Finding the right window seat on an Airbus A320 can turn a mundane flight into an incredible sightseeing experience. If you book row 10 or 11, you'll clear the trailing edge of the wing and secure a sweeping perspective of the ground below.
Airlines configure the single-aisle Airbus A320 in various layouts, meaning wing positions and missing windows shift depending on the specific carrier. You won't get a good view from every window seat. Some align with solid cabin walls or sit directly behind massive engine cowlings that distort your photos and obstruct the horizon.
Understanding A320 Window Alignment Issues
Airbus builds efficient narrowbody aircraft, but cabin designers pack rows tightly. This means window alignment isn't guaranteed with every row number.
Rows 8 through 14 sit directly over or immediately adjacent to the wings. Sitting in row 8 puts you right above the engine and the leading edge, which blocks downward views but offers a dramatic perspective of the flaps and slats extending during takeoff. Row 9 to 11 sit mid-wing. Your view points straight down at the metallic surface of the wing structure, which works well for structural photography but ruins landscape shots. To see the full picture, we recommend the detailed analysis by The Points Guy.
Rows 12 and 14 mark the trailing edge. If you want clear photos of the ground without the wing cutting through your frame, you need to look behind row 15 or ahead of row 7.
Best Rows for Scenic Photography
If your goal is capturing crisp landscape shots or watching cities shrink beneath you, target the forward or rear sections of the cabin.
Rows 3 through 6 offer clean sightlines forward and down. Because you're ahead of the engine, the air turbulence heat haze won't distort your window photos as much. You get a clear angle toward the ground and the horizon during climb-out and descent.
Rows 20 through 26 sit well behind the wing. These seats provide uninterrupted panoramic views of the terrain, rivers, and coastline. Keep in mind that sitting near the back puts you close to the galley and lavatories, so you'll deal with higher foot traffic during the flight.
Avoiding Bad Window Seats
Not every seat with a window icon on the booking map actually has a window. Airlines often omit windows in specific rows to accommodate air conditioning ducts, emergency escape slide packings, or structural frames.
On standard A320 layouts, rows near the emergency exit doors—typically rows 10 and 11 on some configurations, or rows 12 and 15 on others—frequently lack windows entirely or feature misaligned panels where you have to crane your neck backward to see outside. Check SeatGuru or the airline's specific fleet map before you lock in your seat selection.
Another common trap is the rear-row penalty. Rows near the very back of the cabin (rows 28 to 31) often align with the curve of the fuselage or the rear lavatory bulkhead, resulting in blank walls or restricted window angles.
Booking Strategies for the Best View
Securing the right seat takes more than just clicking a window option at checkout.
- Check the sun angle: If you're flying north during the morning, book seats on the right side (starboard) of the plane to avoid direct glare. Flying south in the afternoon? Choose the left side (port) for optimal lighting.
- Watch out for exit rows: Emergency exit rows offer extra legroom, but they often come with window restrictions or fixed armrests that prevent you from leaning comfortably against the glass.
- Pay attention to aircraft sub-types: Carriers operate both the classic A320-200 and the newer A320neo. The A320neo features slightly modified cabin interiors and Space-Flex galleys, which can shift the exact row numbering by one or two rows compared to older jets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which side of the Airbus A320 has better views?
It depends entirely on your flight path and the time of day. Check the route map before departure to see which side faces the coastline, mountains, or approaching city skyline.
Do all window seats on an Airbus A320 have windows?
No. Several rows—particularly around emergency exits and the rear galley bulkheads—feature blank walls instead of windows due to internal aircraft infrastructure.
Is it worth paying extra for preferred seating on an A320?
If you care about photography or scenic views, paying a small fee for a forward or mid-cabin window seat prevents you from getting stuck over the thickest part of the wing.
Are bulkhead window seats good for sightseeing?
Bulkhead window seats (like row 1) give you an unobstructed forward-facing downward view, but they lack under-seat storage in front of you during takeoff and landing.
