ever OK to strike someone else?

Telfes

I'm inclined to agree with redbeard911's boundaries. If reclining gets the window under my "area of control" and I want to control it, then I would recline.

I sometimes get migraines and they can come with terrible light sensitivity that may have me vomiting if I can't reduce light and certainly anything very bright. If I had a head ache of that nature and were trying to gain control of extended territory, I think I would quietly mention the problem to the person causing the problem. I can't think many people would choose a vomiting neighbor over a slightly darker cabin, though I suppose I may be surprised.