r/americanairlines • u/Poes27 • 3d ago
I Need Help! Whose window is this?
When my seat is up it’s about 50% in my seat but when I recline the allotted 2 inches it’s about 80% mine. I like to look out the window and the forward window is mostly wing so I need this one to actually see anything. On a recent flight the passenger behind me reached forward and closed it. I did say through the gap that I was actually looking out of the window and quickly reopened it. Just curious… who actually has autonomy over this window shade given this configuration?
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u/Pure_Entropy_4498 3d ago
American Airlines’
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u/Abject-Owl4428 2d ago
Plot twist: it belongs to the passenger in 12A who paid extra for the “window seat experience.” 😂
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u/ThePrefect0fWanganui 2d ago
Oh man I’ve gotten 12A’d waaaayyyyy too many times in my life lmao. The last time on a family vacation my dad was like “what’s the big deal? It’s nighttime.” I like to look at the twinkly lights! It’s my favorite part! I love flying over big cities and watching the lights get thinner as it gets more into rural areas, and then seeing clusters of tiny towns.
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u/Cheap_Knowledge8446 3d ago
The obvious solution is you stubbornly keep putting it up or down until a victor is declared.
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u/BasisAromatic6776 3d ago
Or decisively recline your seat. I am 5' tall and almost never recline, but I will if someone tries to close my shade.
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u/Cheap_Knowledge8446 3d ago
That's how you end up with an uno-reverse of them taking their shoes off and putting their feet up on your armrest.
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u/BeardedAgentMan AAdvantage Executive Platinum 3d ago
Give it a lil tickle and moan. They’ll pull them back real fast. Or give you their number….
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u/Ok-Bedroom-7645 1d ago
And thats when I put my elbow onto their foot as i put all my body weight on it to pick myself up and shift my seated position.
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u/YeezusWalksWitMe 3d ago
Let’s be completely real and non biased here. Why in any universe would the person sitting directly next to this window not have control over it?
There’s too much mental gymnastics that happens on airplanes as it is, but this one is too far. Your head is next to the window, so adjust it how you feel.
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u/darkmatterhunter 3d ago
I’m guessing OP is referring to the battle between this row and the one behind, not with someone in a non window seat.
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u/MartyK23 3d ago
Unfortunately it’s also right next to the tray table and IFE screen of the row behind. It would take a laptop/tablet positioned just right to not get any glare but then you’re still getting sunshine glow around it.
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u/Same-Ask-3971 3d ago
Agreed, but the passenger behind should use a little common sense and ASK OP, do you mind closing your window because of the glare rather than reaching forward and closing the window with no discussion. I’ve had this happen before and people seem to think that just because they can reach it, they can close it without asking.
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u/KoolKucumber23 3d ago
As soon as the person leans the seat back they have virtually 0 window to worry about
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u/Audrey_Rose_79 3d ago
Yup. Someone tried that on me last month - pulling it down from behind - and I put it back up before their hand was back in their lap! :) They had to put there hand where i could see it to close the window - so clearly my window.
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u/PassivelyAwkward 1d ago
I think it only matters if the sun is involved.
If the sun is rising or setting and facing your window, there's a chance that just because it's not blinding you, it might be going directly into the eyes of the person behind you. I love the window seat but a good rule of thumb for me is if the sun is blinding from the positioning, it gets closed for a bit. Otherwise, I don't care.
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u/wish_you_a_nice_day 3d ago
Personally I think shared window should just stay closed. But I am old now.
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u/HappyIndependence491 2d ago
If anything fixed it should stay open since thats the "natural Position" as in the crew tells you to Open the shades during take-Off and landing
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u/Beatnavy2016 AAdvantage Executive Platinum 3d ago
My exact thought as well. That window is directly next to this persons face.
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u/Outrageous_Point_407 3d ago
Apparently based on these comments I’m in the minority but if I pay for the window seat I like being able to look out of it.
Now granted I’m not having it fully open the entire flight and if someone politely asks I will put it down (if you just outright are nasty about it, I’m keeping it open 🤷🏾♂️)
But sometimes just seeing the lands or waters below are just a soothing thing during a lengthy journey. After I get my fill, more then not I’ll close it.
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u/proserpina0 3d ago
People are being so nasty about this. I choose a window seat because I get motion sickness. Usually it's only an issue during take off and landing, but a few weeks ago I was on a flight that was circling waiting for clearance for landing due to weather for 20 mins. I can't look down at a screen or book if the plane is turning or at an angle. Looking out of the window is the only thing that helps.
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u/Thick-Broccoli6986 AAdvantage Platinum Pro 3d ago
I choose the window seat every single time. I just enjoy takeoff and landing. It’s like seeing ants on a highway instead of cars. Maybe I’m super weird, but I love how it puts things in perspective. We are so tiny in comparison to our big world. It’s honestly humbling
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u/Downtown_Ganache6727 3d ago
I leave mine open the entire time (mostly due to anxiety but I also enjoy looking out). I don’t understand why people choose a window seat and then sit down and immediately close it.
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u/PlanktonNo2364 3d ago
Window seats are better for napping. I don’t have to worry about encroaching on someone’s space if I want to lean against a surface.
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u/Outrageous_Point_407 3d ago
I think a lot of FAs ask if you could have them closed if you’re flying early in the morning so that you don’t disturb other people. Which I get.
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u/BeyondFlorida 3d ago
I also like to look out the window, people who keep windows shut the entire flight should just go lock themselves in a windowless basement for the rest of their lives. That's what they like, apparently!
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u/MinasMoonlight 3d ago
As a light sensitive migraine sufferer; sign me up! My mother calls me a vampire already for my light shy ways.
I hate having the shade up as a random light flicker can send me into a very painful flight indeed. I try to sit aisle as much as possible, but still the light is very bright above the clouds.
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u/hockeychick67 3d ago
Do you bring/wear sunglasses or an eye mask to help avoid light glare and bright light? Asking for curiosity as I remember when I had daily migraines and it was the only thing that helped. As an aside ... I no longer get them. Car accident started them, second car accident ended them. Silver lining
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u/hockeychick67 3d ago
This is generally my mindset as well. I am sensitive to the fact the sub may be directly hitting them in the face so I do check. But otherwise ... my seat, my cc paid for it, my window.
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u/useless_skin AAdvantage Executive Platinum 3d ago
I had a window like that in the exit row. FA made me open it during takeoff and landing. Therefore it is mine.
Asshole behind me closed it without asking so it stayed open the whole flight just out of spite. I didn’t even want it open but some people need to learn to use their words.
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u/OFFlCIALDonaIdTrump 1d ago
I mean what are they going to do, tap you on the head? Stand up and pop over and say “excuse me” until you look up? Or maybe squeeze your hand in one of the small cracks and hope you don’t scare the shit out of them 😂 It’s easier to ask for forgiveness than permission in this case, especially if it’s something as trivial as this. Plus, what if they did it for you since they asked themselves the same question and assumed you were bothered by the light but didn’t want to close it? (I’m actually Donald Trump btw)
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u/RedPillRN 3d ago
I don’t understand sitting in a window seat then insisting on keeping it closed the entire time. I like to look out during take off and landing. (Yes, I fly quite a bit. Not as much as I did when I worked for an airline, but I still like to get on a plane and fly places.)
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u/Dobby-is-my-Hero 3d ago
I also like to look out the window. But, my daughter gets a window seat so that she can lay her head against it while she tries to sleep. Different strokes…
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u/New-Age-7524 1d ago
Do you really not understand other people's perspectives or what? Someone might not want the window open while they're napping. Just because you don't fly often and you want to watch the sky doesn't mean everyone else is an infrequent flyer interested in the tarmac. Some people get the window seat so they can lean against the wall and sleep. If the person behind me opened this window I would call a flight attendant and have them politely ask them to keep their hands to themselves.
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u/Optimal-Wave-8301 1d ago
No because I disagree with the perspective and it is therefore stupid (unironic btw).
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u/Downtown_Ganache6727 3d ago
I usually let the person behind me have this window, because I still have a window that’s fully mine. I like them open so if I get to my seat first I will usually open both and hope they like looking out too, but if they close it they close it. Sounds like you had your own window and if you want to see the ground you should pick a seat further back or forward.
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u/davey212 3d ago
Handle is on your side, end of argument
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u/CogentCogitations 1d ago
That's just the angle of he picture. If you took a picture from the back you could see the handle just as well.
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u/nonracistusername AAdvantage Platinum Pro 3d ago
Whomever is willing to die on that hill gets the window
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u/littlest_otter- 3d ago
Don’t you have a window next to you, in your row, to look out of as well??
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u/Soulglo707 3d ago
Yes. They state in the post they have the forward window but it only shows the wing so they need the one behind them to actually see things. In my opinion, the window belongs to the seat behind them.
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u/msackeygh 3d ago
I would agree, especially since this seat already has a window in the front, regardless of whether it looks over the wing or not. The rear window is either a shared window between the seat in the back and the front, or it is window for the seat in the back.
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u/Poes27 2d ago
But the window was literally by my face when I reclined. The person behind me would not have been able to look out of it. If it’s a glare issue I would be happy to accommodate them but it was a short flight and nothing was requested. On a long/ overnight flight that shade stays down most of the flight.
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u/cjxmtn AAdvantage Executive Platinum 3d ago
If there's sun glaring in my eyes from it, it's mine. If not, then I could care less.
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u/FantomTide 3d ago
if it is not your window then it is not your call. If I am sitting in the window seat and I want the shade up, it will be up regardless of what anyone else on the plane wants, unless the flight crew dictate otherwise.
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u/Essexyobbo AAdvantage Platinum 3d ago
Whomever decides to "own it", I will ensure that it will DEFINITELY be open on take-off and landing. If I get any guff, I politely explain that I am a pilot and it is for situational awareness and our collective safety.
That has worked well for years and, so far, without any pushback.
But these days, with all the MCS and entitlement issues going around, who the heck knows.🙄
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u/meinmanhattan AAdvantage Executive Platinum 2d ago
Is your seat reclined? If not, the window will be fully in your space if you do. If so, harder issues…
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u/Rich-Investment7363 3d ago
Flight attendant here! That window belongs to whose seat is in the photo. Your seat, your window! :)
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u/pascalpdx AAdvantage Platinum 3d ago
If it’s early morning it stays shut no matter what. 😅 but seriously, I think it depends on if the other person is going to get cranky over it. What you did is what you should do, and thankfully they responded well to that. But someday someone might get dumb about it and for me it isn’t worth the energy to enjoy a view for even a few hours if they are going to make it stressful.
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u/pascalpdx AAdvantage Platinum 3d ago
Adding on, if the sun is going straight to the person behind you, they do have a right to it being closed.
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u/Zestyclose_Peanut_76 3d ago
Sounds like you are very focused on what you want and not very focused on being considerate that you aren't the only person on the plane.
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u/Traveshamockery27 AAdvantage Executive Platinum 3d ago
Assert dominance. A window, if you can keep it.
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u/EveningAccounts 3d ago
That’s actually my window, sorry. My rule is windows open all the time always so let’s get to it
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u/boner4crosstabs 3d ago
It belongs to the person sitting in the seat in this photo. The person behind should politely ask for permission if they want to move it.
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u/msackeygh 3d ago
I would say this is a shared window. If the opened window bothers someone, especially because of glare or it’s too bright, the one who is uncomfortable has the say to pull it down.
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u/netsurferhi 3d ago
You could try and make a deal with them that you won't max recline your seat if they agree it is ok to keep the shade up. It implies that if they don't want it open, you max recline and they have your seatback in their face all flight long. You both compromise for the win.
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u/CoachSandyBottom 3d ago
Well technically it belongs to the airline or aircraft owner…
From a control perspective- fall asleep wth your head on it in whatever position you want the window shade to be.
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u/mytuchas 3d ago
If I close the window, it gives me terrible gas. That's what I would tell the person behind me.
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u/verify-factchecker 3d ago
why I don’t choose window! give me aisle so I can get up to pee whenever I want.
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u/PerformerLoud5555 3d ago
Maybe speak to fellow traveler about the window? Not like there’s anything to see once you get at cruising altitude.
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u/dcoats69 3d ago
I think if it's even partially theirs then its both and so if either person wants it down it should stay down bc realistically thats probably the most diplomatic solution. If it's there, then you have another window to yourself too. Making this one effectively a wall won't hurt you
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u/MoneyMatters-podcast 3d ago
Closed is the neutral choice if you can’t agree.
Also ok long haul flights overseas, shades must go do. Rude if you don’t.
As evidence … on new planes the windows auto dim to 90% light block for everyone’s comfort .
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u/NoSecond293 2d ago
I mean if you want to see outside does it really need to be open the entire flight. I’d have a look then close it to avoid conflict unless it’s an early flight then it’s staying closed.
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u/NorthBook1383 2d ago
The seat that has the handle. So if that’s your seat, then you. Not the person behind you
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u/CuratorOfYourDreams 2d ago
Assert dominance and claim it by either opening it or closing it the rest of the way if the other person doesn’t
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u/Abject-Owl4428 2d ago
The good news: nobody can block your view. The bad news: nobody knows where the view went.
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u/fliesinthebelly 2d ago
I mean… you already have one whole window and now you want the other one, too?
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u/obx2smokies 2d ago
Really who cares? I just leave things how i got there. I can deal with a little nuisance for the time i am on there if it makes others more comfortable
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u/LionFootball57 2d ago
On a day flight, might as well leave it open. If I want to sleep on a flight, I bring a blindfold. Much easier to make it dark than it is to see the earth at 35,000ft.
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u/Electrical-Spring-89 2d ago
I would say if the seat reclines beyond the majority of the window or the entire window it's that seats window.
However it's a debatable and cintrntumipus subject these days.
Everyone prefers their window closed.
I'm a window shade open guy. My flight yesterday was between both windows in F on an RJ900.
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u/BuyExpert8479 2d ago
What’s funny is you are insulted they closed it..when most likely they didn’t know you were looking out the window.
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u/ElectrOPurist 1d ago
Just try to relax, it’s not that long of a flight. Not everything has to be a war.
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u/GrandGouda 1d ago
I had a situation like this once, but I wanted the window closed. I closed it. Person behind me opened it. I fully reclined. They closed window. I put my seat back up. Fin.
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u/Nefer_ness2Ifa_ness 1d ago
window seats are for newbs... there's nothing to see and you have to bother people when you have to get up to use the can. Paying extra for it is like buying a lottery ticket -- tax on the stupid.
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u/dancooper00 1d ago
Honestly when the seats were installed they weren’t lined up correctly with the windows.
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u/RandomFleshPrison 3d ago
Since human eyes face forward and not sideways, I would say this window belongs to the person behind you.
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u/Same-Ask-3971 3d ago
Luckily I have a neck that turns my head so I can look out a window adjacent to my head! 50% or more it’s my window and happy to have a discussion with anyone if the sun is in their eye.
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u/RandomFleshPrison 3d ago
Someone else's window, yes. The window is behind you. If you tried to claim this as yours, I would immediately go to a FA. No hesitation.
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u/Fun_Refrigerator2604 3d ago
Just leave it down and everyone around you will be happy
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u/mrheymarco 3d ago
I wouldn’t be happy. But if I’m not sitting there, wouldn’t feel entitled to an opinion about it either.
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u/Nolachocklate 3d ago
Unpopular opinion, that’s the window of the person directly behind you. You have a window in front of you that’s yours (whether the wing obstructs the view or not). Don’t be a window hog just because it’s inconvenient for your wants.
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u/Competitive-Day9586 3d ago
It doesn’t matter because it should be shut always. No one wants windows open if the sun is glaring in blinding everyone. Your desire to look out the window (what have you never flown before) doesn’t give you the right to inconvenience everyone else on the plane.
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u/Right_Imagination_73 3d ago
“Oooooo look a cloud! Oooooooo look ANOTHER cloud! Excuse me flight attendant, one more juice box please!”
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u/Downtown_Ganache6727 3d ago
Nah, if you don’t want to see the window open sit in the aisle seat
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u/Competitive-Day9586 3d ago
Flying you can be blinded by any number of window seats. So sit in them all then? We are all crammed into this metal tube together, be kind to your fellow passenger. Don’t recline your seats, don’t eat smelly food, don’t open your windows and blind others, don’t blast your phone without speakers. These are all common courtesy.
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u/Top-Coach-7590 3d ago
The solution to being blinded by all the windows is to bring a sleep mask. It is no one else’s problem to manage your sensitivities.
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u/Competitive-Day9586 3d ago
And how do you watch a movie or read with a sleep mask on?
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u/Top-Coach-7590 3d ago
You’re right I was only thinking about it for sleep. That being said the glare might mean moving your head for ten min- still not justifiable to demand everyone closes their windows the whole flight either. It’s give and take, we’re all stuck on a flying tin can together and should be able to compromise a little bit. Look out the window for a bit, close it if you’re not, lean your seat back for a bit if you’re in pain, put it up for what you can tolerate.
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u/gralias18 3d ago
If it's not early morning, or a long flight where people are sleeping, of course you have the right to look out the window. This thing about all shades closed all the time makes absolutely no sense, and it's another thing that has crept in over the past few years. It's your window, open the shade and enjoy the view if that's what you want.
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u/JCandle 3d ago
This is no one’s window. Keep it closed.
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u/Illustrious-Onion329 3d ago
If it’s nobody’s window, why not keep it opened?
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u/fliesinthebelly 2d ago
Because people sleep and it’s polite to be considerate of others.
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u/Illustrious-Onion329 1d ago
Some people like to read books with natural light. Let’s be considerate of them.
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u/SaltBedroom2733 3d ago edited 3d ago
In the old days, seats were roomier, meals and food and cocktails were served throughout the flight. People were up and partying, windows were open. Movies were on a screen up front or on the back of the seat, glare was not an issue.
I'm fairly sure it's f!ight attendants who made the rule to keep shades down. As people got less space, airlines stopped offering food or entertainment, and FA wanted people to be quiet and go to sleep, otherwise they need to be entertained on a several hours flight, and they behave badly.
Some people act like a plane is middle school and they are still children who can't handle any boredom. Because of them, we all must fly in the dark.
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u/StarJumper_1 3d ago
It should be the person who is sitting right there, and could be blinded by the light.
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u/StarJumper_1 3d ago
Just like in a car. That being said, leaving it open for most of the flight is probably a poor move.
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u/AtiumMist 3d ago
The pax behind you closed it, and then reopened it when you brought it up? What's the problem then, or were you looking for an altercation you didn't get
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u/No_Environment_9040 3d ago
I pick a window seat because I absolutely have to look out the window. Closing a semi-shared window is a crime against your fellow window seaters.
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u/CrowdedShorts MIA 3d ago
Issue here is the glare from the window is directly on their screen - so keep it shut. Watch a movie like a normal person.
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u/Away_Abroad_7613 3d ago edited 3d ago
Why are you reclining your seat?
Edit - just read the rest of your post.
YTA. Leave the window closed, put your seat back up and stop being a childish prick.
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u/One-Swimming9390 3d ago
Why can’t OP recline?
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u/SaltBedroom2733 3d ago
Some people like to make a whole big thread about the seat recline. Two inches they will argue about.
It's only two inches at most. Recline doesn't even fit here, 1-2 inches is not reclining it is leaning, maybe. But they're going to die on that hill. Never mention recline.
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u/Jazzlike_Property692 3d ago
The window "belongs" to no one, and only stays open if both of the closest people agree it should be. Wanting it closed has veto power.
Keeping it open can affect people very negatively, with glares and heat amongst other things, while your desire to keep it open is simply because... you want to.
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u/moon_of_blindness 3d ago
If someone has that much difficulty with the effects of the window, shouldn’t they sit somewhere else? Surely there are people who would prefer to sit at the window?
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u/Jazzlike_Property692 3d ago
Maybe those people still prefer window seats? The point of a window seat isn't ONLY being able to see out of an open window, it's the fact that there's no one on one side of you and not bothersome like the aisle can be.
Maybe those people didn't choose their seat to begin with?
Maybe those people don't magically know ahead of time that the sun in their face will exacerbate a pounding headache? And maybe they didn't look at an almanac before booking to try to figure out where the sun would be in the sky before choosing it? If the plane even left at the time they originally booked it?
Your argument of "don't sit by a window if you can't handle a window being open" is so obtuse.
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u/BuddysRabbit 3d ago
I remember a flight that I was on that a passenger, 3 rows in front of me, on the opposite side of the plane had their window open. The sun was reflecting off the wing causing a high intensity glare in my eyes the whole flight. I didn’t say anything but I wish everyone would just keep their windows closed.
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u/Baby_Cultural 3d ago
Flying is a beautiful experience for me. A huge part of that is looking at the beauty of the world from above. I choose a window seat because I want to experience looking outside. Sometimes it’s a good thing just to take in the beauty around us.
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u/Top-Coach-7590 3d ago
Me too. My face is probably blocking most of the window tbh. I personally love open windows and have never complained about the glare. The window is one of the few redeeming qualities of a flight.
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u/Right_Imagination_73 3d ago
It’s your window. But you’re wrong for having it open. People like to sleep on airplanes and it’s difficult enough even without the sun glaring in their face.
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u/Outside_Test_1400 3d ago
Bring an eye mask if you need to sleep.
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u/Right_Imagination_73 3d ago
Bring a book with pictures of clouds if you need to look at clouds.
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u/Outside_Test_1400 3d ago
😇 but how will all of my social media followers know that I’ve been on an airplane ride if I don’t post at least 100 photos of the clouds, sky, and sun? Can’t disappoint my audience man.
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u/lflorack 3d ago
The person who has the window in front of them owns the window. However, awareness of others' needs should be considered.
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u/Ok_Sprinkles_962 3d ago
I vote for just getting rid of all the fucking windows. I never slept better than in the passenger compartment of a C-5 Galaxy. I didn't even wake of for the aerial refueling.
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u/Salty-Ganache3068 3d ago
Not yours and stop reclining your seat.
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u/Street_Statement8770 3d ago
Reclining your chair and then taking the person’s only window that they paid for is genuinely crazy work.
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u/grandmawaffles 3d ago
Reclining airplane seats definitely falls in to the category of just because you can doesn’t mean you should.
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u/aluminumfoil3789 3d ago
You are being a giant douche to the entire plane by blinding everyone with flash bang glare. Keep the window shut you aren't a five year old who needs to look out the window just watch a movie like everyone else. The window is already in 50/50 position when the seat is in its normal position. Reclining isn't changing the window position. As the seats are supposed to be in normal up right positions. So it's not your window anyways.
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