She Insisted on Keeping the Airplane Window Open, But the Shocking Response From a Fellow Passenger Led to an Unforgettable Journey.

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In a conflict arising thousands of feet above the ground, the Original Poster (OP) is embroiled in a delicate dispute with a fellow passenger over the harsh glare from an airplane window. As the saga unfolds, the OP’s request for dimmed lighting to prevent a migraine is met with resistance and leads to a tension-filled journey. The climax hits when the disgruntled passenger, upon landing, realizes her own oversight, but will she make amends with the OP?

The Take-Off

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OP boards a six-hour international flight, knowing that bright light could potentially trigger her severe migraines. She is seated in the middle of the row while a female passenger sits by the window across the aisle.

The Light Shines Through

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Shortly into the journey, the woman opens her window, letting in a glaring light. The light makes OP wince in anticipation of a severe oncoming migraine. She knows it is only a matter of time before the pain sets in.

The Light Invasion

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The brightness from the window intensifies, directly affecting OP. Struggling with the light’s harshness, she considers her options. After approximately 40 minutes, flight attendants start serving food and drinks.

The Request

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When a flight attendant approaches, OP seizes the opportunity to ask for assistance. OP asks the flight attendant to speak to the woman in the window seat, hoping to alleviate the discomfort caused by the light.

The Flight Attendant’s Request

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The flight attendant is very understanding due to her mother having the same sort of light-induced migraines. She promptly asks the woman to lower her window, gently explaining the situation. The woman appears to be annoyed by the request.

The Reluctant Compromise

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A brief exchange occurs between the flight attendant and the woman. She eventually agrees to close the window, though she expresses her displeasure. Her issue revolves around the overhead light not being good enough to read her book.

The Apology

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As the woman heads to the bathroom, OP takes a moment to apologize. She explains about her severe light-induced migraines, trying to convey the reason behind her request. The woman responds with understanding but also expresses her inconvenience.

The Price of Comfort

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She justifies her preference to keep the window open by mentioning that she paid for the seat specifically for the window view. Following their exchange, she refrains from reading and sits idle for the flight. OP feels guilty but is grateful for the dim environment.

Baggage Claim Drama

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Upon landing, OP spots the woman at the baggage claim. She’s sharing her flight experience with others, emphasizing how she was made to close the window due to a complaint from a fellow passenger. OP recognizes this as an opportunity to clarify her actions further.

The Public Apology

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OP approaches the woman, offering yet another apology for the inconvenience caused. She thanks her for understanding and complying with her request during the flight. The woman admits her frustration but also acknowledges OP’s condition.

Window Seat Woes

The woman reiterates her inconvenience, mentioning her inability to read because of the overhead light’s poor angle. She repeats her argument about having paid for the window seat and suggests that OP consider a window seat next time if light is such an issue. The encounter ends on an awkward note.

The Afterthought

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Though the woman’s tone remains polite throughout their exchanges, OP is left wondering if her request was unreasonable. She empathizes with the woman’s displeasure caused by the interruption to her reading and viewing experience. The guilt continues to linger in OP’s mind.

The End of the Journey

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Finally, both passengers part ways, carrying the memory of their unusual flight experience with them. They go their separate ways. Each wrapped up in their own thoughts about the events that transpired.

Was The Woman’s Behavior Appropriate?

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OP posts her story online for feedback. The readers in the forum had a lot of mixed views on the matter. Here are some of their responses:

Forum Responds

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One reader said, “You got your wish to shut her window. Now leave her alone and stop trying to guilt trip her about being upset.”

Another Commenter Thinks

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Another responder wrote, “If you know the light is a trigger, you should travel with an eye mask or something. Window seat controls the window, end of story.”

A Third View on The Story

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A different person stated, “Get an eye cover. Or super dark sunglasses. Or pay for first class where other people’s windows won’t bother you much.”

A Final Perspective on the Matter

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Another reader commented, “You know you get migraines. You knew you were getting on a flight. It’s on you to take care of your own medical needs and not expect everyone around you to accommodate you.”