When booking a flight, most travelers carefully select their seats to maximize comfort, legroom, and window views. However, there’s one seat you might want to avoid entirely: seat 11A. At first glance, it seems like any other window seat, but seasoned flyers know it comes with a hidden drawback that could ruin your in-flight experience.

Seat 11A on Ryanair’s Boeing 737-800 is notoriously disappointing because it lacks a proper window. Yes, you read that correctly—this so-called “window seat” doesn’t actually have a real window. Instead, it offers nothing more than a small, nearly useless circular window that provides a barely-there glimpse of the sky. So, if you’re hoping for stunning views during takeoff, landing, or while soaring through the clouds, you’re in for a letdown.

But why does this happen? According to experts from Flight Radar 24, the absence of a functional window at seat 11A is due to the plane’s air conditioning system. Modern commercial jets, like the Boeing 737, rely on two primary air conditioning “packs” to regulate airflow and cabin temperature. These systems distribute air through a network of ducts built into the aircraft’s sidewalls. Unfortunately for those seated at 11A, one of these critical ducts runs directly alongside this seat.

This design quirk means that while nearly every other window seat on the plane offers at least a partial view, seat 11A gets nothing. It’s almost as if the aircraft was designed to specifically frustrate anyone unlucky enough to land this spot. To make matters worse, passengers seated across the aisle at 11F get a perfectly positioned window with all the views one could hope for. It’s an infuriating contrast, especially when you’re stuck staring at a blank wall while someone a few feet away is enjoying a panoramic sky view.

To add insult to injury, neighboring seats 12A and 12F don’t fare much better. While they do have windows, their views are partially obstructed or awkwardly positioned, leaving passengers craning their necks for a decent glimpse outside. Still, they’re far better off than the poor soul occupying 11A.

If you’re someone who enjoys gazing out the window during your flight, you might want to do some homework before selecting your seat. Websites like AeroLOPA offer detailed cabin maps for most commercial airlines, including Ryanair. These diagrams show you everything from seat dimensions and legroom to window placement, allowing you to make an informed choice before finalizing your booking.

And speaking of legroom, here’s another interesting tidbit about the Boeing 737-800: if you sit on the right-hand side of the plane—seats D, E, or F—you might notice slightly more space for your legs. That’s because the aircraft’s interior design is subtly asymmetrical, with the right-hand side offering a smidge more room. It’s not something most passengers would notice without a side-by-side comparison, but it’s a small perk worth considering if legroom is a priority for you.

Of course, avoiding seat 11A isn’t always possible, especially if you’re booking a last-minute flight or if the airline assigns seats automatically. In that case, it’s best to manage your expectations. If you find yourself stuck in this unfortunate spot, try to make the best of it. Bring a good book, download some entertainment, and remind yourself that at least you’re on your way to an exciting destination.

However, if you’re someone who takes their seat selection seriously, let this serve as a friendly warning: seat 11A is not the dreamy window seat you might expect. The next time you’re browsing seat maps, steer clear of this troublesome spot and opt for a seat with an actual view. After all, staring at a blank wall while flying through the clouds just doesn’t have the same charm.

So, whether you’re a frequent flyer or just someone planning your annual vacation, remember this little-known tip. Avoid seat 11A, do your homework using tools like AeroLOPA, and aim for a spot where you can fully enjoy the beauty of flying. After all, nothing beats the feeling of watching the world shrink below you through a clear, unobstructed window. Safe travels!