An Irredeemable Nuisance": Why This Journalist Believes All Airplanes Shouldn't Have Windows

A debate in aviation circles has been sparked by journalist Brad Brownell, who argues that commercial airliners shouldn’t have cabin windows. Writing on Jalopnik’s Planelopnik outlet, Brownell calls them “an irredeemable nuisance” that makes flights heavier, more expensive, and less efficient. His critique centers on engineering trade-offs: pressurized fuselages work best as continuous cylinders, while cutting multiple window openings disrupts the load path and requires reinforcing structures. The article cites claims that each standard window uses three acrylic layers, adding about 8 lb (3.6 kg) versus solid aluminum, with long-term weight and maintenance implications.