A former Ryanair flight attendant reveals which Boeing 737 seats to avoid.

A former Ryanair flight attendant is sharing insider secrets about the best and worst seats on a plane. Eleanor worked as cabin crew in Marseille, France. She spent many hours flying on the Boeing 737 fleet. Now, she is helping travelers pick the right spot for their next trip.

The Infamous Seat 11A

Eleanor says the first seat to avoid is 11A. On most Boeing 737-800 planes, this is sold as a window seat. However, there is no window there. It is just a blank wall. This happens because of the plane's air conditioning system ducting. Many travelers call it "Europe's most hated seat." If you want a view, stay away from this row.

The Awkward Row 32

The crew member also warns about row 32 on the 737 MAX. Ryanair uses a special version of this plane called the 8-200. It has extra emergency exits near the back. Eleanor says a crew seat faces the passengers in this row. You might have to stare at a flight attendant during takeoff and landing. She says it feels very "uncomfortable" for everyone involved.

Why the Back Might Be Bad

Sitting at the very back of the plane has risks. Eleanor notes that rear passengers are often the last to leave. Most airports use a bridge at the front door. This means people in the back wait the longest. She also mentioned safety during a water landing, or "ditching." According to her, the back of the plane is more likely to be submerged first. This can make it harder to exit the aircraft quickly.

How to Find the Best Seats

If you want more comfort, Eleanor suggests the emergency exit rows. These are usually around row 17. These seats have much more legroom. There is another big benefit too. Safety rules from EASA mean children under 16 cannot sit there. Infants are also not allowed in the rows nearby.

• Row 1 and the exit rows are usually quiet.
• You will not have crying babies next to you.
• You get extra space for your legs.

Choosing a seat on a low-cost carrier is a personal choice. Most flights are short, so any seat works for a quick trip. But if you want a view or peace, these tips can help you plan better. Always check the specific seat map for your flight before you book.

flying.flights provides comprehensive commercial aviation news covering airlines, aircraft, and airports. Track policy changes, airspace rules, and global aviation governance in the Regulatory category at flying.flights/regulatory.