When booking a flight, you might want to think twice before choosing seat 11A—especially if you’re flying with Ryanair on a Boeing 737-800. While most window seats offer at least a glimpse of the sky, 11A is a known exception.
This seat is infamously windowless, with only a tiny circular port that’s difficult to see through. The reason? It’s all due to the aircraft’s air conditioning system.
According to Flight Radar 24, one of the air ducts that regulate cabin temperature runs directly alongside seat 11A, taking up the space where a window would normally be.
So, while you’re stuck staring at a blank wall, the passenger across the aisle in 11F enjoys a perfectly placed window. Even those in 12A and 12F don’t have the best views—but it’s still better than 11A’s dismal setup.
For travelers who care about the view, sites like AeroLOPA are helpful. They provide detailed airline seat maps, including window placement and legroom, so you can avoid disappointing surprises.
And if you’re looking for a bit of extra legroom, consider sitting on the right side of the plane—in seats D, E, or F. The 737’s slightly asymmetrical design gives those seats a bit more space.
In short, seat 11A might look like a standard window seat, but it’s not. If you value scenery or simply want to avoid staring at a blank panel for hours, it’s best to pick another spot.