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Darker Windows Coming Soon to the Dreamliner

Jan. 19, 2016
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2 min read
Gentex dimmable windows
Darker Windows Coming Soon to the Dreamliner
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If you've ever flown on the Boeing 787 "Dreamliner," you probably noticed one common airline feature is missing: the window shade. Instead, the Dreamliner's windows are designed to tint at the push of a button — either by the passenger sitting in the window seat or the flight attendant's control panel.

Also, you'll notice that the windows would never go completely black. Instead, the darkest window setting has more of a dark blue color to it.

Even with all of the windows dimmed, this Air Canada cabin is certainly not dark.

I noticed this during my daytime Air Canada flight from Zurich to Toronto this past summer. The flight attendants used the central control panel to set all windows to their darkest setting in order to create an "artificial night." But, the cabin was nowhere near dark, thanks to the midday sun pouring through the tinted windows.

This issue hasn't gone unnoticed by airlines. As far back as 2012, the Dreamliner's launch customer, All Nippon Airways, actually looked at installing "pull down blinds on 787s already delivered," as the windows weren't dark enough for its preferences.

If you've flown the Dreamliner, you're likely familiar with the blue windows.

If this bothered you too, good news! The Dreamliner window manufacturer Gentex Corporation is rolling out newer, much-darker versions.

Gentex representatives at this year's Consumer Electronics Show confirmed with Runway Girl Network that its second-generation windows are "now being shipped to 787 customers." These "Gen 2" windows are designed to be 10x darker than the original version of the Dreamliner windows.

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Much darker dimmable windows are currently in development. Image courtesy of Gentex Corporation.

But, Gentex isn't stopping there! An even-darker "Gen 3" window is in development and is expected "in the next two years." This version is supposed to be 10x darker than Gen 2 windows, which would indicate that they'd be around 100x darker than the current Dreamliner windows.

Once these darker versions roll out, hopefully this — along with the Dreamliner's better-quality air and higher pressurization — will lead to an even more comfortable ride on the Dreamliner.

If you've flown on the Dreamliner before, did the blueish windows bother you?

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Why We Chose It

There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)

Pros

  • 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
  • 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
  • Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
  • Solid welcome bonus

Cons

  • Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
  • Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
  • You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
  • $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
  • $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
  • Terms Apply.