Window Shades Should Be Closed on Flights

As a former flight attendant, I have strong opinions on certain in-flight etiquette rules that many passengers seem to disregard. One such issue is the use of window shades during flights. While it may seem like a trivial matter, I believe that keeping the shades closed has a significant impact on the overall flying experience.

Passengers who keep their window shades open can disrupt the peaceful atmosphere of the cabin. When the cabin is dark, passengers tend to be calmer and sleepier, which makes for a more enjoyable flight for everyone around them. In fact, I found that this was often the case during my time as a flight attendant. However, it's not just about creating a comfortable environment - there are also practical reasons why window shades should be kept closed.

One of these reasons is to ensure the safety and comfort of passengers who prefer a darker cabin. For those who value their sleep or need a restful environment, an open window shade can be distracting and even disturbing. Additionally, keeping the shades open during long flights can lead to eye strain and fatigue among passengers. This can have serious consequences for people with pre-existing medical conditions.

As someone who has worked in the aviation industry for nearly a decade, I believe that maintaining control over window shades is crucial. Cabin crew should be able to ensure that all window shades are closed during flight, except during takeoff and landing when it's safer for passengers to have an open view.

Airlines have safety guidelines that require window shades to be open during takeoff and landing, allowing passengers to see outside in case of an emergency or for ground rescue teams to access the plane.

This rule makes sense from a safety perspective, as it enables crew members to quickly assess any issues on the ground and allows rescue teams to locate the aircraft if needed. However, once cruising altitude is reached, the focus shifts from safety to passenger comfort.

One of the main reasons window shades should be closed during flight is that open windows can disrupt sleep patterns. Passengers who are trying to rest may find it difficult to do so with bright sunlight streaming in through the window, which can lead to fatigue and discomfort.

Long-haul flights across multiple time zones can already be exhausting for passengers' bodies, and disrupting their sleep cycles only exacerbates this issue. Crew members understand the importance of helping passengers get quality sleep in the air, as it directly affects their well-being during the flight.

Blinding sunlight pouring into the cabin can disrupt the peaceful environment of an entire section of the plane. When this happens, sleeping passengers are not only woken up but also exposed to harsh glare on their electronic devices. This can be frustrating for travelers who are trying to work or relax during the flight.

As a result, passengers often complain about the window shades being left open, and it's not uncommon for arguments to break out between fellow travelers about this issue. Crew members may then have to intervene to resolve the situation and restore peace on board.

Observations from early in my career suggest that ambient light has a significant impact on passenger behavior. When the cabin lights are dimmed, travelers tend to settle down, read quietly, or go to sleep. In contrast, when the flight remains brightly lit, passengers often stay awake, engage in loud conversations, and order more drinks.

This can sometimes turn the flight into an unruly atmosphere, making it harder for crew members to manage. As a general rule, keeping the cabin dark tends to make the entire flight calmer, safer, and easier to manage.

Keeping the window shades open during flight can be a point of contention between passengers and crew members. One common reason given by passengers for keeping their shades up is to take photos or enjoy the view, but the reality at 35,000 feet often falls short of expectations.

The direct sunlight at high altitudes can be too harsh to capture clear images, and most of the time all that's visible out the window is blinding white haze, cloud cover, or vast emptiness.

Passengers who want great photos for their travel feed may find better opportunities during descent and approach, when the plane lowers toward its destination and offers a clearer view of cities, coastlines, and landscapes.

The status of the shade ultimately remains up to the passenger, but crew members like myself often prefer it when shades are kept shut during flight.

As a former flight attendant, I've seen firsthand the importance of controlling window shades during flights. While we can't enforce their use, many of us would gently remind passengers to close them for the comfort of everyone on board.

This is because an open shade can lead to glare disputes between passengers, as well as disrupt sleep patterns and overall cabin ambiance. In contrast, keeping the shade closed helps maintain a dark and peaceful environment, allowing passengers to relax during the flight.

By closing window shades mid-flight, we can minimize distractions and promote a more enjoyable experience for all on board, making the journey smoother and more pleasant.