On a recent trip to Chicago, I settled into my seat on the plane, navigating my way toward my chosen spot. With a bladder size that rivals that of a walnut, I always opt for the aisle seat. This helps me avoid the acrobatics required to maneuver over sleeping passengers when nature calls. It’s my small contribution to the comfort of others; after all, no one enjoys the passenger who gets up multiple times during a flight. Consider it a public service.
I also prefer the aisle seat because I like to keep an eye on the flight attendants. Their expressions reassure me that we’re not plummeting toward the ground in a metal tube with wings.
While I do have a fondness for window seats, the pressing need to relieve myself often takes precedence over the desire to gaze at the vast sky. I adore capturing images of twinkling cities at night and the breathtaking landscapes of our country from 35,000 feet. Unfortunately, my bladder simply can’t handle such indulgences. So, the aisle seat remains my go-to, and I’m perfectly content with that choice.
However, during this latest journey, I became aware of an unspoken hierarchy among airplane passengers based on their seating arrangements—the window, middle, and aisle seats each come with their distinct perks and privileges. Observing my fellow travelers, I realized that a set of unwritten rules seems to govern our behaviors in these cramped quarters.
For instance, the aisle seat occupant essentially holds the power to determine who can get up and when. If they’re asleep, those in the middle and window seats may find themselves trapped. Need to use the restroom? Tough luck, my friend. I even witnessed a woman sigh dramatically and roll her eyes for a full 45 minutes before finally attempting a daring maneuver over the slumbering aisle passenger in her row.
As for the middle seat, well, it comes with the right to dominate the armrests. It’s a small consolation prize for being the unfortunate soul stuck in that spot—let’s face it, nobody voluntarily chooses the middle seat. Those who find themselves wedged between two strangers on a red-eye flight from Los Angeles to New York deserve to stake a little claim over their elbow room.
But perhaps the most contentious issue in airplane seating is the control of the window shade.
Throughout my flights this past year, I noticed a pattern: window seat passengers would settle into their spots, adjust their carry-on items, and promptly close the window shade. This baffled me. Why would someone choose a window seat only to block the view?
What’s the etiquette here? Can those seated in the middle and aisle stage a revolt to ensure the window stays open for some much-needed sunlight?
Naturally, I turned to social media to gauge public opinion on this matter. The responses were passionate, to say the least. If you think debates over grocery cart etiquette are intense, just wait until you ask who has the right to the window shade. People are surprisingly fervent about snapping selfies while soaring over the Rockies.
After conducting an informal poll among my friends online, the verdict was clear: the passenger in the window seat has ownership over the window shade, no questions asked. A multitude of comments poured in, with people sharing their reasons for choosing the window seat—like having a wall to lean against for napping, avoiding disturbances from those frequently needing to use the restroom, and enjoying solitude on long flights.
In essence, if you want the privilege of deciding whether to bask in sunlight or remain in darkness, you need to book a window seat. However, another group emerged during the discussion: those in the middle and aisle seats who also appreciate some natural light and visual confirmation that the plane is still cruising along safely. Unfortunately, our pleas for a share of the view largely went unheard.
So, window seat passengers, please remember that we, too, enjoy a glimpse of the scenery outside. If you keep that window shade open, I promise not to roll my eyes the next time you step on my foot while heading to the lavatory. In fact, I might even share my airplane peanuts with you!
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In summary, the airplane window shade debate highlights the hierarchy of seating arrangements and the unwritten rules that come along with them. Whether you’re in the aisle, middle, or window seat, understanding these dynamics can help foster a more harmonious flying experience.