One of the most disappointing features of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, for me, is the windows. The much lauded dimmable cabin windows are a little bit of a nightmare and now the news is that the Airbus A350 will get them from 2022.
What is it with aircraft manufacturers and these windows? I have not really found them to be amazing from a passenger point of view, and since those are the people using them, I am curious as to why Airbus is also going this way.
Dimmable Cabin Windows
There are a couple of issues with the windows as fitted to the Boeing 787. Often when you have landed, the windows can inexplicably mist up to the point that you are unable to see outside. Apart from the fact that seeing outside is why you have a window seat in the first place, this can’t be good from a safety perspective.
Overall Thoughts
According to Executive Traveller, these ‘e-windows’ will be part of an upgraded Airspace cabin for the Airbus A350 coming in 2022. Perhaps they will be using a better and more up to date version of the technology than Boeing that might alleviate some of the issues I have experienced.
Even so, I remember my first A350 flight, which was with Qatar Airways. I was unexpectedly surprised at how much more I enjoyed the aircraft when compared to the Boeing 787. It felt more comfortable all round and I especially liked having window blinds that I could adjust to suit myself.
What do you think of these dimmable cabin windows? What do you like about them or what do you dislike? Thank you for reading and if you have any comments or questions, please leave them below.
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Featured image by Delta via Wikimedia Commons.
I really do not like the dimmable windows of the 787… I am really disappointing to read that the a350 will receive similar windows, too bad!
I’m with you on that one!
I like the dimmable windows. However, I truly hate that the cabin crew can override the system and dim the windows. It almost gives me a panic attack (which feels like I’m flying in a tube with no way to see outside)… I also swear that the AA crew does this automatically to put everyone to “sleep” so that they can gossip and play on their phones for the majority of long haul flights.
Yes, I’ve heard people particularly say that AA were well known for it. They should be able to dim the windows but not lock them, which means you can still have control. That would be the best of both worlds, one would assume. Thanks for the comment!
I like the dimmable windows. What needs to be established are protocols when they should be locked. IMHO, there should be an override to keep pax from awakening others just because they want to see the view. On long haul, I think they can override to dimmed to 80% during cruise, keeping it free 30-40 mins during climb and descent.
Yes, but having them totally darkened on a day flight so people can sleep is a bit silly. One wants to see the view on a day flight, not sit in the dark the entire time. I’ve seen some magnificent scenery flying during the day, which I wouldn’t have seen if the blinds had been closed. Thanks for the comment!
Totally agree! And even if it is dark outside, there is no way looking out for the Nordern Lights for example on a Trans Atlantic flight!
Too bad Airbus is now following up on this trend with their a350 ….
… and here I was hoping that the 777X would adapt normal windows again, probably not gonna happen either
Yes, part of the fun of flying is being able to see outside. It’s just the way things are – I’m sure it’ll change again sometime. Here’s hoping!