Many travelers have taken to social media to share their experiences of sitting in window seats without actual windows on planes. Described as the worst seats on the aircraft, these portal-less sky chairs have been the subject of complaints due to the lack of a view and the feeling of claustrophobia. Some travelers have even claimed to have paid extra for these undesirable seats, such as one RyanAir passenger in 2020.
The absence of windows in these seats is often due to hidden hardware in the walls, such as ducts, wiring, or the intersection between different parts of the fuselage. Additionally, windowless window seats are common in emergency exit rows, where design constraints prevent the inclusion of a window. Custom tools like SeatGuru can help passengers avoid ending up in these undesirable seats by allowing them to see the seating configuration of their upcoming flight and identifying seats without windows.
Passengers can easily use SeatGuru by inputting their airline and flight number, which will bring up a seating map with potentially undesirable seats highlighted in red. By hovering over these seats with a cursor, travelers can quickly discern the reasons behind the designation, including the lack of a window. In addition to avoiding windowless window seats, passengers should also check the seating layout to ensure they are not facing other travelers directly, as this seating arrangement can also be uncomfortable.
Some passengers have expressed frustration at finding themselves in window seats without actual windows, with one Reddit user lamenting the lack of a view on a flight for which they had paid. The presence of hidden hardware or design constraints in emergency exit rows often result in these portal-less sky chairs, leaving passengers feeling disappointed and cramped. With the help of tools like SeatGuru, travelers can proactively avoid these undesirable seats and ensure a more comfortable flying experience.
The scenario of being stuck in a window seat without a window resonates with many travelers as an uncomfortable and frustrating experience. In some cases, passengers have even paid extra for these less desirable seats, only to be met with a lack of a view. However, with the use of tools like SeatGuru, travelers can take control of their seating arrangements and avoid ending up in windowless window seats on flights. By checking the seating configuration and planning ahead, passengers can ensure a more pleasant journey without the disappointment of being stuck in airplane purgatory.