For many passengers, the opportunity to get some modicum of rest is while seated aboard an airplane during an overnight flight — and if those passengers are able to sleep despite conditions which are typically less than favorable, all the better…
Overhead Light On During Overnight Flights
…but when a person seated nearby decides to turn on the overhead light — to read a book or a magazine, for example, as he or she is otherwise unable to sleep while seated aboard an airplane — is that considered rude or acceptable? What about if the passenger is hungry and decides to dine on a meal or a snack during a time when no one else is eating?
The answer may not be so obvious. Some airplanes are equipped with overhead lights which seem to be designed to blind people, as they are so bright — this is typical on newer or refurbished airplanes — while others can barely light up the immediate seat area at all.
Also, people seated nearby may not be bothered by the illumination of a nearby overhead light — but if they are sensitive to light in an otherwise dark cabin, should they have been prepared for the flight with eyeshades?
Summary
Having the overhead light illuminated nearby typically does not bother me whenever I try to fall asleep aboard an airplane — no matter how futile is the attempt — unless it is so bright that it can be considered rather unbearable. I then might consider politely asking the person when he or she will no longer need the light on.
I often feel a tinge of guilt when I turn on the overhead light in an otherwise dark cabin during an overnight flight — even if it is only for a few minutes because I dropped something on the floor, as one example…
…so I was curious as to what you thought is the proper etiquette as to when — and for how long — an overhead light aboard an airplane during a flight should be on.
Photograph ©2016 by Brian Cohen.
