Best seat for sun?

It doesn't matter what side of the plane you sit on, you are flying in the opposite direction to the sun on your trip out. Part if your flight will be in the dark. But sitting on the right side will maximize your sun exposure during whatever daylight you have. On the return trip, the left side will get more direct sunlight. Just be prepared that your seat mate may not appreciate having the window shade up for the whole trip.

"Just be prepared that your seat mate may not appreciate having the window shade up for the whole trip."

Ditto.

But CJean is right - for the flight over, much of it is in the dark, so we'll be just fine as seat mates on that flight!

Also be aware that even if the sun is out, you may not be seeing it from your window, depending on exact angles. I certainly wouldn't count on having it "in my face" on a flight, even if sitting on the correct side. Count it as a bonus if you do get it.

We just flew Zurich to San Francisco on a Dreamliner aircraft. Daytime flight, and I asked the flight attendant if they would be asking people to close their window shades. She said not only that, but if people didn't comply, then the flight attendants could close them automatically. Many people (including me!) are trying to sleep on the long flights.

She said not only that, but if people didn't comply, then the flight
attendants could close them automatically. Many people (including me!)
are trying to sleep on the long flights.

Except that there are also people like us who cannot sleep on flights and book window seats so that they can enjoy the sky views. If we've booked a window for that reason, then don't tell us we are required to lower the blinds when we don't want to. Advise other passengers to bring sleep masks or provide them. Sleepers can sit in ANY seat and get some ZZZ's with a mask but non-sleepers can't look out the window unless they've booked a window seat.

Open shades also mean it's hard for people in nearby rows to see their screens properly if they are watching movies, web surfing or playing games. In my experience that's more inconsiderate. Most people who sleep either aren't bothered by light or do bring eyeshades.

Open shades also mean it's hard for people in nearby rows to see their
screens properly if they are watching movies, web surfing or playing
games.

True but shades can also be partially lowered enough to cut some of the light but still be able to see out. We'll usually do that per the consideration factor. Now if the people sitting in front of us would only partially recline their seats??!!! 😉

I have never been on an international flight where any shades were left open during hours for sleeping. I foresee problems ahead with your idea. I would be furious if you did that near my seat.

Fortunately, 99%+ of people who cannot sleep on flights are considerate of those around them who are trying to sleep or watch a movie. But keeping one's window shade wide open with bright sunshine flowing in for the duration of a long international flight is just really bad airplane etiquette.

Ditto on how inconsiderate it is to leave your window shade open during a long flight.

I have always heard the instructions from the pilot to lower the window shades at a certain point during the flight.

We were on a morning flight from FCO to Zurick. The flight attendants asked everyone to keep their windows closed to help keep the plane cool. Once we were in the air then it was OK to open.

But totally agree with Frank----be considerate of your neighbors!

Ah, but you all have missed the point. The OP likes the sun on her face and that’s all that matters. Or so it seems.

I think we all caught that point and are encouraging her to be mindful of how it negatively impacts those sitting around her. Hopefully she'll be one of the considerate 99%.

I love the sun on my face and want to make sure I follow the sun

I'm reminded of the old British rule of thumb for liner travel to India: Port Out, Starboard Home. That's the origin of the term "posh".

Speaking of which, if you desire sun in your face while traveling, perhaps a transatlantic liner trip would be more suitable for you.

"I'm reminded of the old British rule of thumb for liner travel to India: Port Out, Starboard Home. That's the origin of the term "posh"."

It sounds good and plenty believe it, but sadly there is no evidence POSH was ever used in that context. It seems to be more a "retrofit" explanation. Similar to the idea that showing two fingers came from Agincourt as a way of insulting the French. Good idea, but regrettably not true.

Thanks for the clarification Nick! Snopes backs you up: https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/posh/

I do believe that a flight from LAX to Europe will be in the dark much ,or indeed most of the time.
All my many, many flights from the West Coast have been...……

Also, if my seatmate, or near seatmate, on a ten hour overnight flight, kept the window shade open to blinding sun in the few daylight hours; well, there's no telling what might happen...……

The onboard staff will ask everyone to close the shades after the first meal service.

I sympathize with the OP. I would certainly close my blinds during sleeping hours, but I often choose a window seat because I like the views and light and I find it claustrophobic and anxiety producing to be stuck three seats in with the blinds closed if it's not sleeping time. Some people watch their screens to pass the time, but others like to look out the windows. I don't think either has more of a right to a certain lighting condition. Although I agree it's considerate to lower your shade partway if the sun is shining right in someone's eyes.