The Window Shade Dimmer Switches On the 787 Dreamliner Are a Big Money Spinner For Boeing Because Passengers Keep Wearing Them Out

The button that controls the electronic dimmable window shades on Boeing 787 Dreamliners is said to be one of the aircraft manufacturer’s best-selling spare parts for the high-tech widebody aircraft, costing airlines tens of thousands of dollars a year to replace because passengers can’t help but repeatedly press them.

The reason, as revealed by licensed aircraft maintenance engineer Fahad Naim, is that passengers don’t think the button is working because it takes so long for the window to start dimming. Passengers then constantly press the button, wearing it out faster than expected, which requires a new button to be installed.