Budget airlines may be squeezing in more seats, but the knock-on effect can actually suit tired or nervous flyers. When rows shift, the windows don’t - and that can leave some 'window seats' facing a blank wall instead of a view.
Why Some Window Seats Have No Window
Plane makers like Boeing and Airbus design cabins so that windows align neatly with standard seat spacing, usually around 31–32 inches. Low-cost carriers often tighten that to roughly 28–29 inches to add extra rows, which can throw the whole layout out of sync.
That’s why some passengers pick a window seat and end up looking at the pillar between two panes, or even no window at all. It sounds like a recipe for complaints, yet plenty of people see it as a hidden win.
The Left Side Is Better for Sleep
If you’re desperate for sleep, a solid section of wall can be the perfect place to lean your head or wedge a pillow. And if flying makes you anxious, not having a clear view of the sky can feel like a blessing.
The odd quirk is said to crop up more often on the left-hand side of short-haul cabins (the “A” seats). So if you’d rather doze than sightsee, choosing that side can improve your chances of getting a comfy blank panel or a window pushed awkwardly forward.
Right Side for Views, Check Seat Maps
If you’re the opposite and want the best view for photos, you’re usually safer on the right side (the “F” seats). The same reshuffle can even leave some seats with a slightly better-feeling stretch without paying for official extra-legroom rows.
The easiest way to avoid disappointment is to check the seat map before you pay. Layouts often hint at where the window line sits, especially around exit rows and towards the back of the plane.
Not every plane in an airline’s fleet is laid out the same, even if it’s the same model. That’s why the seat map for your exact flight matters more than general tips online.
Specific Planes and Seat Numbers Affected
Ryanair’s Boeing 737-800 is one that most have likely seen online for noticeable mismatch, particularly on the left side. Some reports claim certain seats — including 11A and 11F — can end up with no window at all.
The budget airline itself often jokes about videos on social media showing customers with window seats without a view. It should not come as a surprise, though, as passengers who book this seat are told online that it has no window.
EasyJet’s Airbus A319 and A320 are also highlighted for wonky window alignment on the left. The very back rows can be fully windowless, and some overwing/exit areas may look different, too.
Jet2’s Boeing 737-800 and Airbus A321neo are included, with the 737 said to show the problem more once you’re past the front bulkhead. Left-side seats may line up with the plastic frame between windows rather than the glass itself.
TUI’s Boeing 737 models are described as behaving similarly on short-haul flights. But on the long-haul Boeing 787 Dreamliner, the usual spacing is more common, so windows and seats tend to match up as you’d expect.
