When booking a flight, most travelers have their preferences—some want the aisle seat for easy restroom access, others prefer the window seat for the view or a spot to lean against for a nap. However, there’s one seat that experienced flyers will tell you to avoid at all costs: Seat 11A, especially on a Boeing 737-800 operated by airlines like Ryanair. While it looks like a window seat on the seating chart, this seat comes with a surprising drawback—it doesn’t actually have a proper window. Instead, passengers in this spot are left staring at a blank wall or a tiny, barely-visible circular peephole. So, what’s the deal with Seat 11A, and why does it exist?

The reason behind this oddity lies in the plane’s air conditioning system. Modern commercial jets, including the Boeing 737-800, are equipped with two air conditioning “packs.” These systems regulate airflow and temperature throughout the cabin, ensuring passengers are comfortable during the flight. Once the air is processed, it travels through ducts built into the plane’s sidewalls before being distributed evenly across the cabin. Here’s where the issue arises: one of these air ducts is positioned right next to Seat 11A. As a result, there’s no room for a standard passenger window in that section of the plane. Instead, travelers seated here are left with a blocked or obstructed view, essentially robbing them of one of the perks of booking a window seat.

To make matters worse, if you glance across the aisle at Seat 11F, you’ll notice that passengers on the opposite side of the same row have a perfectly aligned window. They can enjoy the views of the sky, clouds, and city lights below, while those in 11A are stuck awkwardly craning their necks, hoping to catch a glimpse of the horizon through someone else’s window. If that wasn’t frustrating enough, passengers seated in 12A and 12F don’t exactly have prime window views either. Their windows are slightly misaligned, and the structure of the aircraft limits their visibility. However, their experience is still a step above the disappointing blank wall that 11A offers.

Now, you might be wondering: Why don’t airlines fix this issue or at least inform passengers about it during the booking process? The answer is simple—airlines prioritize efficiency and revenue over minor passenger inconveniences. Each seat on a plane represents potential income, and most airlines won’t leave a spot unoccupied simply because it lacks a view. While some carriers are transparent and mark obstructed-view seats during the booking process, others, especially budget airlines, often don’t bother to disclose this information. After all, once you’re onboard and strapped in, there’s little you can do about it.

So, how can you avoid this problem? Thankfully, savvy travelers have tools at their disposal. Websites like AeroLOPA provide detailed seating charts for nearly every major airline, including accurate diagrams of window placements, legroom space, and potential obstructions. Before confirming your seat selection, take a moment to cross-reference your seat with these diagrams. You’ll quickly spot problematic spots like Seat 11A and can make an informed decision about whether or not it’s worth the risk.

Interestingly, if legroom is just as important to you as window views, you might want to consider booking seats on the right side of the plane—specifically seats D, E, or F. On most Boeing 737-800 aircraft, the design is slightly asymmetrical, meaning seats on the right side often have slightly more legroom compared to their counterparts on the left. It’s a small difference, but for taller passengers or those who value comfort, it can make a noticeable impact on their overall flying experience.

But what happens if you’ve already been assigned Seat 11A and there’s no way to switch? First, don’t expect any breathtaking views during your flight. Instead, focus on bringing entertainment—a good book, a downloaded movie, or some music—to distract you from the lack of scenery. Secondly, if the airline allows it, politely ask the flight crew if there are any available window seats you can switch to after takeoff. While there’s no guarantee, sometimes empty seats become available once the cabin doors are closed.

At the end of the day, Seat 11A serves as a reminder of the quirks and compromises that come with air travel. In an era where every inch of cabin space is optimized for profit, little inconveniences like this are bound to happen. For those who value the window seat experience—whether for the stunning views, the psychological comfort of seeing the outside world, or simply a place to rest your head—it’s worth taking the extra minute to check your seating plan before finalizing your booking.

So, the next time you’re selecting your seat for a flight, remember this golden rule: Avoid Seat 11A at all costs. Whether you’re flying across the country or across the ocean, the difference between a stunning view and a blank wall can have a surprisingly big impact on your overall travel experience. Fly smart, plan ahead, and let Seat 11A remain nothing more than a cautionary tale for other travelers. Safe travels!