Additional Coverage:
- I flew sitting in a windowless window seat, and was surprised to find it might be the best spot on the plane for a power nap (businessinsider.com)
Local Reporter Discovers Unexpected Perk in the Not-So-Scenic “Windowless Window Seat”
Flying in a window seat without an actual window sounds like a travel nightmare, right? Visions of being stuck staring at a blank wall while your fellow passengers gaze out at the clouds can certainly dampen the excitement of a journey. Yet, after a recent airborne adventure, our local reporter discovered that this seemingly undesirable spot might just be the secret weapon for snagging some quality in-flight shut-eye.
The peculiar “windowless window seat” phenomenon isn’t entirely new. Many popular aircraft models, such as the Boeing 737s and Airbus A321s that crisscross our skies daily, often feature at least one row where structural components or ducts replace a window. This can leave unsuspecting passengers with a rather uninspiring view of the fuselage.
The issue recently landed two major carriers, United Airlines and Delta Air Lines, in hot water. Passengers filed lawsuits last month, alleging the airlines failed to clearly disclose the lack of a window during the booking process.
The plaintiffs claimed they paid extra – anywhere from $45 to $170 – to specifically select a window seat, only to be met with a blank wall. While some airlines, like European budget giant Ryanair, do highlight these seats during reservation, the lawsuits highlight a gap in transparency for others.
Curiosity piqued by the legal drama, our reporter decided to put the “windowless window seat” to the test. Knowing full well what was in store (unlike the plaintiffs), a flight from Dublin to London on Ryanair was booked, specifically reserving seat 12F – a known windowless spot on their Boeing 737 fleet. The flight cost roughly $28, with an additional $13 for the seat reservation.
Upon boarding, a mild relief washed over as the designated aircraft hadn’t been swapped, ensuring the windowless experience was on. While not entirely devoid of a view (a slight lean forward revealed a sliver of the outside world), by the time the flight departed at 7:44 p.m., the sun had already set, rendering any potential panoramic views moot.
It was then that the unexpected benefit emerged. Having endured a particularly grueling day of sightseeing (25,000 steps!), a night sleeping in an airport, and even a celebratory pint of Guinness, our reporter was utterly exhausted. With a good novel in hand but sleep weighing heavy, a hoodie was pulled up, and the head leaned against the solid, windowless wall.
Initially, concerns about vibrations and engine noise were present, but a dose of Spotify soon did the trick. Recommendations for future “windowless nappers” include earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones, a comfy hoodie to cushion against the wall, and a cap to block out cabin light. After nearly an hour of peaceful slumber, the plane’s descent signaled the end of the nap and the flight.
A minor drawback did present itself: the classic window seat dilemma of needing to use the restroom. However, on a short flight, waiting a few extra minutes was manageable.
Back on solid ground in England, the verdict was in: the windowless seat was surprisingly comfortable for sleeping. It offered a stable, dark surface far superior to leaning against a regular window or propping one’s head on an armrest.
For those late-day flights when the view is already gone and a snooze is paramount, this often-maligned seat might just be the unexpected hero of your journey. So, next time you’re booking, don’t dismiss that “windowless window seat” – it could be your ticket to a refreshingly quiet nap.