Airplane Etiquette: Window Shades and Other Dilemmas
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Date: 2023-08-28
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Comments and reviews: 30
depatie99
Great Topic for a video. I just road on a comfort class ticket on the Air Canada inaugural Airbus A220-300 flight from Montreal to Calgary. I selected an aisle seat and thought if this aircraft truly has the widest economy seat in the Air Canada fleet as advertised by the Air Canada President. Comfort should not be a problem! Imagine my disappointment to find a plus sized passenger who could not fit into the middle seat in my row but who already positioned the armrests up so that he had a bench to sit on. This plus sized passenger could not fit in the seat with the arm rests down. Even his left leg and left foot had to rest under the seat in front of me! The flight was a miserable and uncomfortable experience for me and I regretted not paying the $2400. 00 business class fare for this 4hr 30 minute domestic flight. Actually, in hindsight I could have bought the entire row of 3 comfort economy seats for $1500. After the flight I researched the dilemma of transporting the Plus size passenger and was surprised to read that Air Canada has a high rating for handling the plus sized passenger as they are classified as disabled and offered an extra seat for free. That being said, if the plus sized passenger doesn't self declare that they cannot fit the economy, must his/her seat mates suffer? I have written Air Canada to enquire what can be done for the fare paying passenger who can fit in the confines of their economy seat short of buying the entire row.
Jeb, eager to hear your thoughts. I think this topic deserves an entire video.
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Great Topic for a video. I just road on a comfort class ticket on the Air Canada inaugural Airbus A220-300 flight from Montreal to Calgary. I selected an aisle seat and thought if this aircraft truly has the widest economy seat in the Air Canada fleet as advertised by the Air Canada President. Comfort should not be a problem! Imagine my disappointment to find a plus sized passenger who could not fit into the middle seat in my row but who already positioned the armrests up so that he had a bench to sit on. This plus sized passenger could not fit in the seat with the arm rests down. Even his left leg and left foot had to rest under the seat in front of me! The flight was a miserable and uncomfortable experience for me and I regretted not paying the $2400. 00 business class fare for this 4hr 30 minute domestic flight. Actually, in hindsight I could have bought the entire row of 3 comfort economy seats for $1500. After the flight I researched the dilemma of transporting the Plus size passenger and was surprised to read that Air Canada has a high rating for handling the plus sized passenger as they are classified as disabled and offered an extra seat for free. That being said, if the plus sized passenger doesn't self declare that they cannot fit the economy, must his/her seat mates suffer? I have written Air Canada to enquire what can be done for the fare paying passenger who can fit in the confines of their economy seat short of buying the entire row.
Jeb, eager to hear your thoughts. I think this topic deserves an entire video.
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lilmamadrea87
Well. glad i came accross this video. I recently took a trip to china 19hr flight for me on delta airlines. Yes, i was there during the time of the start of the coronavirus. Anyway i sat in premium select i was in the 2 seat configuration by the window. I think the person who is sitting by the window should have freedom of choice to wether the window shade is up or down. But on my flight a flight attendent asked me to close my window and it was only cracked open enough to bring light in. I contacted delta they gave me the excuse of someone must have complained. Well hey delta thats what you gave them a eye mask for.
I usually dont care to have both arm rest but i think its only right if the window seat passenger uses the right arm rest the aisle passenger uses the left and the middle gets both.
I would say dont aggressively force your seat back. Just like the delta CEO im not asking no one is it ok to let my seat back the same way he dosen't.
Besides in premium select on the a350 the tray table comes out of the arm rest its not on the back of the seat in front of you.
I agree a simple hello is good enough. Unless someone is in need in something. Ex: helping, giving, or something in need.
I dont bring food. only snacks. Ex: gum, candy, and chips.
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Well. glad i came accross this video. I recently took a trip to china 19hr flight for me on delta airlines. Yes, i was there during the time of the start of the coronavirus. Anyway i sat in premium select i was in the 2 seat configuration by the window. I think the person who is sitting by the window should have freedom of choice to wether the window shade is up or down. But on my flight a flight attendent asked me to close my window and it was only cracked open enough to bring light in. I contacted delta they gave me the excuse of someone must have complained. Well hey delta thats what you gave them a eye mask for.
I usually dont care to have both arm rest but i think its only right if the window seat passenger uses the right arm rest the aisle passenger uses the left and the middle gets both.
I would say dont aggressively force your seat back. Just like the delta CEO im not asking no one is it ok to let my seat back the same way he dosen't.
Besides in premium select on the a350 the tray table comes out of the arm rest its not on the back of the seat in front of you.
I agree a simple hello is good enough. Unless someone is in need in something. Ex: helping, giving, or something in need.
I dont bring food. only snacks. Ex: gum, candy, and chips.
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Brian
1. he who owns the window seat controls the shade! 2. aisle and windo own those armrests, middle has good reason to want middle two armrests but I am 250# and need more room, so I take it. On the other hand I now travel 1st class and business nor more coach so it is not a problem, 3. reclining is hard to limit but not more than a couple of inches unless no one behind and not going to interfere with moving around by those in the row behind you. No reclining during meals. 4. social interaction as permitted; but don't force it. 5. bringing on food; I agree don't bring stinky stuff. By the same token; please bathe, use deodorent and don't take your socks off. shoes ok but keep the feet down near the floor.
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1. he who owns the window seat controls the shade! 2. aisle and windo own those armrests, middle has good reason to want middle two armrests but I am 250# and need more room, so I take it. On the other hand I now travel 1st class and business nor more coach so it is not a problem, 3. reclining is hard to limit but not more than a couple of inches unless no one behind and not going to interfere with moving around by those in the row behind you. No reclining during meals. 4. social interaction as permitted; but don't force it. 5. bringing on food; I agree don't bring stinky stuff. By the same token; please bathe, use deodorent and don't take your socks off. shoes ok but keep the feet down near the floor.
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Neil's
I only take around 15 flights a year, but here goes;
#1 Blinds - If you are in the window seat you ultimately have control, but I try to be mindful and respectful of other passengers.
#2 Arm rests - I've not really had many issues, although once I had someone next to me who was quite large, and it was their tummy/sides that rested on the armrest.
#3 Recline - I dont mind as long as its done respectfully and not during meal times
#4 Talking - Im quite socialable and at times its welcome. on a recent MUC-JNB flight I got talking to a guy that worked for BMW SA, and we had a decent chat and a few drinks.
#5 Food - As long as it smells nice its fine. no stinky cheese!
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I only take around 15 flights a year, but here goes;
#1 Blinds - If you are in the window seat you ultimately have control, but I try to be mindful and respectful of other passengers.
#2 Arm rests - I've not really had many issues, although once I had someone next to me who was quite large, and it was their tummy/sides that rested on the armrest.
#3 Recline - I dont mind as long as its done respectfully and not during meal times
#4 Talking - Im quite socialable and at times its welcome. on a recent MUC-JNB flight I got talking to a guy that worked for BMW SA, and we had a decent chat and a few drinks.
#5 Food - As long as it smells nice its fine. no stinky cheese!
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Jsb078
As a flight attendant this issue about the window annoys me. Nobody owns the window. The whole row has the right to look out the window and or ask the person nearest to the window to put the blind half down if they are being blinded by the sun. If the person by the window is being disrespectful about it and not being a good seat mate, then press the call bell. This is why I also love the 787. When window seat passengers have the windows open on a red eye flight and its blinding the whole cabin for their own selfishness, I can dim the window to a suitable setting without blocking their view of outside.
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As a flight attendant this issue about the window annoys me. Nobody owns the window. The whole row has the right to look out the window and or ask the person nearest to the window to put the blind half down if they are being blinded by the sun. If the person by the window is being disrespectful about it and not being a good seat mate, then press the call bell. This is why I also love the 787. When window seat passengers have the windows open on a red eye flight and its blinding the whole cabin for their own selfishness, I can dim the window to a suitable setting without blocking their view of outside.
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Flights
1. Window seats: The person sitting next to it manages it, and should discuss it with your seatmates if necessary. Get the vibe of your seatmates and observe if folks nearby would need it down or don't mind especially if some are sleeping on a daytime flight.
2. Armrests: Window seat gets the wall, and can be communicated with seatmates.
3. No stinky/sticky foods lol
Travelers should be observant and if necessary sometimes it is a good thing to communicate to have a good flight for you and your seatmates. We don't own the seat, but renting the time on it until we land.
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1. Window seats: The person sitting next to it manages it, and should discuss it with your seatmates if necessary. Get the vibe of your seatmates and observe if folks nearby would need it down or don't mind especially if some are sleeping on a daytime flight.
2. Armrests: Window seat gets the wall, and can be communicated with seatmates.
3. No stinky/sticky foods lol
Travelers should be observant and if necessary sometimes it is a good thing to communicate to have a good flight for you and your seatmates. We don't own the seat, but renting the time on it until we land.
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Daniel
I prefer the aisle seat. It gives a little more room or at least it seems like it does and I dont have to interrupt people to use the restroom. I havent run into social interaction problems. Im usually sitting beside my wife. I probably chat with someone in our tow and try and gauge if they want to talk or not. Ill start a short hi, how are you exchange and see how they respond but then Ill let them start the next one. if not, no problem. I love reading on planes so Im happy. Id never interrupt a traveler in our row if they are reading or watching a show or a movie.
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I prefer the aisle seat. It gives a little more room or at least it seems like it does and I dont have to interrupt people to use the restroom. I havent run into social interaction problems. Im usually sitting beside my wife. I probably chat with someone in our tow and try and gauge if they want to talk or not. Ill start a short hi, how are you exchange and see how they respond but then Ill let them start the next one. if not, no problem. I love reading on planes so Im happy. Id never interrupt a traveler in our row if they are reading or watching a show or a movie.
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Steve
All of these point to being considerate of others. The nature of flying, the situation of being in closed quarters with strangers, forces you to think of others and you'd hope they would think just a little about you. But you missed a reclining situation. So how do you feel about the passenger in front doing a full recline to the seat and never siting back into it? Why recline the seat if you don't plan to sit back?
I had a flight from SIN to SFO and the 3 seats in front of me did the full recline, turned on their lights and talked all the way home. :-/
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All of these point to being considerate of others. The nature of flying, the situation of being in closed quarters with strangers, forces you to think of others and you'd hope they would think just a little about you. But you missed a reclining situation. So how do you feel about the passenger in front doing a full recline to the seat and never siting back into it? Why recline the seat if you don't plan to sit back?
I had a flight from SIN to SFO and the 3 seats in front of me did the full recline, turned on their lights and talked all the way home. :-/
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Themans
About few days ago I was traveling to Charlotte North Carolina on Americans A320 and as we reached cruise and the seat belt sing came off I noticed a man in front of me get up with a plastic bag and inside that bag was 5 Sandwichs that didnt smell the greatest, so he walks to the back of the plane and gives a passenger one of the sandwiches then walks a few rows forward and gives another passenger a sandwich, so what I got out of this is his friends or family is just spread out on the plane and I can respect that. But the sandwiches smell terrible x5
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About few days ago I was traveling to Charlotte North Carolina on Americans A320 and as we reached cruise and the seat belt sing came off I noticed a man in front of me get up with a plastic bag and inside that bag was 5 Sandwichs that didnt smell the greatest, so he walks to the back of the plane and gives a passenger one of the sandwiches then walks a few rows forward and gives another passenger a sandwich, so what I got out of this is his friends or family is just spread out on the plane and I can respect that. But the sandwiches smell terrible x5
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Joe
I don't think window seat owns window anymore than the aisle seat owns access to the aisle. Be polite and use common sense. If everyone else has their shade down, keep yours down. If you sleep in the aisle seat and the middle or window seat person needs to get up to use the lav, be polite and don't act like they're annoying you. Your feet also don't own the aisle, unless you're walking. Food smells, that's pretty objective. Fried foods, which I normally like, make me gag in a plane. Just leave fried, spicy and aroma-laden items on the ground.
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I don't think window seat owns window anymore than the aisle seat owns access to the aisle. Be polite and use common sense. If everyone else has their shade down, keep yours down. If you sleep in the aisle seat and the middle or window seat person needs to get up to use the lav, be polite and don't act like they're annoying you. Your feet also don't own the aisle, unless you're walking. Food smells, that's pretty objective. Fried foods, which I normally like, make me gag in a plane. Just leave fried, spicy and aroma-laden items on the ground.
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Daniel
I agree with the window shade one lol. I paid for my window I will do with it what I want but if I notice everyone has theirs down trying to sleep than I'll be mindful and either fully close it or just crack it open a bit. But if the sunset or sunrise is amidst you best believe it will be open all the way to enjoy that sight. For the recline I never fully recline if im on economy, but if I'm in anything higher I don't mind doing full recline. Lastly fully agree with you on the stinky food lmao oh man
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I agree with the window shade one lol. I paid for my window I will do with it what I want but if I notice everyone has theirs down trying to sleep than I'll be mindful and either fully close it or just crack it open a bit. But if the sunset or sunrise is amidst you best believe it will be open all the way to enjoy that sight. For the recline I never fully recline if im on economy, but if I'm in anything higher I don't mind doing full recline. Lastly fully agree with you on the stinky food lmao oh man
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Eurotraveller
There another way of looking at the arm rests and the middle passenger. Quite often, the reason the passenger in the middle got that seat is because he/she purchased the lowest fare possible. On Delta for example; main economy means you get to choose your seat, basic economy means your seat will be assigned. So if you paid $50 more than your neighbor in the center, don't feel sorry for him/her. Take the armrests in the window and aisle seats and let the cheapskate suffer.
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There another way of looking at the arm rests and the middle passenger. Quite often, the reason the passenger in the middle got that seat is because he/she purchased the lowest fare possible. On Delta for example; main economy means you get to choose your seat, basic economy means your seat will be assigned. So if you paid $50 more than your neighbor in the center, don't feel sorry for him/her. Take the armrests in the window and aisle seats and let the cheapskate suffer.
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am1manTravel
You can recline your seat, you paid for it. Suggest you put it up during meal service, as a courtesy. I've had people in front of me go full recline even before reaching 10, 000 feet and leaving it there for the entire flight. Would have been nice if they put it up during meals but that is their seat to do with what they want. Don't try to block someone in front of you from reclining- it is a federal crime to interfere with the operation of the aircraft.
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You can recline your seat, you paid for it. Suggest you put it up during meal service, as a courtesy. I've had people in front of me go full recline even before reaching 10, 000 feet and leaving it there for the entire flight. Would have been nice if they put it up during meals but that is their seat to do with what they want. Don't try to block someone in front of you from reclining- it is a federal crime to interfere with the operation of the aircraft.
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Robb
Window shades must be up during take off and landing to aid in evacuation in event of crash. thats law.
Sun glare: closer
Recline: its your seat, recline at will slowly.
Food: dont eat anything you wouldnt want to kiss.
Talking: Put your earbuds in and look away.
If all else fails use common sense. Youre flying on public transportation. a bus with wings, and youre just one sardine in the can, so treat everyone as you want to be treated.
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Window shades must be up during take off and landing to aid in evacuation in event of crash. thats law.
Sun glare: closer
Recline: its your seat, recline at will slowly.
Food: dont eat anything you wouldnt want to kiss.
Talking: Put your earbuds in and look away.
If all else fails use common sense. Youre flying on public transportation. a bus with wings, and youre just one sardine in the can, so treat everyone as you want to be treated.
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Commando602
I own the window when I pre select and PAY the selection fee for my window seat.
Hate when people want to talk. All I want to do is take my Vicodin and go to sleep.
Food? I bring pretzels, banana chips, pecans, raisins and maybe some fruit like apples or bananas.
Actually had a Thai family on a flight from Bangkok to Melbourne open a couple cans of sardines and dried squid in flight. Boy that stunk and made me hungry at the same time.
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I own the window when I pre select and PAY the selection fee for my window seat.
Hate when people want to talk. All I want to do is take my Vicodin and go to sleep.
Food? I bring pretzels, banana chips, pecans, raisins and maybe some fruit like apples or bananas.
Actually had a Thai family on a flight from Bangkok to Melbourne open a couple cans of sardines and dried squid in flight. Boy that stunk and made me hungry at the same time.
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travelvideos
I own the window shades until I leave for the toilet, then when I come back I see that somebody changed the position. They could have asked me, everybody has a mouth. As about recline - I usually choose airlines where seat recline is not possible. I have flown free upgraded premium economy, but once that chair comes down in front of you all that extra space is gone. Not worth to pay extra money for premium. Can't use laptop, so what's the deal?
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I own the window shades until I leave for the toilet, then when I come back I see that somebody changed the position. They could have asked me, everybody has a mouth. As about recline - I usually choose airlines where seat recline is not possible. I have flown free upgraded premium economy, but once that chair comes down in front of you all that extra space is gone. Not worth to pay extra money for premium. Can't use laptop, so what's the deal?
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Aurora
Keep the shades up pleazeeee. I want to look out the windows across from me and next aisle. I agree middle seat is last choice so gets both arm rests. I had a guy, very large guy, sits aisle seat next to me then flips up the dam armrest so his thigh is spreading cozy next to mine! frekking yuk! ALSO flight attendants need to hand out- cough drops, tissue packs and tums. I really hate flying now. Do much we drove 3800 miles on recent vacation.
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Keep the shades up pleazeeee. I want to look out the windows across from me and next aisle. I agree middle seat is last choice so gets both arm rests. I had a guy, very large guy, sits aisle seat next to me then flips up the dam armrest so his thigh is spreading cozy next to mine! frekking yuk! ALSO flight attendants need to hand out- cough drops, tissue packs and tums. I really hate flying now. Do much we drove 3800 miles on recent vacation.
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woodyamsterdam
About the window shades, I prefer to keep them open for the same reasons as you but I also try to be considerate. However, on some airlines the cabin crew orders you to close them, and you are supposed to follow all crew's instructions.
Reclining: not sooner than after meal service and I do it in small increments. I also discretely estimate the persons size in the seat behind me. If it's a small person I don't feel guilty; )
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About the window shades, I prefer to keep them open for the same reasons as you but I also try to be considerate. However, on some airlines the cabin crew orders you to close them, and you are supposed to follow all crew's instructions.
Reclining: not sooner than after meal service and I do it in small increments. I also discretely estimate the persons size in the seat behind me. If it's a small person I don't feel guilty; )
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Nicholas
I am totally with you when it comes to the window shade. I do believe as the person in the window seat, I own the shade. I LOVE having it open! That being said though, I will budge and shut it out of respect for other people on those early morning flights or late afternoon flights where the sun is extremely bright. I think it is the respectable thing to do even though it impedes my all too precious view. Once again, great video: )
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I am totally with you when it comes to the window shade. I do believe as the person in the window seat, I own the shade. I LOVE having it open! That being said though, I will budge and shut it out of respect for other people on those early morning flights or late afternoon flights where the sun is extremely bright. I think it is the respectable thing to do even though it impedes my all too precious view. Once again, great video: )
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Michael
I choose to be respectful to passengers sitting next to me or other rows near me. The last time I flew was in early June of 2018 from my vacation in Orlando, Florida back home to Maryland and the sun was shining bright after takeoff. So I closed the shade because I also wanted to be respectful to the lady who was sitting by the window who was taking a nap. I was sitting in the middle while one man was sitting in the aisle seat.
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I choose to be respectful to passengers sitting next to me or other rows near me. The last time I flew was in early June of 2018 from my vacation in Orlando, Florida back home to Maryland and the sun was shining bright after takeoff. So I closed the shade because I also wanted to be respectful to the lady who was sitting by the window who was taking a nap. I was sitting in the middle while one man was sitting in the aisle seat.
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Steve
I agree with most of your suggestions and comments; be polite is the bottom line! As for the talkie, being a friendly type myself I always say hello as I settle in ( or as they sit down) and you can usually tell by the body language whether this person wishes to interact or not; other passengers using this tactic on me will have an easy read. Thanks for sharing this; interesting & informative.
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I agree with most of your suggestions and comments; be polite is the bottom line! As for the talkie, being a friendly type myself I always say hello as I settle in ( or as they sit down) and you can usually tell by the body language whether this person wishes to interact or not; other passengers using this tactic on me will have an easy read. Thanks for sharing this; interesting & informative.
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Bruce
Smelly food. I've heard this one before, and I appreciate the concern. But honestly, I have no sense of this. Your video indicated tuna is smelly? So no tuna sandwich? It wouldn't have occurred to me that it is stinky. Curry? Same thing. Sorry, I'm sympathetic to the problem, but I am clueless. Just no cooked beets in the same row with me, please!
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Smelly food. I've heard this one before, and I appreciate the concern. But honestly, I have no sense of this. Your video indicated tuna is smelly? So no tuna sandwich? It wouldn't have occurred to me that it is stinky. Curry? Same thing. Sorry, I'm sympathetic to the problem, but I am clueless. Just no cooked beets in the same row with me, please!
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Eurotraveller
Window shades up at all times during takeoff and landing. Inflight; down during the day, up during the night. The thing I like to do is use the flight tracker to know when interesting sights are coming, then crack the shade open just enough to peak down. But it's amazing how disruptive it can be when all other shades are down.
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Window shades up at all times during takeoff and landing. Inflight; down during the day, up during the night. The thing I like to do is use the flight tracker to know when interesting sights are coming, then crack the shade open just enough to peak down. But it's amazing how disruptive it can be when all other shades are down.
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Jon
1: i intentionally purchased a window seat. too bad. 2: i can live with the window armrest only if need be. 3: i don't recline my seat, out of courtesy. my choice. i prefer if the person in front of me doesn't either, but it's their seat. 5: leave me alone! 6: i generally eat at the terminal, and may bring drinks. that's it.
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1: i intentionally purchased a window seat. too bad. 2: i can live with the window armrest only if need be. 3: i don't recline my seat, out of courtesy. my choice. i prefer if the person in front of me doesn't either, but it's their seat. 5: leave me alone! 6: i generally eat at the terminal, and may bring drinks. that's it.
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Alex
As far as the window goes I agree. When I fly during the day I keep the shade up unless my seatmate is trying to sleep then I will lower enough to keep the sun from hitting him. I get the views and they don't have to deal with the sun on their face. I think its a reasonable compromise.
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As far as the window goes I agree. When I fly during the day I keep the shade up unless my seatmate is trying to sleep then I will lower enough to keep the sun from hitting him. I get the views and they don't have to deal with the sun on their face. I think its a reasonable compromise.
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Boo
window seat owns the window shade, but remember that the light from just one window can light up a whole cabin. if you want to crack the window to peak out for a minute, maybe take a picture, that's fine. but if the cabin is dark and lots of people are sleeping, keep the window closed.
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window seat owns the window shade, but remember that the light from just one window can light up a whole cabin. if you want to crack the window to peak out for a minute, maybe take a picture, that's fine. but if the cabin is dark and lots of people are sleeping, keep the window closed.
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Zachary
These are definite dos and donts of flying. I think some people lack the flying etiquette, because they are so nervous about flying that they take it out on everyone else. Then again, if a person is rude on the ground, 40K feet in the sky won't help their attitude. Great video.
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These are definite dos and donts of flying. I think some people lack the flying etiquette, because they are so nervous about flying that they take it out on everyone else. Then again, if a person is rude on the ground, 40K feet in the sky won't help their attitude. Great video.
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Awesome
Loved the video. For me my biggest annoyances are, people kicking the back of my seat or repeatedly slamming the tray table closed that's behind my seat and people reclining so far back that it's impossible to get out of the seat, and people being barefoot on flights.
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Loved the video. For me my biggest annoyances are, people kicking the back of my seat or repeatedly slamming the tray table closed that's behind my seat and people reclining so far back that it's impossible to get out of the seat, and people being barefoot on flights.
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Anne
Ack! Seats should not be reclinable! Many a time Ive felt like an even smaller sardine when the seat in front is forever in my face. I never recline my seat because I dont want to inconvenience those behind. Except perhaps if theres a noisy kid kicking my seat. chuckle.
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Ack! Seats should not be reclinable! Many a time Ive felt like an even smaller sardine when the seat in front is forever in my face. I never recline my seat because I dont want to inconvenience those behind. Except perhaps if theres a noisy kid kicking my seat. chuckle.
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Delta
I always look out for others. That is why I only take my shoes and socks off on long flights over 3 hours long, I only eat tuna sandwiches, I also shower once every 4 days so I am very clean too. I consider myself to be a very good seatmate indeed! goodday
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I always look out for others. That is why I only take my shoes and socks off on long flights over 3 hours long, I only eat tuna sandwiches, I also shower once every 4 days so I am very clean too. I consider myself to be a very good seatmate indeed! goodday
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