Not all airplane seats are created equal. Some just make the trip harder—tight spots, non-reclining backs, awkward locations. And once you’re up in the air, you’re stuck with whatever you picked.
A little planning goes a long way when it comes to staying comfortable in the sky. Here’s a list of 15 seats you’ll want to avoid next time you book a flight.
Middle Seat
It’s the one everyone dreads. You’re wedged between two people, fighting for elbow room with nowhere to lean. No window to look out of, no easy access to the aisle—just stuck in the middle with nowhere to go.
Unless the flight’s empty, it’s not a fun place to be.
Back Row
Those seats in the last row might look tempting if you’re boarding late—but they usually don’t recline. You’re also right next to the bathrooms, so get ready for a steady stream of people walking by.
Add the smell and occasional toilet flush, and you’ll wish you’d sat up front.
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Right by the Bathroom
Speaking of bathrooms—any seat close to them is bound to be noisy. You’ll hear the door open and shut constantly, smell whatever’s going on in there, and maybe even get bumped by someone waiting in line.
It’s the opposite of relaxing.
Non-Reclining Seat
Some rows, especially in front of exit rows or the last row, just don’t recline at all. It’s not always obvious until you’re on the plane.
That means sitting upright for hours, which gets old fast on longer flights.
Over the Wing
Sure, these seats can help with turbulence, but you’ll lose the view. All you’ll see is the metal wing from takeoff to landing.
And since the engines are usually nearby, the constant humming can wear on your nerves after a while.
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Bulkhead Row
These seats are up against a wall instead of another seat, which means no under-seat storage. They’re often sold as premium, but legroom varies—and you’ll have to stash everything in the overhead bin during takeoff and landing.
It’s not as convenient as it sounds.
Exit Row (Front Half)
Exit rows sound great for stretching your legs—but not all are equal. Some have fixed armrests or less padding, and the door area can eat into your space.
Plus, you’re usually not allowed to keep your bag at your feet.
Galley Neighbors
Seats near the galley get noisy, fast. That’s where flight attendants prep meals and gather during downtime, so expect clanking carts, bright lights, and chatter.
Not ideal if you’re hoping to catch some sleep.
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Window Seat Without a Window
Yes, that’s a thing. Some aircraft designs leave you staring at a blank wall, even though you picked a window seat.
Not exactly what you had in mind when you clicked that box.
Row by the Crew Rest Area
On long-haul flights, crews rotate in and out of their rest areas, which are usually hidden behind doors in the middle or rear of the plane.
The activity can be distracting, especially if you’re trying to zone out.
Rear-Facing Seats
They’re rare, but still around on some business-class layouts. Facing backwards just feels strange to most people, and it can make motion sickness worse.
Unless you’ve tried it before and don’t mind it, better to face the front.
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Fixed Armrest Seats
Some rows—usually near the bulkhead or exit—have immovable armrests. That means less wiggle room and no chance of sliding over to stretch out.
It’s a small detail, but it gets annoying quick.
Seats with Limited Recline
These aren’t quite the same as non-reclining seats—they tilt, but just barely. You’ll find them in rows right in front of the emergency exits or just before the galley.
It feels like a recline tease more than anything.
Seats with Entertainment Issues
Now and then, you’ll get stuck in a seat where the screen doesn’t work, the headphone jack is broken, or the Wi-Fi signal is weak. It’s frustrating, especially on long flights when distractions matter.
These problem seats are sometimes mentioned in reviews—worth a quick check before choosing.
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Far Back with No Overhead Bin Space
If you board late and sit in the back, there’s a good chance the overhead bins near you are already full. You’ll end up putting your carry-on several rows away or checking it at the gate.
Either way, it’s a hassle you don’t need.
Comfort Counts More Than You Think
Most people don’t think too hard about their seat until they’re buckled in—and by then, it’s too late. These spots might look fine on the map, but small details add up fast in the air.
Picking the right seat won’t make the flight shorter, but it sure makes it easier. And on a crowded plane, that’s worth planning for.
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