Ryanair, EasyJet, TUI and Jet2 'left side' rule for booking seats

Ryanair, EasyJet, TUI and Jet2 'left side' rule for booking seats People picking this side of the plane could get a lot less - and for some that could actually be a good thing When aircraft manufacturers like Boeing and Airbus build planes, they design the windows to line up perfectly with standard, comfortable legroom (usually a 31-to-32-inch seat pitch). But most budget airlines make a change to their seating set-up that some passengers might actually prefer. Because aircraft seats are mounted on floor tracks, airlines can move them freely. Budget airlines like Ryanair, Jet2, TUI and Easyjet will often deliberately push the seat rows much closer together (down to a tight 28-to-29-inch pitch) to fit extra rows onto the plane. Although the seats move, the window cut-outs in the metal body of the plane stay. It's this shrinking legroom that instantly forces the seats and windows out of sync. Most window seats that passengers pick will have a view out of the plane, but some are known to have restricted views. In some cases, there are seats that have no window at all. While this might sound like a complaint waiting to happen, some people may actually see this as a perk. Unlike the 'extra legroom' trick, this flat surface offers the best spot for those wanting to take a nap during their flight - or those nervous fliers who would rather not know what being 30,000ft in the air looks like. Certain people claim that the window-free wall space offers a great place to rest a pillow. These misaligned seats often run down the left-hand side of the plane. For people wanting to benefit from less of a view, check your plane's seating chart before confirming your choice. You can often see how the window situation will work. - Ryanair (Boeing 737-800): The misalignment runs heavily down the left side of the aircraft. It is so pronounced that Seat 11A and 11F often has no window at all. - EasyJet (Airbus A319/A320): Highly noticeable misalignment on the left-hand side. The final rows (Row 31 on A320s and Row 26 on A319s) are completely windowless as well as certain overwing exit rows which may also have slightly altered alignment. - Jet2 (Boeing 737-800 or Airbus A321neo): On their Boeing 737s, you will find the Jet2 windows out of alignment past the front bulkhead. If you book an "A" seat on the left, you will frequently find yourself staring directly at the plastic pillar between two windows rather than out of the glass. - TUI (Boeing 737 MAX or 787 Dreamliner): On TUI’s short-haul Boeing 737s, the misalignment works exactly like Ryanair and Jet2 models. However, if you are flying on TUI’s long-haul Boeing 787 Dreamliner, the rule does not apply as long-haul aircrafts usually maintain standard legroom pitches, meaning the seats and windows stay properly aligned. If your goal is to sleep on your next flight, sitting on the left side (Seats A) of a short-haul flight on these airlines gives you a higher statistical chance of getting a solid wall or a heavily forward-shifted window to rest your head against. If you actually want to enjoy the view, you are better off sitting on the right side (Seats F). Booking these seats may also offer a little 'extra' legroom at a fraction of the cost.