A British Airways passenger has issued a stark warning to fellow travellers after enduring what they described as “complete hell” on a 14-hour journey from Kuala Lumpur to London. Despite checking in 24 hours before departure to secure a window seat 41A on the Boeing 787, the traveller discovered multiple problems that made the lengthy flight unbearable.

The passenger found themselves without an actual window, whilst the narrowing fuselage reduced space on their left side. To make matters worse, a silver entertainment system box was fixed beneath the seat in front, severely restricting legroom and forcing them to shift their feet and legs uncomfortably to the right. This brought them into closer proximity with their neighbouring passenger during the marathon flight, reports the Mirror.

Taking to Reddit to caution others, the passenger explained: “I had the misfortune of picking a window seat 41a on the Boeing 787 from KL to London. It’s a 14-hour flight, and I honestly don’t see how this seat could possibly be sold. There’s no window, it’s narrowing as the fuselage narrows, so you get less room to your left, they’ve chucked the entertainment box in your footspace, and then I was sat next to two larger men.

“It was honestly complete hell. I don’t see how any of that is even remotely acceptable. They shouldn’t even sell the seat at all. Luckily, after on hour, the stewardesses felt so bad for me because I clearly looked incredibly squashed (186cm tall) that they moved me for free. I just wanted to warn people, never ever ever book this seat. Literally would rather fly Ryanair for 14 hours.”

Whilst the passenger was fortunately able to switch seats, they titled the Reddit post “A warning to everyone about 41a and 41K.” The post received numerous comments as fellow travellers shared their sympathy for the predicament during a long-haul journey.

One commented: “I freaking hate those stupid boxes. What a disaster of a design.”

Another remarked: “REALLY old tech too. Could be 1/10th the size with WAY less power draw.”

A third recounted a comparable experience: “Experienced this damned thing for the first time from LHR to Boston yesterday. I’m 6″2 and I’ve flown plenty long haul to the west coast and never been as uncomfortable as I was on this flight.

“The front of my left leg – under my knee cap to halfway down my shin – is still numb right now, even after loads of walking.”

Another elaborated: “That box is the IFE box. It’s a mini computer which runs multiple screens. But it’s a bit crap where they placed it. Economy is a challenge at the best of times, especially when you’re in a corner like that. Glad they moved you!

“The aircraft itself is great, the problem is the airlines that decided to squeeze as many seats as possible. If I’m not mistaken, some Japanese airlines have one less seat per row on the Dreamliner, making the journey much more comfortable,” another traveller noted.

British Airways has been contacted for comment.