Is AA 737-8 12A view blocked by wing/engine?

I'm flying DFW-FLL next month on a 30 row AA 737-800 which seating chart shows the wing starting at row 12 where I'm thinking of buying the window seat.

But checking Seat Guru it shows the wing starting at row 10, so I'm wondering which chart is correct. Does anyone know for sure who flies on them enough?

I also notice on Seat Guru that the 12A window is misaligned but might consider 13a if the wing starts at 12. Does that have a decent view, or do you think going back to have a worse view to row 16a which has the blocked middle seat is the better value? I can almost give up my view for that.



Thanks!

Both the standard and AVOD configurations (versions 1 and 2 on SeatGuru, respectively) have row 30 as the last row. They can be distinguished by the number of the first row. If it is 7, it is the standard 16/144 configuration; if it is 8, it is one of the newer 16/134 aircraft with AVOD that has not yet been reconfigured.

The standard configuration is by far the most common. I can confirm that 10A and 12A are both missing windows, though I can't recall if the window for 11A is misaligned or not. On the right side of the plane, only 12F is missing a window.

There are few (if any?) 738s left with blocked middle seats. Even if the seat map shows that now, it could be swapped between now and departure. I would not select row 16 expecting a blocked middle.

All the new AVOD 738s have the blocked middle seats, they're being delivered that way (one went into service just today, in fact!) There are 31 atm (12.3% of the 738 fleet.)

AA says that if the middle seat on row 16 appears on seat map to choose then it's not blocked, and it does so I guess that version isn't blocked.

So since it's confirmed above that row 12 windows are misaligned, I'd like to buy 13a which is still available if someone can confirm that its view is not blocked by wing or engine.

Again my query is due to AA seating chart showing wing begins at row 12 while SeatGuru shows the wing begins at row 9. Can anyone settle this for me?

Thanks again!

This is incorrect, or at the very least, rather ambiguous. The blocked seats look like any other chosen seat on the plane. Gray with an "X" through it. The only difference is that if you scroll over it with your mouse, no seat number will pop up like with the other seats. The way to tell if a 738 has blocked middle seats, one has to go no further than checking if the front row is row 8 (yes), or row 7 (no).

When I hover mouse over seats 16B or E it shows the seat number and price.

The first row in coach is 7.

Can you or anyone settle where the wing actually begins on this plane in view of the conflict I described in my last post?

The wings do start around row 12. In this picture of N941NN (click for a larger image), you can see the two overwing exits outlined in white. Those are rows 14 and 15. The gap at the edge of the letter "m" is the row 12 misalignment.




The view from row 13 will at least be partially obstructed by the engine. Here's a picture looking forward from seat 15A in case it helps your decision. Row 13 would be around 6 feet ahead of this. Sorry that I couldn't find a photo from row 13 but I usually choose the exit row these days.

:-: Thanks a bunch! :-: I think 13A would be OK, though now I think its a seat I had last year that did have the engine jutting some into an otherwise full view of Manhattan.

Row 29A just became available so I could grab a window which I know will allow me to have an unobstructed view, even if it's farther back than my favorite 25A which is not too far front or back. I'll be watching every day to see if I can move up some.

About half the time I asked the GA will gave me a forward window but I heard they are being told not to give them free any longer. Have you heard? Long as I can see out I'd rather not pay. It's half the reason I fly. I once chose the flight based partly on the seat, but only AA will give full miles now so I stopped flying the other Legacies after 40 years.

The GA certainly can give out premium seats subject to availability and if the GA is not too busy with other things. So many of the active posters on this board have status so I haven't seen too many recent comments one way or the other.

I just looked at the seating chart you posted. To be honest, if the extra $28 isn't a big deal to you, row 9 is a much better seat. The view will be less obstructed and you will have extra legroom as well. It all depends on your risk tolerance

Confirmed. People started catching on so instead of paying for the seat, they would request it for free on the day of departure. AA would prefer to let the seat go empty so people learn to pay for it on the next flight.

Thanks. I took Kurt's suggestion and bought 8A before all left side windows were gone. I figure it's worth the extra $28 even being thrifty. The hassle of next to last row window comparatively is like prison vs. beach. Just spend the money!