Why Lufthansa Isn’t Interested In Dimmable Airbus A350 Windows

Lufthansa's Airbus A350-900s are among its most modern aircraft, and serve long-haul destinations all over the world. With Germany's national airline still waiting on almost 30 more deliveries of the type, it will be interesting to see how future deliveries differ from the first examples it received. However, one thing that will stay the same is its windows, with Lufthansa having decided against dimmable options.
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[@raddek99]

Bravo LH! I think it's the right move. I flew on Virgin Atlantic from LAX-LHR a few months ago on the 787. It's was overnight to get there. When we were maybe on the last 30 minutes of flight, i wanted to look out the window, and the crew had it locked all the way till maybe 5 minutes prior to landing. Giving me no control to look out a windows was very annoying, and i will avoid flying the 787 at all costs because of that. The video was good tho. Because it is correct, you cannot get 100% pitch black with those windows.

[@jouniairplanevideos]

That's logic, it isn't a shutter

[@jennyjohn704]

@@jouniairplanevideos No, it's not 'logic', it's a weakness inherent in the system.

[@dmcr9525]

I like the aircraft but I agree that feature is VERY annoying and on top of that should NOT be operated by the crew.

[@lmlmd2714]

I imagine another reason is reliability. I've seen quite a few polarising windows stuck in various configurations (not due to the crew) and with some really weird effects. It seems it's liable to failure. With a plastic shutter there's really not much to go wrong, and when it does, fixing it is trivial. Not sure how it works on the 787s, but I can imagine it's non trivial and probably involves replacement of the entire inner part of the window, not just a squirt of WD40.

[@japsie9280]

I can agree on that. I've also seen that it can take quite some time for the window to fully dim or opposite. However I also think that investing in the technology will advance it and make it more reliable as well.

[@comandanteej]

@D R Malév Tu154s used to have it that way.

[@suprashank]

Good Decision. I hated it when the cabin crew can dim it when they want. I felt my window seat experience was ruined by them having control over the window dimming.

[@JustBen81]

Better than having the airline crew rushing around the cabin as soon as someone opens the blind and urging that person to close it again (happened on cathay pacific). Also: the dimmable windows have a setting that doesn't wake everyone up but you still Can look out. I recently had my first 3 787 flights (different operator on each) and very much prefer dimmable windows.

[@AirbusA--si4kw]

@@JustBen81 But cabin crew can choose to lock the settings, meaning that they could dim to the darkest setting and you can do nothing about it

[@ant2312]

@@JustBen81 wrong, they don't fully blackout, you only prefer them because you're a Boeing fan, admit it

[@jaxonmattox9267]

For short flights where I want a window I absolutely despise the cabin crew controlling the windows (locking the , I wouldn’t care if it dimmed and I could just reopen it) like the passengers are three years old. On long haul flights I love that they cabin is darker and find it preferable to old windows that can let in too much light

[@6Diego1Diego9]

@@ant2312 of course. Boeing is the better airplane.

[@MichaelVanBladel]

Makes sense. Traditional blinds are lighter, cheaper and low maintenance. As a passenger i've personally never found the dimmable windows any more than a cool gimmick for the first 5 minutes, but a long haul plane should have fully blacked out windows for sleeping.

[@PrezidentHughes]

Fully agree. I've found the same. I also found the 787 a disappointment. I wasn't impressed.

[@mitcho04]

But when there’s that one person that leaves their blind open, it’s very convenient to be able to operate it from a centralised terminal.

[@jouniairplanevideos]

They wouldn't design it if it was heavier. So probably not

[@patrickb827]

Good decision, Lufthansa! I find dimmable windows annoying, I prefer to open, partly open, or close blinds myself thank you!

[@GoatTheGoat]

Electronic dimable windows is a solution in search of a problem. The manually operated blinds are cheaper and easier to use.

[@6Diego1Diego9]

How about we just install some clappers, Ryan? Would you like that? Huh?

[@derlangsame7813]

@@6Diego1Diego9 I can't see any reason to be rude

[@Jay-wt8be]

I agree with you

[@mwbgaming28]

Boeing and Airbus should remove the central locking feature of the window dimming system Allow the crew to mass dim or undim the entire plane, but don't take away control from the passengers

[@one42chrisp]

Hooray for Lufthansa! It’s about time someone took a stand against these electronic monstrosities. What is the point of paying to have a window set if a member of the cabin crew decides that they won’t allow you to look out, it’s utter nonsense!

[@JuanWayTrips]

Cabin crews can still do that though with traditional window blinds. I've been told to close my window shades before. The difference is the FAs have to go to individual rows to tell you to close it compared to using one button in the back.

[@AppleGameification]

What if everyone trying to sleep and you insist on having the window open and getting everyone flashed by the navigation lights

[@karlnicholls1784]

@@AppleGameification put eye shades on

[@japsie9280]

What if dimming windows help with transitioning between timezones and reduces the effects of jetlag? And being able to dim the window rather than having only two options doesn't seem all that bad. Yes, dimmable windows have their pros and cons and each technological advancement comes with its cons, but calling technological advancements and more flexibility "electronic monstrosities" and "utter nonsense" actually says more about you than the dimmable windows. You seem very simple minded and you don't look any further than your own nose. Many airlines are willing to pay extra for it, so apparently the people who actually know what they are talking about don't think that it is as bad as you claim it is.

[@Graygeezer]

Last spring I took a night flight up the east coast of Canada to Prague when the Northern Lights were particularly active, so I eagerly booked a window seat to get a glorious above the clouds view of the spectacle. The cabin nazis locked the windows dark 😠!

[@Z4N7]

I support their decision because what is the point of having newer futuristic and more expensive equipment if it is less efective then the older tech.

[@rilmar2137]

I agree. One 787 operated by LOT (SP-LRA) had two window malfunctions just this year, including one where there was a burning smell in the cabin

[@jojoavairf567]

"Never change a running system" I agree too

[@abdulwasey3506]

Correct me if I'm wrong, Emirates has those window blinds in their planes, that's much more classy.

[@AGamer075]

Its got its benefits aswell, the cabin crew can control windows without bothering the passengers.

[@ant2312]

@@AGamer075 if its annoying some passngers then it IS bothering them

[@schalitz1]

Completely forgot about Lufthansa's 787 order. Feels weird seeing their livery on a Boeing jet other than the 747 its been years.

[@uiuc007]

And soon to add the 777 as well.

[@filledwithvariousknowledge2747]

@@uiuc007 They’ve had the 777 for years in their cargo diversion

[@dariussoohoo]

I just flew on the 787 for the first time on a red-eye flight from Denver to London and being able to have near complete darkness, or the sky just look like a midnight blue outside, the entire flight until we started our decent was so nice and I think it helped reduce jetlag effects as I didn't feel as disoriented, even with a 7 hour time difference, because of the sleep I was able to get on the plane.

[@StarxFD]

Yeah, same for me; it makes it feel more natural. It was like midnight, and I thought it was midnight, lol. The windows were quite helpful

[@magnustan841]

I’ve never been on a daytime 787 flight, only an overnight flight with landing in the morning. I had no problem with the windows, the only gripe is that it takes a while to fully dim it. I’ve seen on videos that it can block out almost all sunlight.

[@jtirello3_111]

There’s no such thing as “the perfect world” we hypothetically speak of. But in a world where the balance between old & new has been completely foregone only for the sake of the new is much less of perfect world than can ever be achieved. The perfect world - as close as can be had - is a harmonious mix of old & new, of analog & digital, and this example is a glaring case against the new, especially when the technology is not fully developed enough to be considered on par with the old, much less its outright replacement.

[@jfmezei]

It is a good decision. Given choice, I will avoid the 787 not only because of narrow seats but also because flight attendants will prevent me from looking out the window, something I strive for because the view is part of experience of flying.

[@6Diego1Diego9]

You're biased because you're French.

[@ghostrider-be9ek]

I would suggest the 787 simply for the fact that it takes in no air from the engines to pressurize the hull. No chance of engine oil, air contamination.

[@Standby4titan]

I see this is as great news. I've been able to experience two overnight 787 flights and wasn't able to sleep on either of them. The windows take forever to then not even get fully dark. To me it's a gimmick that I'd rather go without.

[@henrimichelpierreplana4332]

Right with you.. same experience with 787 last year on a " night" flight across the Atlantic!

[@DosAussieThai]

I flew Jetstar 787 last night. The window changed quite rapidly, less than 10 seconds to change fully either way.

[@WhatsEndoDoing]

Still no video about the SkyGuide outage? :(

[@danielaramburo7648]

Probably to reduce maintenance. More electronics to have to take care off.

[@mememachine5244]

solid state electronics dont require maintenence

[@chikezienzewi9682]

The regular sliding flap window shades probably need more maintenance.

[@mememachine5244]

@@chikezienzewi9682 without a shadow of a doubt they do.

[@ant2312]

@@chikezienzewi9682 wrong

[@ant2312]

@@mememachine5244 wrong

[@adamkernen965]

As a passenger, I want dimmable windows and not have the crew control them, perhaps except for takeoff and landing. I love the dimmable windows on the dream liner.

[@raffiboi22]

Of course it would be American Airlines locking the windows in certain settings...

[@aq3121]

If it's not broken don't fix it. I haven't heard anyone say anything negative about "old school" windows.

[@PolishAviationStaffordshire]

I will, I find the dimmable windows better compared to normal windows. Although an av-geek, I suffer with bad motion sickness. Closing a window blind in flight disorientates me, making me rather sick and often exacerbating another medical condition I have. Being able to see a horizon really helps, especially on night flights where the crew ask for physical shades to be closed. Fully understand I am likely in a minority here, but electronic blinds have improved the experience for me

[@ant2312]

Makes sense, I never liked the ones on the Dreamliner, they don't totally black out

[@mikestone9129]

I hate dimmable windows. I applaud Lufthansa for the refusal to have them.

[@PassportBrosBusinessClass]

The thin plastic shades are probably better. I haven’t flown on an airplane with dimmable windows, but I may get a chance on Air Tahiti Nui Business Class from California to PPT to Bora Bora.

[@MC-nb6jx]

We flew on VA's A350/1000 last month.. Outstanding aircraft and hopefully we’ll be back onboard very soon🤞🏻🤞🏻

[@sainnt]

Originally people thought that the dimmable windows were hated by passengers, but what passengers mostly hate is the fact that the crew can lock the windows, taking control away from passengers. Lufthansa's reason may have to do with fleet uniformity, although they've never really had uniformity in their cabins. In any case, the feature is popular enough that Airbus now wants it too. This is why the Dreamliner remains my favorite modern widebody aircraft.

[@siddhant0297]

I like doing astrophotography from aircrafts and I kinda need the window flap for a good shot😅 So not a big fan of dimmable windows 🙈

[@CyberPunditUK]

Reduced cost and maintenance?

[@kentd4762]

Exactly. And less passenger hassles...

[@MatthewL1973]

I think the word “marvel” at dimmable windows is a major overstatement. Most people I know who have used the 787 dimmable windows don’t like them. The crew can control your use and they are never opaque. Unimpressive. Get rid of them. Don’t fix something that isn’t broken. Lol!

[@horiginsfs7561]

Thats actually intresting

[@karlnicholls1784]

For those complaining about people opening window shades when they’re trying to sleep - take responsibility for yourselves. Use eye shades. Next you’ll be wanting the pilots to turn the engines off because they are too noisy…..

[@chikezienzewi9682]

I actually like the dimmable windows. For one thing, you can have the entire window open and dimmed, instead of half of it open with sunlight streaming through. On morning flights from Europe to the US, there is a measure of control of that bright over-the-atlantic sunlight. Also, if you're not in a window seat, but have someone who insists on keeping the window fully open or fully closed, then I do appreciate the flight crew having some level of rational control. I always fly with eyeshades so I can blackout light (for only myself) if I wish.

[@6Diego1Diego9]

You're right. And those of us who insist on keeping the window open (me) can still look out with dimmed.

[@christophesch4070]

good move LH, one more thing that cannot break.

[@Phaser1x]

Don’t let the them (flight attendants) control what you want regarding dimmable windows. Good for Lufthansa.

[@chandrachurniyogi8394]

that means Lufthansa fleet of A350-1000 & A350-900 ULR (in operation & those on order) will feature cabin with good old pull down/up window shades . . .

[@justinkoster4417]

If it isn’t broke don’t fix it the old school shades are fine

[@hakko1985]

My dimmable window was broken during the entire flight from Mexico city to istanbul. Terrible 15 hours of bright sunshine.

[@AryaanSrivastava-p8h]

I personally would choose Singapore over Lufthansa for A350s. SQ is my most favorite A350 airline but I would not expect Dimmable windows on SQ a350s.

[@flyingdentist]

I agree

[@leoacert2865]

The window dimmers have honestly given me a slightly bad impression of the 787. Air India locks it for most of the day parts of their 9 hour flight from Goa to London and I really disliked it. Tho in their favour they unlock it like an hour or half an ahour before landing

[@get2dachoppa249]

Smart move by LH. I just did a 14 hr daytime trans-atl on an EY A351, and everyone in that section of the cabin had their shades down. It was dark as midnight .

[@ghostrider-be9ek]

Just like all touchscreen dashes, knobs and buttons are old school and much more tactile.

[@Atabascael]

I have had trouble sleeping with a dimmable window as there was still too much light in the cabin for me. When it was still dark outside it was not a problem. But we were flying against the sun and had a shortened night. It was getting rather bright after sunrise. But based on some other comments here I am not sure if maybe the dimming on my window was broken and did not dim as far as it should have.

[@zloinaopako]

Smart decision. Dimmable windows are useless.

[@utkarshsaxena8034]

Isn't the dimmable window far superior? It allows cabin crew to fully brighten them or dim them at the time of take off without having to tell each passenger to "Sir, please open the window shades", thus saving on cost by eliminating this unnecessary operation. Also, it allows cabin crew to maintain a lighting suitable for sleeping and waking up to make Jetlag as minimum as possible. At the sametime, passengers still have the option to override it and do what they prefer. Regarding the manufacturing cost over plastic shades, I don't have much idea. But overall I prefer 787 over A350 just because of the dimmable window. It's a dope tech and will get better with time. Going back to plastic shades is more like going back to the typewriter instead of a keyboard because it directly prints on the paper xD

[@CinemaDemocratica]

"Science: It's all about 'coulda', never about 'shoulda'." -Patton Oswalt.

[@edwinpaulino6674]

Well I’m interested in A350 dimmable windows but it doesn’t copy Boeing dimmable windows Boeing 787 777X it’s different ok so what About The Airbus A330neo Dimmable Windows

[@ChrisDelArc]

I always hated the electronic blinds because they didn't do a good job dimming the cabin, especially in long haul flights. I wish this gimmick will dissapear from airplanes. It's just more complex and less functional.

[@arielleblond6201]

What about the weight of both windows please? The electric consumption of the dimmable one? It could be the reasons why companies make differents choices.

[@ramyfares9099]

Then why did Lufthansa orderd the 787 then if they are not interested in dimmable windows instead of the A330neo?

[@TomGD]

It’s alright, although the dimmable windows are pretty cool. They won’t match with the shades, the dimmable windows won’t be dark enough and they won’t trap out heat which passengers who lean against the window may feel very uncomfortable.

[@garyrea2320]

People who let kids push the bloody buttons continually should be barred from every airline.

[@pork_friedrice]

This is a great example of over-engineering things.

[@olivierbraun941]

from a structural standpoint, no windows at all is the best solution! Ok lets maybe keep the ones in the cockpit, a plane with just a few cameras in front would really look weird.

[@hansloyalitat9774]

They either dim fully or fully open, on a regular window you can adjust how much of the window you want to close.

[@ant2312]

you can't because they don't 100% black out, which is what I choose

[@Amandaxt25]

they are cool, but i hated how the crew dimmed them during the flight

[@filmalarmxxl]

I recently was sitting inside next to this new window waiting for take off. All the windows were on dark mode. The sun outside heated the window so much that I almost burned my hand when I touched the window! By reaching higher altitudes the outer window became wet and than frozen. Ice crystals were blocking my view.

[@dj94545gaming]

If the cabin is meant to be dark the flight attendants should lock them to dark. I don't want someone blasting the sun through when it's a sleeping flight

[@alexandergrigorov2594]

Well electrical shutters option still available on A350

[@peterbarnard6396]

Lufthansa flies over several countries where they keep the shades closed at all times while transiting.

[@swittick]

Paid for a window seat with Jetstar, flying Melbourne to Tokyo Narita, only to have the staff lock the windows on darkest setting on a daytime flight. Once you get past the dimming gimmick, you want the old style blinds back.

[@Reitoft]

I hate the Windows on the 787 - technology without understanding travel experience - the windows get hot - son got that leaning against the window isn’t nice - and as the Boeing planes are so poorly isolated you get freaking cold surface and hot windows… please keep the standard blinds!

[@l3v1ckUK]

I've nothing against dimmable Windows. I do have something against the cabin crew having control over them rather than the passenger. I had a day flight last month with BA. It departed 7am local time, flying west, and landed at 1pm local time. The entire 10 hour flight was in sunlight. Yet after the meal service the crew forced all the windows into full darkness and tried to turn it into a night flight. Very annoying.

[@Mike-ccu]

Very good idea LH !

[@AndrewTheRadarMan]

I was in an American Airlines 787 flying above LA and we couldn't see the beautiful skyline because the cabin crew locked out the windows to their darkest setting AT NIGHT. Thanks American Airlines.

[@roadrunner6224]

Honestly who cares? No one is going out of their way and travel to different country just to fly with an airline that has dimmable windows.

[@ant2312]

wrong, I booked Qatar to fly Airbus

[@kevinp8108]

Cabin crew should only be able to control the dimming windows during take-offs and landings! Otherwise, leave my window alone.

[@PakaBubi]

I hate those dimmable windows. They are useless when cabin crew takes control of the dimming. Have had many bad experiences with United. Always carry eye shades

[@colinrenfrew48]

Wise decision. The dimmable windows on the 787 are gimmicky and are prone to failure.

[@colinrenfrew48]

@Phillip Banes since Boeing put them into production, and passengers tried using them.

[@irtwiaos]

My question is, why not both?

[@VisualApproach]

Next in Simple Flying's random topics for videos series is "Why Ryanair doesn't have Japanese bidet toilets."

[@Firestorm637]

Over budget. Any additional costs like dimmable windows too expensive

[@andyrichardsvideovlogs8835]

Cost...

[@supericeman1]

wonder what kind of windows Lufthansa has on it's A350s that are ex PAL

[@skkho1204]

PAL never had dimmable windows, no?

[@viniciusmagnoni6492]

Thanks god, i hate those windows.

[@sherwinsalvatori6997]

When will Misses A350 get dims. Well when Mr 787 agree to pay the optometrist for her transition prescription. 🙄

[@semperjr]

Since it's present fleet doesn't have them why not stay uniformed

[@theoldar]

I hate those windows.

[@xanderthomson6960]

I hate dimmable windows

[@josefernandezmelgarejo2482]

Esas ventanillas son las del 787

[@evansoul9248]

Why dimmable in the first place. I don't see a problem in shades. If it ain't broken don't fix it.

[@BabyBytheBeach]

Even in a 777 Air Trash Canada crew harass me to close my shades,NOPE 🙄🙄 Meanwhile they ignore people when they press the call sign just once. DO YOUR JOB AND STOP WINDOW POLICING.

[@Joachim21100]

Isn't shade is a protection against radition at high altitude?

[@oldnepalihippie]

Put traditional shades on dimmable windows, problem solved.

[@thelastofthehitachi972]

petition for dimmable windows - come on Lufthansa dont be such a party pooper, lol

[@ant2312]

we don't want them thanks

[@ronparrish6666]

Just do what they did on the L1011 aircraft 2 window shades on each window one tinted and the 2nd one dark plastic no motors or electronics just open and close by hand there problem solved

[@maskedavenger2578]

More electronics is more to go wrong ,what’s wrong in good old reliable window blinds or curtains . Who ever decided to waste money on such trivia as dimmable windows must be dim themselves & a liability to any company . The less gimmicks on aircraft the less to go wrong & the less expense & less likely they are to parcel themselves into the deck in a huge fireball .

[@jesskc6436]

I LOVE the fact that attendants lock out people's ability to control the dimming during long haul flights. It's actually one of the main reasons I fly the 787 because it's always annoying when there's that person who opens the blinds when we all should be sleeping or getting used to our new time zone. It's just the Karens of the world who ruin everything -_-

[@bradmacley2722]

LH isn’t exactly ahead of its time when it comes to product or anything really and I think it’s a big mistake because yet again they gonna make an inconsistent product one aircraft is gonna have the dimmable windows and ones not

[@borisdelzenne-b1278]

I was on a London to load Angeles flight and upon take off, past the clouds, the sun was so blinding. I switched my window to darkest setting and even then it was still in my face, unbearable. Bring back the blind!

[@danharold3087]

If not for cost I find the reasons for not using them disingenuous.

[@thihal123]

Unnecessarily complicated. Just use plastic shades

[@ross4]

I love the dimmable windows because I can look outside on dim mode, while still allowing other passengers to sleep. It's not just open or shut.

[@IANinALTONA]

I absolutely HATE IT when the crew overrides MY window settings and I take a conscious decision to avoid airlines that let crew do this.

[@frankiechong3819]

American Airlines cabin crew are the worst.

[@racedrummer1]

Sey just do it se propper way, se German way

[@stevenholt1867]

what a gimmick

[@nemowei5553]

LH is one of the most overrated airlines. For me in these days an overpriced low cost carrier. Flight attendant salary is a joke. Will never fly again LH. It's time that they go bankrupt!

[@vladilenkalatschev4915]

The most boring airline in Europe is definitely Lufthansa

[@ZBGregory]

There’s always that rude passenger who doesn’t care if 250 other people are trying to sleep and leaves their window in the brightest setting and also falls asleep without dimming the window. The option to dim them remotely is great, especially when the sun rises and starts hitting people right in the eye. It also helps reduce glare when people are trying to watch movies on their IFE.

[@skkho1204]

There's also the possibility of limiting the window settings to a darker range instead of outright locking them at the darkest setting. Could be a happy medium

[@ZBGregory]

@@skkho1204 exactly!