Choosing the right cockpit tablet sunshade can dramatically improve visibility and comfort during flights. For pilots or aviation enthusiasts, the options range from universal fits to custom-made shades designed specifically for certain aircraft models. The best overall pick is the B777 Cockpit Sunshade because of its durability and ease of use, but it’s limited to Boeing 777s. The A320 Cockpit Sunshade set offers comprehensive coverage with custom fits, ideal for ground displays or training, while the OSEI A320 Sunshade set provides a budget-friendly, multi-shade solution for ground use only. Each option balances ease of installation, coverage, and intended environment, with notable tradeoffs in applicability and functionality.
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Key Takeaways
- The B777 Cockpit Sunshade offers universal fit for Boeing 777 pilots but is limited to that model.
- The O320 set of 4 shades is best suited for ground use or display, not in-flight, with a focus on custom fit for A320 windows.
- Multiple shades are often needed for full coverage, especially on A320 models, which increases cost and complexity.
- Most shades are designed mainly for ground use and do not provide UV protection for in-flight environments.
- Ease of installation and storage are key factors, but compatibility is the main differentiator among these products.
| B777 Cockpit Sunshade (Left and Right Seat Universal) |  | Best Overall for Boeing 777 Pilots | Fit: Boeing 777 pilot seats | Material: High-quality materials | Installation: Easy and straightforward | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| OSEI A320 Cockpit Sunshade (Set of 4 Shades) |  | Best for Ground Display or Non-Flying Use | Fits: A320 cockpit windows | Number of Shades: 4 | Use: Ground use only | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| A320 Cockpit Sunshade (Set of 4 Shades) |  | Best Custom Fit for Ground Use | Fits: A320 cockpit windows | Number of Shades: 4 | Use: Ground use only | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| cockpit tablet sunshade | Fits | Number of Shades | Use | See-through Front Shades |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| B777 Cockpit Sunshade | — | — | — | — |
| OSEI A320 Cockpit Sunshade | A320 cockpit windows | 4 | Ground use only | Yes |
| A320 Cockpit Sunshade | A320 cockpit windows | 4 | Ground use only | Yes |
More Details on Our Top Picks
B777 Cockpit Sunshade (Left and Right Seat Universal)
This sunshade stands out for its universal fit across both pilot seats in Boeing 777 aircraft, making it a practical choice for frequent flyers and professional pilots. Its durable construction ensures it can withstand repeated use, and the straightforward installation process makes setup quick. Unlike custom-fit options, it offers broad applicability, but it is limited strictly to Boeing 777s. The lack of specific UV protection details is a minor drawback, especially for those concerned about sun damage during flights.
Compared with the A320 set of shades, this model offers better durability and ease of installation, but it sacrifices aircraft-specific fit, which could lead to less effective glare reduction in some cases.
Pros:- Universal fit for Boeing 777 seats
- Effective glare reduction
- Durable, long-lasting materials
- Easy to install and store
Cons:- Limited to Boeing 777 aircraft
- No detailed UV protection info
Best for: Boeing 777 pilots needing a reliable, universal sunshade
Not ideal for: Pilots of other aircraft or those seeking UV protection specifics
- Fit:Boeing 777 pilot seats
- Material:High-quality materials
- Installation:Easy and straightforward
- Storage:Folds compactly
Our verdict“A highly functional, durable choice for Boeing 777 pilots who prioritize ease of use over aircraft-specific fit.”
OSEI A320 Cockpit Sunshade (Set of 4 Shades)
This set provides four shades designed primarily for ground use or display purposes rather than in-flight application. It’s an affordable option for aviation displays, training, or static exhibits, but it is not recommended for actual flight use. The set’s main advantage is the number of shades included, allowing comprehensive coverage of the cockpit windows when used on the ground. However, its lack of detailed specs and the fact that it isn’t suitable for in-flight glare reduction limits its utility for active pilots.
Compared to the A320 custom set of shades, this set is less tailored, but it offers more pieces for ground coverage at a lower overall cost.
Pros:- Includes four shades for complete coverage
- Suitable for display or static use
- Cost-effective for ground applications
Cons:- Not recommended for actual flight use
- Limited info on materials and dimensions
Best for: Ground display, aviation training, or static exhibits
Not ideal for: In-flight use or pilots needing glare reduction during flights
- Fits:A320 cockpit windows
- Number of Shades:4
- Use:Ground use only
- See-through Front Shades:Yes
Our verdict“An economical, multi-shade set ideal for ground-based displays but not for in-flight glare management.”
A320 Cockpit Sunshade (Set of 4 Shades)
This set offers four custom-fitted shades tailored specifically for A320 cockpit windows. The front shades are see-through, making them suitable for ground operations where visibility remains important. To fully cover all windows, two sets are needed, which increases the overall cost but ensures complete coverage. The product is primarily designed for ground use, such as static display or training, due to its see-through front shades and lack of in-flight UV protection. The custom fit means it generally offers better coverage and fit compared to universal options but requires multiple sets for full cockpit coverage.
Compared with the OSEI set of shades, this product provides a more tailored fit for the A320, but it demands additional sets for comprehensive coverage, which could be less convenient for some users.
Pros:- Custom fitted for A320 cockpit windows
- Includes four shades for full coverage
- See-through front shades maintain visibility
Cons:- Requires two sets for complete coverage
- Limited to ground use only
Best for: Ground use, static displays, or pre-flight cockpit checks
Not ideal for: In-flight glare reduction or pilots needing UV protection
- Fits:A320 cockpit windows
- Number of Shades:4
- Use:Ground use only
- See-through Front Shades:Yes
Our verdict“A well-fitted ground-use shade set that balances coverage with visibility, suitable for static or pre-flight applications.”
How We Picked
Our selection process focused on the practicality, fit, and durability of cockpit sunshades, prioritizing compatibility with popular aircraft models like the Boeing 777 and Airbus A320. We evaluated ease of installation, coverage, and whether the shades are suitable for in-flight or ground use. We also considered user feedback regarding effectiveness, portability, and material quality. Tradeoffs were inevitable: universal options tend to lack aircraft-specific fit, while custom sets require multiple pieces for full coverage, increasing cost. Ultimately, we aimed for options that balance usability with realistic application scenarios, from in-flight glare reduction to ground display.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Cockpit Tablet Sunshades
Selecting the right cockpit tablet sunshade depends on your specific needs—whether for active flying, ground display, or training. Key factors include aircraft compatibility, coverage, ease of installation, and whether the shade is designed for in-flight or ground use. Understanding these differences can help you avoid overspending on unnecessary features or choosing a product that doesn’t fit your aircraft or use case.Compatibility and Fit
The first consideration is whether the sunshade is designed for your aircraft model. Universal shades like the B777 Cockpit Sunshade provide broad compatibility but may not fit perfectly, reducing effectiveness. Custom sets, such as those for the A320, offer tailored fit and better coverage but require multiple pieces for full cockpit coverage, increasing complexity and cost.
In-Flight vs. Ground Use
Most cockpit sunshades are intended for ground use, static displays, or pre-flight checks. In-flight glare reduction requires shades that fit snugly, block UV, and are easy to deploy quickly. Many ground-focused sets feature see-through materials to maintain visibility, but lack UV protection necessary for actual flight conditions.
Ease of Installation and Storage
Ease of setup can be a deciding factor, especially if you frequently switch between aircraft or need portable options. Folds, lightweight materials, and simple attachment mechanisms make a big difference. Conversely, some custom-fit sets are bulkier and require more effort to install or remove.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are cockpit sunshades effective for in-flight glare reduction?
Yes, certain cockpit sunshades are designed specifically to reduce glare during flight, especially those that fit snugly and block UV rays. Universal shades may provide some relief but might not be as effective as custom-fit options tailored to your aircraft’s windows. Always check if the product mentions UV protection and in-flight usability before purchasing for this purpose.
Can I use ground display shades during flights?
Ground display shades, such as the OSEI A320 set, are not intended for in-flight use. They are typically made from materials that do not provide UV protection or glare reduction suitable for flying. Use these shades for static displays, training, or pre-flight checks only, and opt for in-flight compatible shades if needed during flights.
How many shades do I need for full cockpit coverage?
The number of shades varies by aircraft. For the A320, two sets of four shades are generally required to cover all cockpit windows, while the Boeing 777 may only need a universal shade for each pilot seat. Be prepared for additional costs if full coverage is necessary, especially for custom-fit sets.
Are these shades easy to install and remove?
Most cockpit sunshades are designed with ease of use in mind, featuring simple attachment mechanisms or foldable materials. Universal shades tend to be quicker to install, whereas custom-fit sets may require more time and care. Consider your frequency of use and storage needs when choosing a model.
Do these shades offer UV protection?
Many shades focus on glare reduction and sun blocking but do not specify UV protection. If UV protection is a priority—especially for in-flight use—look for products explicitly stating UV filtering capabilities. Ground shades often lack this feature since they are mainly for static or display purposes.
Conclusion
If you primarily need a sunshade for in-flight glare reduction on a Boeing 777, the B777 Cockpit Sunshade offers a durable, easy-to-use solution. For ground or display purposes, the O320 set of 4 shades is perfect, especially if you want multiple shades for comprehensive coverage. The A320 custom set is best suited for static displays or pre-flight checks, where fit and visibility are key. Consider your aircraft type and primary use case to pick the right option that balances coverage, ease of installation, and environment.
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