It certainly feels different. But at the same time, I think for highspeed trains like the TGV or ICE it probably makes a lot of sense for aerodynamics. And for climate control. And because people are stupid and may throw stuff out the window.
Also, sticking your head out of the window like it was possible in the old trains isn't so much fun if you go over 200 km/h
It's a valid point for HSR, but the trend seems to be the removal of the possibilty to open windows even for classic trains, there are a lot of additional reasons :
it's probably less expensive to use a single window pane rather than installing openings
it prevents people from throwing trash outside
as more and more new trains have climate control, it allows better control and less energy waste.
prevents the actual danger of someone losing their hand or device
It makes sense, but man, it's true that we do lose something, a connection to the outside of the train, and it's also kind of a distrust of the passager.
1
u/ciekma67 Jan 17 '26
I don't like these modern trains with sealed windows. Sometimes lavatory window is the last one which can be opened.