Traveler says airplane window shades should stay up 'by default' during the day, sparking debate

In recent times, traveling around the world has become quite accessible, thanks to various modes available. Still, what is a luxury for some is a lifestyle for others. It is this difference in the experiences that results in different perceptions about traveling. On that note, u/SpaceCadetBoneSpurs recently started a conversation, suggesting that airplane window shades should remain up "by default," especially during 90-minute or other short daytime flights. 

The traveler went on to explain why keeping the blind up means so much to them. They say that as a child of a working-class household, flying was an inaccessible luxury for them. They were always fascinated by what it would be like to see the world literally from a bird's point of view and higher. At the age of 24, they finally got the opportunity to fly by plane because their office paid for it. They emphasized how they could never forget the image of the whole world beneath them and just how beautiful it was. The user is now in his 30s, yet the chance to board a flight makes their heart skip a beat. They get as excited as a child when the airplane prepares for takeoff, despite the familiarity that comes with age. For people born into luxury, air travel is no big deal. But people like the Reddit user, it never stops being a big deal.

They went on to explain that the majority of their excitement and anticipation is rooted in the view outside the window. They can absolutely not fathom how some passengers immediately lower the shades after sitting. They said, "Yeah, I can see closing it on a transatlantic flight when you need to sleep. That's fair. But this isn't a 9-hour flight. We're on a 90-minute flight from Pittsburgh to Chicago at 2:00 in the afternoon, for Christ's sake." They generally travel once a year and are unwilling not to be able to experience the views from above just because someone needs a midday nap.

Many people resonated with the traveler's thoughts and shared their own perspectives in the comments section. u/thegirlfromno4 shared, "I prefer window seats whenever I fly. I usually always have the shade up, but I am considerate enough of others that I will pull the shade down if I see the sun is bothering someone." 

u/rmg418 commented, "Yeah, I keep the shade up too unless the sun is out and shining bright, then I’ll pull it down halfway or even all the way just so I don’t have to deal with the sun heating up my legs."

u/Music_withRocks_In shared their opinion, "It entirely depends on where the sun is. If the sun is somewhere on the horizon and is directly shining onto anyone it is fair to put it down. No one wants the sun in their eye for an airplane trip. Also, if the sun is shining directly onto their tray table and they are trying to use something with a screen then it is fair to want it down. If the sun is not in play window seat gets to choose."

All things said and done, air travel is always a delight, whether it's your first time or your hundredth. However, the best way to enjoy the journey is to show more consideration towards those around you.