Yeah, I used to have "shady side window" in my UA profile, back before
it was automated to this degree. Even though it's no longer an option,
UA usually does this for me, how I don't know and won't ask.

I do this too, but thought no one else did. Looking at the seat maps, I never notice much of a bias with regard to sun/shade position.

I always get a window seat if possible, because I get better reception with my GPS receiver in a window. (Permitted on MOST aircrafts, see other post), and because I like to look out and see the terrain and clouds with my own eyes. Most people are clueless as to where they even are and totally miss out seeing the rivers, lakes, mountains, city lights at night, etc...

I also prefer a LEFT side window seat, because thats the side I prefer for SLEEPING - with my head turned that way. Thats my gig. To each his own.

Another story, my friend is handicapped and he needs a specific-side AISLE seat for a prophylactic mobility (hook arm). The airlines will not pre-assign it, since he's not in a "wheelchair", he doesn't officially "qualify", so we have to manually fight for it by checking in online. Usually have sucess at that.

Actually I was surprised to see this sunny-side post, I honestly had never even considered the effects of the SUN as being important in seating location.

very interesting.