When booking a flight, most passengers have one goal in mind: securing the best possible seat. Whether it’s extra legroom, a clear window view, or proximity to the front of the plane, every traveler has their preference. But there’s one seat you should absolutely avoid if given the choice: seat 11A. At first glance, it looks like an ordinary window seat, but seasoned flyers know that it comes with a frustrating surprise.

Seat 11A on Ryanair’s Boeing 737-800 is notorious for one simple yet disappointing reason—it doesn’t have a proper window. Instead of the typical airplane window that offers sweeping views of the clouds and landscapes below, passengers in this seat are met with a tiny, almost useless circular opening that barely qualifies as a window. It’s not just a minor inconvenience; it’s a dealbreaker for anyone who enjoys gazing out at the sky while flying.

So, why does seat 11A lack a window? According to experts at Flight Radar 24, the issue boils down to the aircraft’s air conditioning system. On modern commercial planes like the Boeing 737-800, air conditioning is managed by two main units called “packs.” These packs regulate the airflow and cabin temperature, ensuring passengers stay comfortable throughout the flight. The air from these packs travels through ducts built into the sidewalls of the plane, directing airflow evenly across the cabin.

Unfortunately for those seated at 11A, one of these ducts is positioned directly beside their seat. This placement means there simply isn’t enough space for a standard window in that section of the cabin. As a result, 11A passengers are stuck staring at a blank wall—or worse, an awkwardly placed tiny porthole window that’s practically useless.

To make matters worse, passengers seated across the aisle at 11F get an entirely different experience. Their window is perfectly positioned, offering breathtaking views during takeoff, cruising, and landing. It’s an infuriating contrast for anyone in 11A who has to crane their neck down the aisle just to catch a distant glimpse of the sky.

And while it might be a small consolation, passengers in seats 12A and 12F don’t have it much better. Their windows are poorly placed as well, with obstructed or awkward angles that make enjoying the view nearly impossible. However, even their lackluster views are still an improvement over the non-existent window situation in 11A.

If you’re someone who values a good window seat—or just wants to avoid unnecessary frustration—it’s worth doing a little research before selecting your seat. Websites like AeroLOPA offer detailed seat maps for most commercial airlines, including Ryanair. These floorplans don’t just show seat placement; they also highlight window locations, legroom availability, and other useful details. Taking a few minutes to check these maps before booking your flight could save you from an unpleasant surprise once you board.

Speaking of legroom, here’s an interesting design quirk on the Boeing 737-800: passengers seated on the right side of the plane—seats D, E, and F—actually have slightly more legroom than those on the left side. This asymmetry isn’t something most passengers would notice without being told, but it’s a subtle advantage that might make a difference on longer flights.

So, if you find yourself on a Boeing 737 and you have the option to choose your seat, remember these two golden rules: avoid seat 11A at all costs, and if you can, aim for the right side of the cabin for a little extra legroom.

Of course, sometimes seat selection isn’t entirely within our control. If you’re flying on a fully booked flight or if seats are assigned automatically, there’s a chance you might get stuck in 11A. If that happens, the best you can do is manage your expectations. Bring a good book, load up some in-flight entertainment, and remind yourself that the window seat you’ve been given isn’t actually a window seat at all.

For frequent flyers, seat selection becomes an art form. Little details like window placement, seat dimensions, and aisle access can make or break your flying experience. And while seat 11A might not seem like a big deal to some, for those who love looking out at the endless sky during a flight, it’s a disappointment that’s best avoided.

So, the next time you’re booking a flight, do yourself a favor: check the seat map, skip over 11A, and pick a seat that will make your journey more enjoyable. Whether you’re traveling for business or pleasure, the right seat can make all the difference. Safe travels, and may your window seat always come with a window!