When it comes to whether window shades should be open or shut during a flight, my answer is simple: Generally, it’s up to the passenger in the window seat.
The choice is theirs to make, unless there’s an onboard issue or the crew has instructed otherwise.
If I’m in the aisle, and the person in the window seat has the shade down during my flight, I’ll be disappointed, but I’ll respect their decision.
When I’m on the job as a flight attendant, I typically prefer it when my passengers keep the window shades open, too.
Generally, I feel safer leaving the shades open
Leanna Coy; Ignatiev/Getty Images
Since becoming a flight attendant four years ago, I appreciate having the window shades up even more, especially during takeoff and landing.
It gives passengers and crew members more visibility and can improve their situational awareness, which is crucial in the unlikely event of an emergency or evacuation.
A passenger might even be able to spot a potential issue before the crew does. If there were a fire on the aircraft’s wing, for example, someone in the window seat might be the first person to notice.
Many international airlines actually require window shades to remain open during takeoff and landing, and some US airlines encourage the practice, even though it is not mandated by the Federal Aviation Administration.
It also gives all of us the chance to catch incredible views
Leanna Coy
On a less serious note, it makes me kind of sad when passengers don’t care about seeing the view out of the window.
Even just a few decades ago, being able to look at the world from the sky was a much rarer experience. Many people never get the opportunity to do so, either.
I’ve been on more than 800 flights, but taking in the scenery and sights never gets old. I’ve gotten aerial views of Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, and Zion National Park on the way to Colorado, and the Grand Canyon en route to Las Vegas.
When I land in New England in the fall, I love seeing the vibrant foliage from above. I’ve also spotted fireworks from the sky a few times when I’ve flown on holidays — and once, I even got to see the northern lights from the plane window.
I would’ve missed all of these moments if the window shades were down. When I’m a passenger, my shade almost always stays up.
I love catching a good view when I’m working, too. If there’s a pretty sunrise or sunset, you might see me sneak over to an empty row of seats to snap a picture.
Still, I can admit that — in some cases — it’s best to leave the shades shut
Leannna Coy
To be fair, there are times as a working crew member when it can be nice for passengers to keep the shades lowered. On long flights, I’ve noticed that people seem calmer when the cabin is dark and are more likely to fall asleep.
Selfishly, this makes my job a little easier as a flight attendant.
I don’t think keeping the window shade open when it’s bright out is rude, though. Instead, I recommend that a passenger pack an eye mask if they aren’t sitting in a window seat and know they’ll have trouble sleeping in the daylight.
Ultimately, there’s really only one common scenario where I’ll ask passengers to close their window shades, and it’s when we’ve landed at a hot destination and are getting ready to deplane.
Direct sunlight can heat up an aircraft while it’s parked, so shutting the shades helps keep the cabin cooler for the next set of travelers.
However, if we’re cruising and the cabin’s comfortably cool, I’d love for my passengers to keep those shades up.
