Jan 12, 2015, 2:30 pm
Last edit by: PETER01
Here is a guide as to the best and worst seats in First, Club World, World Traveller Plus and World Traveller on the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. Please ask your questions here, and hopefully someone will be able to help!
NB. The new 787-8 configuration is covered in the separate BA Boeing 787-8 (with Club Suites): Which are the best seats? thread
The following 787 seat maps have been prepared for quick comparison and reference
MMB/Expertflyer Aircraft Codes:
788 = Boeing 787-8
789 = Boeing 787-9
781 = Boeing 787-10
Boeing 787-8
Type 78B
Three class: 35J 25W 154M
G-ZBJA G-ZBJB G-ZBJC G-ZBJD G-ZBJE G-ZBJF G-ZBJG G-ZBJH G-ZBJI G-ZBJJ G-ZBJK G-ZBJM (12)
2006 CW, 2010 WTP, 2010 WT and Thales IFE
Boeing 787-9
Type 789
Four class: 8F 42J 39W 127M
G-ZBKA G-ZBKB G-ZBKC G-ZBKD G-ZBKE G-ZBKF G-ZBKG G-ZBKH G-ZBKI G-ZBKJ G-ZBKK G-ZBKL G-ZBKM G-ZBKN G-ZBKO G-ZBKP G-ZBKR G-ZBKS (18)
2015 First, 2006 CW, 2010 WTP, 2010 WT and Thales IFE
Boeing 787-10
Type 78X?
Four class: 8F 48J 35W 165M; fitted with new Club World Suites
G-ZBLA G-ZBLB G-ZBLC G-ZBLD G-ZBLE G-ZBLF G-ZBLG (7)
2015 First, 2019 CWS, 2018 WTP, 2018 WT and Panasonic ex3 IFE
Boeing 787-8 seating comments
As an aside note: The lavatories on the aircraft have handles to open, rather than a push the door mechanism (as found on the 777). The flush also uses a sensor rather than a button. This has potential to cause confusion at an inopportune moment.
B787-8 Club World:
The front CW cabin is quieter, and better for service than the mid cabin.
1 & 2 D/F: There is no overhead locker space, as it is taken up by the crew rest. The foot stools on these seats are also at risk of being bumped by a trolley, although they are semi-protected.
3A & K: These are the official C-W-S recommended seats. They have a little extra room, and direct aisle access, as well as good window views.
6A & J: These are recommended, as they are the longest, and offer the greatest legroom, as well as being ideally positioned for getting off the aircraft.
6D & F: These also offer an extra 3 inches of legroom.
7A & K: These have a little extra room, and direct aisle access. Ideal for those wishing to sleep. Unfortunately, these seats do only have 2 windows, one fewer than other seats.
B787-8 World Traveller Plus:
Passengers use the WT toilets, which does require a walk back through one of the WT cabins.
If you are worried about catering/meal options, it is recommended to sit towards the front of the cabin, as this is where the service starts.
An interesting video trip report can be found here.
10A-K: Recommended due to the extra legroom.
B787-8 World Traveller:
BA 787 Economy Class Comfort & Health Warning
Reviews for World Traveller on the BA 787 (and indeed many other airlines) seem to largely agree the experience is not pleasant, with 9 seats across in a cabin more ideally suited for 8. The seat is smaller than the WT seat fitted to any other BA aircraft, and this can be felt, especially if you have broader shoulders. Seat pitch is also tight, at only 31 inches. The rear 5 rows are reported to have a slightly tighter pitch than the others.
30 A & K are to be avoided: the emergency exit infringes on your personal space both at upper body and foot level.
30B-J: Recommended due to the extra legroom.
HJK seats in rows 31 to 34 have 1 more legroom than standard rows
A, C, D, F, H, K seats: an IFE box is under the seat in front of you, which infringes on legroom. Please see the photograph below.
Boeing 787-9 seating comments:
As an aside note: The lavatories on the aircraft have handles to open, rather than a push the door mechanism (as found on the 777). The flush also uses a sensor rather than a button. This has potential to cause confusion at an inopportune moment.
B787-9 First:
2K: Recommended by ThatT1Feeling. Quieter side of a/c and away from galley.
1E/F: Recommended for couples by All She Wrote.
B787-9 Club World:
7A/K: Recommended by CWS.
B787-9 World Traveller Plus:
No seats have limited recline.
21 A, B, J and K - Missing window (last window in cabin near row 20's head) + near toilets
B787-9 World Traveller:
The width of the WT seats on the B789 is marginally greater than on the B788 (owing to reduced aisle width on the former).
However...
BA 787 Economy Class Comfort & Health Warning
Reviews for World Traveller on the BA 787 (and indeed many other airlines) seem to largely agree the experience is not pleasant, with 9 seats across in a cabin more ideally suited for 8. The seat is smaller than the WT seat fitted to any other BA aircraft, and this can be easily felt, especially if you have broader shoulders.
A, C, D, F, H, K seats: an IFE box is under the seat in front of you, which infringes on legroom.
41A/K: No window.
43A/K: Increased space between seat & cabin wall.
Boeing 787-10 seating comments:
B787-10 Club World:
From porphyra's post:
6A/K window seats have one set of windows only, across the seat. The second further window adjacent to the screen/display that all other seats have is missing - this might be an issue for some people but I preferred it as there was likely less glare on the screen. The issue is that if you like to look out then you almost need to turn your head 90 degrees vs a slant 30-45 to look across the other window.
From corporate-wage-slave's post:
Bulkheads do have more vibration transmission compared to other seats, but that's almost looking for something to say. Essentially all CS is the same, with the only difference between window or middle seating.
B787-10 World Traveller Plus:
From Nil SeAnn's post:
All seats, even in the rearmost row 24, have very significant recline such that my head never fell forward during sleep.
20J/K have great legroom, but [20]D,E&F have even more legroom.
As I sat into 24F to try out the back row, a helpful F/A warned me that I would not be happy with the noise from the bathroom immediately behind the bulkhead to my rear. I thought to myself - how bad could it be? Well it was awful and I lasted about 10 minutes before moving again.
The toilet is oriented facing the rear of the plane and mounted to the WT+ bulkhead. I estimate it is probably only a foot or so from the back of the seat when fully reclined! If you plan an overnight flight I suggest you absolutely avoid 24D,E or F if you hope to get some sleep.
B787-10 World Traveller:
Far rear row of 48 has what appears to be very limited recline, around half an inch. See this post
The wall at seats 30A and 30K curves inward which limits the leg room for the leg closer to the wall. See post 1395 for photo.
Related threads:
NB. The new 787-8 configuration is covered in the separate BA Boeing 787-8 (with Club Suites): Which are the best seats? thread
The following 787 seat maps have been prepared for quick comparison and reference
MMB/Expertflyer Aircraft Codes:
788 = Boeing 787-8
789 = Boeing 787-9
781 = Boeing 787-10
Boeing 787-8
Type 78B
Three class: 35J 25W 154M
G-ZBJA G-ZBJB G-ZBJC G-ZBJD G-ZBJE G-ZBJF G-ZBJG G-ZBJH G-ZBJI G-ZBJJ G-ZBJK G-ZBJM (12)
2006 CW, 2010 WTP, 2010 WT and Thales IFE
Boeing 787-9
Type 789
Four class: 8F 42J 39W 127M
G-ZBKA G-ZBKB G-ZBKC G-ZBKD G-ZBKE G-ZBKF G-ZBKG G-ZBKH G-ZBKI G-ZBKJ G-ZBKK G-ZBKL G-ZBKM G-ZBKN G-ZBKO G-ZBKP G-ZBKR G-ZBKS (18)
2015 First, 2006 CW, 2010 WTP, 2010 WT and Thales IFE
Boeing 787-10
Type 78X?
Four class: 8F 48J 35W 165M; fitted with new Club World Suites
G-ZBLA G-ZBLB G-ZBLC G-ZBLD G-ZBLE G-ZBLF G-ZBLG (7)
2015 First, 2019 CWS, 2018 WTP, 2018 WT and Panasonic ex3 IFE
Boeing 787-8 seating comments
As an aside note: The lavatories on the aircraft have handles to open, rather than a push the door mechanism (as found on the 777). The flush also uses a sensor rather than a button. This has potential to cause confusion at an inopportune moment.
B787-8 Club World:
The front CW cabin is quieter, and better for service than the mid cabin.
1 & 2 D/F: There is no overhead locker space, as it is taken up by the crew rest. The foot stools on these seats are also at risk of being bumped by a trolley, although they are semi-protected.
3A & K: These are the official C-W-S recommended seats. They have a little extra room, and direct aisle access, as well as good window views.
6A & J: These are recommended, as they are the longest, and offer the greatest legroom, as well as being ideally positioned for getting off the aircraft.
6D & F: These also offer an extra 3 inches of legroom.
7A & K: These have a little extra room, and direct aisle access. Ideal for those wishing to sleep. Unfortunately, these seats do only have 2 windows, one fewer than other seats.
B787-8 World Traveller Plus:
Passengers use the WT toilets, which does require a walk back through one of the WT cabins.
If you are worried about catering/meal options, it is recommended to sit towards the front of the cabin, as this is where the service starts.
An interesting video trip report can be found here.
10A-K: Recommended due to the extra legroom.
B787-8 World Traveller:
BA 787 Economy Class Comfort & Health Warning
Reviews for World Traveller on the BA 787 (and indeed many other airlines) seem to largely agree the experience is not pleasant, with 9 seats across in a cabin more ideally suited for 8. The seat is smaller than the WT seat fitted to any other BA aircraft, and this can be felt, especially if you have broader shoulders. Seat pitch is also tight, at only 31 inches. The rear 5 rows are reported to have a slightly tighter pitch than the others.
30 A & K are to be avoided: the emergency exit infringes on your personal space both at upper body and foot level.
30B-J: Recommended due to the extra legroom.
HJK seats in rows 31 to 34 have 1 more legroom than standard rows
A, C, D, F, H, K seats: an IFE box is under the seat in front of you, which infringes on legroom. Please see the photograph below.
Boeing 787-9 seating comments:
As an aside note: The lavatories on the aircraft have handles to open, rather than a push the door mechanism (as found on the 777). The flush also uses a sensor rather than a button. This has potential to cause confusion at an inopportune moment.
B787-9 First:
2K: Recommended by ThatT1Feeling. Quieter side of a/c and away from galley.
1E/F: Recommended for couples by All She Wrote.
B787-9 Club World:
7A/K: Recommended by CWS.
B787-9 World Traveller Plus:
No seats have limited recline.
21 A, B, J and K - Missing window (last window in cabin near row 20's head) + near toilets
B787-9 World Traveller:
The width of the WT seats on the B789 is marginally greater than on the B788 (owing to reduced aisle width on the former).
However...
BA 787 Economy Class Comfort & Health Warning
Reviews for World Traveller on the BA 787 (and indeed many other airlines) seem to largely agree the experience is not pleasant, with 9 seats across in a cabin more ideally suited for 8. The seat is smaller than the WT seat fitted to any other BA aircraft, and this can be easily felt, especially if you have broader shoulders.
A, C, D, F, H, K seats: an IFE box is under the seat in front of you, which infringes on legroom.
41A/K: No window.
43A/K: Increased space between seat & cabin wall.
Boeing 787-10 seating comments:
B787-10 Club World:
From porphyra's post:
6A/K window seats have one set of windows only, across the seat. The second further window adjacent to the screen/display that all other seats have is missing - this might be an issue for some people but I preferred it as there was likely less glare on the screen. The issue is that if you like to look out then you almost need to turn your head 90 degrees vs a slant 30-45 to look across the other window.
From corporate-wage-slave's post:
Bulkheads do have more vibration transmission compared to other seats, but that's almost looking for something to say. Essentially all CS is the same, with the only difference between window or middle seating.
B787-10 World Traveller Plus:
From Nil SeAnn's post:
All seats, even in the rearmost row 24, have very significant recline such that my head never fell forward during sleep.
20J/K have great legroom, but [20]D,E&F have even more legroom.
As I sat into 24F to try out the back row, a helpful F/A warned me that I would not be happy with the noise from the bathroom immediately behind the bulkhead to my rear. I thought to myself - how bad could it be? Well it was awful and I lasted about 10 minutes before moving again.
The toilet is oriented facing the rear of the plane and mounted to the WT+ bulkhead. I estimate it is probably only a foot or so from the back of the seat when fully reclined! If you plan an overnight flight I suggest you absolutely avoid 24D,E or F if you hope to get some sleep.
B787-10 World Traveller:
Far rear row of 48 has what appears to be very limited recline, around half an inch. See this post
The wall at seats 30A and 30K curves inward which limits the leg room for the leg closer to the wall. See post 1395 for photo.
Related threads:
Seating guide: BA Boeing Dreamliner 787-8 B788 | 787-9 B789 | 787-10 B78X
Oct 5, 2024 | 9:22 am
#1487
Join Date: Oct 2024
Posts: 5
Least worst CW seats on 787-8?
We are flying LHR-PDX early July and Im not holding out hope the aircraft will be updated by then. Ive read pretty terrible things about the old CW seats and Ive never flown a biz class flight that isnt a 1-2-1 config before. We are 4 adult and a 13 year old, and we would usually do 5 consecutive window seats in a 1-2-1. Any suggestions for least worst seats in CW? Im already dreading the flight!
Oct 5, 2024 | 10:29 am
#1488
Join Date: Jul 2017
Programs: Mucci Chevalier des Internautes Amables; BAEC
Posts: 1,245
We are flying LHR-PDX early July and Im not holding out hope the aircraft will be updated by then. Ive read pretty terrible things about the old CW seats and Ive never flown a biz class flight that isnt a 1-2-1 config before. We are 4 adult and a 13 year old, and we would usually do 5 consecutive window seats in a 1-2-1. Any suggestions for least worst seats in CW? Im already dreading the flight!
Oct 16, 2024 | 1:32 pm
#1490
Join Date: May 2013
Location: London
Programs: British Airways Executive Club
Posts: 337
Sorry if already posted but you dont seem to be able to search for only two characters.
Does anyone have any thoughts regarding WT for row 21BC vs 30BC?
It seems as if 21 has the advantages of being at the front row so first in Economy to disembark and first to get the meal, but at the potential risk of a baby in front of you.
Whereas 30 has the exit door so more legroom and also the possibility of 30A being unoccupied due to the slide taking up the legroom, but with disadvantage of being later to disembark / get food, and also possibly the view from the window not being as good?
Does anyone have any thoughts regarding WT for row 21BC vs 30BC?
It seems as if 21 has the advantages of being at the front row so first in Economy to disembark and first to get the meal, but at the potential risk of a baby in front of you.
Whereas 30 has the exit door so more legroom and also the possibility of 30A being unoccupied due to the slide taking up the legroom, but with disadvantage of being later to disembark / get food, and also possibly the view from the window not being as good?
Oct 26, 2024 | 3:09 pm
#1491
Join Date: Oct 2024
Posts: 1
788 Club Suite configuration
I am flying YYZ - LHR on the 787-8 that has the new club suites fitted. I cant change my seat online as the seating diagram is all off but I am in 7K small cabin - its a night flight but not having a window isn't a bother but any thoughts?
Oct 27, 2024 | 1:37 am
#1493
Ambassador: The British Airways Club
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: UK
Programs: BA Silver
Posts: 10,877
I am flying YYZ - LHR on the 787-8 that has the new club suites fitted. I cant change my seat online as the seating diagram is all off but I am in 7K small cabin - its a night flight but not having a window isn't a bother but any thoughts?
I've not seen any pictures of the new Club Suites on the 787-8 but it looks like 7K has mostly part of one window and it's actually a bassinet seat according to this?
https://www.aerolopa.com/ba-78e
Pete
Last edited by PETER01; Oct 27, 2024 at 1:49 am
Oct 27, 2024 | 5:57 am
#1494
Join Date: Mar 2018
Programs: BAEC, Virgin Flying Club
Posts: 180
Hello,
Can't see this anywhere else, but just looking at a booking on a BA 787-9 in Club World and my partner's seat is described as 'Middle Club World.' I have never seen this before, and oddly it is a window seat, so not exactly a 'middle seat' in any way.
Anyone have an explaination? My seat which is an aisle seat in that configuration is just marked as 'Club World'
Can't see this anywhere else, but just looking at a booking on a BA 787-9 in Club World and my partner's seat is described as 'Middle Club World.' I have never seen this before, and oddly it is a window seat, so not exactly a 'middle seat' in any way.
Anyone have an explaination? My seat which is an aisle seat in that configuration is just marked as 'Club World'
Oct 27, 2024 | 6:03 am
#1496
Join Date: Mar 2018
Programs: BAEC, Virgin Flying Club
Posts: 180
thanks, not worried at all - tbh will be just happy if the flight goes ahead considering the problems with the 787s and that this route has already been trimmed elsewhere. Just seemed odd that I couldn't find reference to it anywhere else. Wondered if it might be an internal coding to the type of seat, considering it is not the most modern now, and there were predecessors.
Oct 31, 2024 | 6:58 am
#1498
Join Date: Apr 2024
Programs: IBPlus Platinum (OWE)
Posts: 218
Could someone check for me if this makes sense? I booked time ago LHR>PDX scheduled for 2024-12-17 (BA266), until today it was showing the old Club World seats with the 788 config, and I had picked the 3A seat. Today after my routine check of all the flights pending, I saw that the diagram for seat selection on the plane had changed to... some sort of Club Suite config?
It's the first time I've seen this seat selection configuration, perhaps it's one of the new renewed 788 but missing 3 rows?
It's the first time I've seen this seat selection configuration, perhaps it's one of the new renewed 788 but missing 3 rows?
Oct 31, 2024 | 7:05 am
#1499
FlyerTalk Posting Legend and Ambassador: The British Airways Club
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Leeds, UK
Programs: BA GGL/CCR, HH Diamond
Posts: 48,150
Oct 31, 2024 | 7:05 am
#1500
Join Date: Feb 2022
Location: London
Programs: BA Gold
Posts: 873
Could someone check for me if this makes sense? I booked time ago LHR>PDX scheduled for 2024-12-17 (BA266), until today it was showing the old Club World seats with the 788 config, and I had picked the 3A seat. Today after my routine check of all the flights pending, I saw that the diagram for seat selection on the plane had changed to... some sort of Club Suite config?
It's the first time I've seen this seat selection configuration, perhaps it's one of the new renewed 788 but missing 3 rows?
It's the first time I've seen this seat selection configuration, perhaps it's one of the new renewed 788 but missing 3 rows?
https://www.aerolopa.com/ba-78e