Frequent flyers often have strong opinions about the best — and worst — seats on a plane. Whether it’s window vs. aisle, front vs. back, or over the wing vs. behind the engine, seasoned travelers know that where you sit can shape your entire flight experience.
But there’s one seat in particular that you may want to avoid, even if it looks tempting during check-in.
That seat is 11A.
And once you know the real reasons why — you might think twice before booking it again.
1. No Window — Despite Being a “Window Seat”
One of the biggest surprises about seat 11A on many aircraft — particularly in Boeing and Airbus single-aisle planes like the Airbus A320 or Boeing 737 — is that it often doesn’t have a window at all.
Yes, it’s labeled a window seat.
Yes, you’ll still have to climb over the person in 11B to get to the aisle.
But when you settle in and glance to your left… there’s nothing but blank wall.
It’s like being catfished by an airline.
Whether you’re someone who enjoys watching takeoff and landing or just need that visual comfort during turbulence, the missing window can feel incredibly claustrophobic — especially on longer flights.
2. Reduced Recline (and Sometimes Even Less Legroom)
Depending on the aircraft layout and airline, row 11 is often situated just in front of an exit row. That sounds like a bonus — but there’s a catch.
To preserve emergency exit access, many airlines restrict recline in the rows directly in front of exit rows. That includes row 11.
So if you’re in 11A, you may find that:
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Your seat doesn’t recline at all
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The tray table is stiffer or fixed
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The seatback feels unusually upright for the entire flight
Combine that with no window, and you’re left with a tight, rigid, and slightly unsettling seat for hours in the air.
3. You’re Stuck With the Engine Noise (But No View)
In many narrow-body jets, seat 11A is located over the wing or just behind it — a location that exposes you to loud engine noise during takeoff and cruise.
But unlike seats behind the wing, where you get a clear view of the engine or wingtip slicing through clouds, you’re stuck with the roar… and no view to go with it.
It’s the worst of both worlds: vibration, noise, and no scenery.
For sensitive travelers or nervous flyers, this can feel extra frustrating. In fact, many experienced travelers recommend avoiding over-wing seats altogether if you’re prone to motion sensitivity.
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4. Some Airlines Use 11A as a “Trap Seat”
Believe it or not, some travelers and flight attendants refer to 11A as a “trap seat.” Why?
Because:
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It shows up as a premium seat during booking due to its location near the front
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It’s labeled a window seat
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It may be priced higher or offered as part of a bundle — even though it lacks basic perks
That means you could pay more for less comfort and fewer features without realizing it.
Unless you check the exact seat map for your aircraft on sites like SeatGuru or through your airline’s seating chart, you might not know until it’s too late.
5. Emotional Toll for Anxious Flyers
If you’re someone who leans on visual grounding — like watching the sky, clouds, or horizon — the absence of a window can increase discomfort, disorientation, or anxiety.
This is particularly true during turbulence, when being able to “see what’s happening” helps some travelers feel more in control.
11A removes that option, leaving some flyers more prone to claustrophobia or unease.
The Bottom Line: You Can Do Better Than 11A
While seat 11A isn’t cursed, it’s certainly misunderstood. Unless you enjoy rigid upright seats, loud engine noise, and a blank wall instead of a window, there are better options — even in economy.
So the next time you’re booking a flight:
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Double-check your seat map
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Avoid row 11 if you’re hoping for comfort or a view
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And don’t let labels like “window seat” fool you
Because in the world of air travel, seat numbers can be deceiving — but knowledge is power.
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