Why Aircraft Have Small, Round Windows

The shape of plane windows is the same for most commercial aircraft – large or small. The small, round cut-outs in the fuselage have become standard today, but why aren’t they a different shape? Wouldn’t large, square windows offer better viewing opportunities for passengers? The reason is rooted in the plane’s aerodynamics and a dangerous example. Recently, we have seen changes and innovations in window size and functionality, but no change to this fundamental design.