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
Dec 16, 2024 | 2:57 pm
#1517
Join Date: Apr 2024
Programs: IBPlus Platinum (OWE)
Posts: 218
Right now the seat plan appears to be with Club Suites, but I checked the routes that the two club suite planes should be covering and I cant see PDX on the schedule but other destinations. I was asking just in case I was missing something or checking something wrong.
Dec 16, 2024 | 3:46 pm
#1519
Join Date: Apr 2024
Programs: IBPlus Platinum (OWE)
Posts: 218
Dec 16, 2024 | 3:49 pm
#1520
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2002
Programs: Mucci des Hommes Magiques et Magnifiques
Posts: 21,765
Again no specific aircraft covers a route, it’s just luck what you get, I would be very surprised if it’s the first time a Club Suite aircraft has operated this route.
Dec 17, 2024 | 4:36 pm
#1521
Join Date: Nov 2021
Posts: 55
787-8 CW choice
Flying the 787-8 to Cincinnati next week. Seems like an oddly small CW cabin of basically 2 mini-cabins.
Wife, 3 y/o and myself currently assigned 2 def. Appears to be a light load. Wondering if worth switch to rows.
Wife, 3 y/o and myself currently assigned 2 def. Appears to be a light load. Wondering if worth switch to rows.
Last edited by flights_1; Dec 17, 2024 at 4:55 pm
Jan 3, 2025 | 8:30 am
#1522
Join Date: May 2012
Location: London, UK
Programs: BA Gold, SAS Eurobonus Gold, Hotels.com Gold
Posts: 493
Hi all and happy new year (if it's appropriate to say that given the BAEC changes we are suffering).
Nevertheless, life and flying go on and in the meantime I have a last minute round trip London to Montreal at the end of the month, on the 787 with no first class and old-style Club World.
Outbound (BA095), I am accompanying a very dear friend of mine to hold her hand on a personal matter, and she won't go for any more than economy (yes I like her that much). For privacy I've suggested the very last row of WT that goes down to two seats as the pair 39H and J. Questions:
Return (BA094) will be on my own and so I'm at liberty to be back in J. At least it's that way round to get it for the overnight flight. Looking for the sweet spot of window and no step-over so that gives me 3K (3A and 7A/K already taken) which I've booked. However, Aerolopa says that 3K can be crew rest on longer flights - but (a) is Montreal a "longer flight" and (b) this thread suggests that it's 7K used by crew if so and not 3K anyway? Am I safe, given it was available for me to choose at less than a month out?
Thanks very much!
Nevertheless, life and flying go on and in the meantime I have a last minute round trip London to Montreal at the end of the month, on the 787 with no first class and old-style Club World.
Outbound (BA095), I am accompanying a very dear friend of mine to hold her hand on a personal matter, and she won't go for any more than economy (yes I like her that much). For privacy I've suggested the very last row of WT that goes down to two seats as the pair 39H and J. Questions:
- Do these recline fully? Personally I don't like to recline, as my back prefers bolt upright or flat and nothing in between, but she is concerned the people in front might recline and with the limited pitch we don't want to be squeezed with nowhere to go. I appreciate FT experience of the back of the plane may be limited but any insight is appreciated!
- We've booked separately as we're not returning together, so as Gold (for the time being!) I've reserved 39J for me and then I rang the Gold line on 27 December to do the To Complete Party trick to allocate her 39H. He didn't seem totally familiar with this, initially said seat selection for her was only possible if I'd made the booking for both of us, then seemed to get the idea and said he'd put in a request. However, I see 39H is still available for me to choose if I wanted to. Should it be showing as unavailable by now, ie has he done something wrong and do I need to call again?
Return (BA094) will be on my own and so I'm at liberty to be back in J. At least it's that way round to get it for the overnight flight. Looking for the sweet spot of window and no step-over so that gives me 3K (3A and 7A/K already taken) which I've booked. However, Aerolopa says that 3K can be crew rest on longer flights - but (a) is Montreal a "longer flight" and (b) this thread suggests that it's 7K used by crew if so and not 3K anyway? Am I safe, given it was available for me to choose at less than a month out?
Thanks very much!
Jan 3, 2025 | 9:33 am
#1523
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2002
Programs: Mucci des Hommes Magiques et Magnifiques
Posts: 21,765
Hi all and happy new year (if it's appropriate to say that given the BAEC changes we are suffering).
Nevertheless, life and flying go on and in the meantime I have a last minute round trip London to Montreal at the end of the month, on the 787 with no first class and old-style Club World.
Outbound (BA095), I am accompanying a very dear friend of mine to hold her hand on a personal matter, and she won't go for any more than economy (yes I like her that much). For privacy I've suggested the very last row of WT that goes down to two seats as the pair 39H and J. Questions:
Return (BA094) will be on my own and so I'm at liberty to be back in J. At least it's that way round to get it for the overnight flight. Looking for the sweet spot of window and no step-over so that gives me 3K (3A and 7A/K already taken) which I've booked. However, Aerolopa says that 3K can be crew rest on longer flights - but (a) is Montreal a "longer flight" and (b) this thread suggests that it's 7K used by crew if so and not 3K anyway? Am I safe, given it was available for me to choose at less than a month out?
There is no flight crew rest seat requirement on your flight.
Thanks very much!
Nevertheless, life and flying go on and in the meantime I have a last minute round trip London to Montreal at the end of the month, on the 787 with no first class and old-style Club World.
Outbound (BA095), I am accompanying a very dear friend of mine to hold her hand on a personal matter, and she won't go for any more than economy (yes I like her that much). For privacy I've suggested the very last row of WT that goes down to two seats as the pair 39H and J. Questions:
- Do these recline fully? Personally I don't like to recline, as my back prefers bolt upright or flat and nothing in between, but she is concerned the people in front might recline and with the limited pitch we don't want to be squeezed with nowhere to go. I appreciate FT experience of the back of the plane may be limited but any insight is appreciated!
- We've booked separately as we're not returning together, so as Gold (for the time being!) I've reserved 39J for me and then I rang the Gold line on 27 December to do the To Complete Party trick to allocate her 39H. He didn't seem totally familiar with this, initially said seat selection for her was only possible if I'd made the booking for both of us, then seemed to get the idea and said he'd put in a request. However, I see 39H is still available for me to choose if I wanted to. Should it be showing as unavailable by now, ie has he done something wrong and do I need to call again?
Return (BA094) will be on my own and so I'm at liberty to be back in J. At least it's that way round to get it for the overnight flight. Looking for the sweet spot of window and no step-over so that gives me 3K (3A and 7A/K already taken) which I've booked. However, Aerolopa says that 3K can be crew rest on longer flights - but (a) is Montreal a "longer flight" and (b) this thread suggests that it's 7K used by crew if so and not 3K anyway? Am I safe, given it was available for me to choose at less than a month out?
There is no flight crew rest seat requirement on your flight.
Thanks very much!
Jan 3, 2025 | 9:43 am
#1524
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
- We've booked separately as we're not returning together, so as Gold (for the time being!) I've reserved 39J for me and then I rang the Gold line on 27 December to do the To Complete Party trick to allocate her 39H. He didn't seem totally familiar with this, initially said seat selection for her was only possible if I'd made the booking for both of us, then seemed to get the idea and said he'd put in a request. However, I see 39H is still available for me to choose if I wanted to. Should it be showing as unavailable by now, ie has he done something wrong and do I need to call again?
Jan 3, 2025 | 10:35 am
#1526
Join Date: May 2012
Location: London, UK
Programs: BA Gold, SAS Eurobonus Gold, Hotels.com Gold
Posts: 493
yes if it has been done it should show your friend in 39H on their MMB, and should show 39H as occupied if you look at the seat map via your MMB. It normally takes maybe 1-3 days to action once requested - maybe a bit more this week during the holidays. however, based on the experience you had with the agent it may be worthwhile calling again to re-request it with someone who knows what they are doing.
Jan 12, 2025 | 8:41 am
#1527
Join Date: Jun 2012
Programs: Southwest, SPG, AA, IHG, Club Carlson
Posts: 36
BA Aircraft Type 781 (787-10) seat question
Family of 4 traveling from LHR-JFK. World Traveler. Currently assigned seats are 31 A/B, 32 AB. i.e. window/middle, followed by window/middle.
I see that rows 46/47/48 are also available. These rows have 2-3-2 configuration, with no middle seats on the two sides. Are there any downsides to taking 46 and 47 A/B? There seem to be windows on these seats - right?
I see that rows 46/47/48 are also available. These rows have 2-3-2 configuration, with no middle seats on the two sides. Are there any downsides to taking 46 and 47 A/B? There seem to be windows on these seats - right?
Jan 12, 2025 | 9:03 am
#1528
Ambassador: The British Airways Club
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: UK
Programs: BA Silver
Posts: 10,877
I think 46 and 47 would be ideal for a group of 4 and yes they have windows but there is a gap between the fuselage and the actual seat. Positive yes as you can put a bag there after take off. Downside is you'll be off the aircraft last.
See this very good video and at 2:30 re seats/gap.
Pete
See this very good video and at 2:30 re seats/gap.
Pete
Jan 12, 2025 | 9:20 am
#1529
Join Date: Jun 2012
Programs: Southwest, SPG, AA, IHG, Club Carlson
Posts: 36
I think 46 and 47 would be ideal for a group of 4 and yes they have windows but there is a gap between the fuselage and the actual seat. Positive yes as you can put a bag there after take off. Downside is you'll be off the aircraft last.
See this very good video and at 2:30 re seats/gap.
Pete
https://youtu.be/7Hke_wqXS_c?feature=shared
See this very good video and at 2:30 re seats/gap.
Pete
https://youtu.be/7Hke_wqXS_c?feature=shared
Jan 19, 2025 | 6:06 pm
#1530
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Hawai'i Nei
Programs: Au: HA, UA, Marriott, Hilton; GE
Posts: 7,787
788 (184) Best Couples Seats 1or 3 DG?
We are looking at row 1 or 3 for a 9 hour overnight flight. Is there really any reason to avoid or select row one over row three? I know that that ANA flight attendants are pretty quiet and respectful, so I don't image the galley noise will be that bad. Does the row 1 offer better footwell space?
Many thanks.
Many thanks.