Drama Unfolds: Passenger Refuses to Close Window Shade, Causing Glare Throughout Entire Flight

On February 2nd, a story went viral online when a TikTok user named Kelly Meng posted a video about an unpleasant flight experience from Chicago to Tokyo. The flight had a 3-3-3 seat configuration, with only window seat passengers able to control window shades. Meng explained that the new aircraft uses digital window shades that can be dimmed but not completely closed, allowing light to penetrate throughout the journey, especially while flying through the Arctic region. After meal service, when most passengers were trying to rest, a middle-row passenger experiencing direct sunlight asked the window seat passenger to reduce the light. However, the window seat passenger only slightly adjusted the shade. Despite Meng pointing out this was the only window still allowing light through, the passenger responded, "I won't adjust it further. It's already at 75% and dark enough." The crew intervened, noting multiple passenger complaints, but the window seat passenger remained uncooperative. Meng concluded by calling this "a true lack of awareness toward others." The video sparked divided online reactions, with some defending the window seat passenger's right to control their shade, while others criticized the apparent lack of consideration for fellow travelers.