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
Mar 31, 2025 | 10:54 am
#1562
Join Date: Jun 2022
Posts: 4
Club World Middle Seats
Hello all. Husband and I (and another couple) are flying PDX to LHR in a few weeks. I paid for seat selection, choosing window seats on the 787-10 because I thought it would be nice to look out the window. Well..... come to find out one of the husband's favorite things to do in business class is to "have dinner together". Meaning put the divider down and enjoy our dinner together. Oops.
But in looking at the middle seats, it appears as though they are quite angled away from each other, so I'm not sure if changing to middle seats instead of window will even give him what he wants. To add to all of this, we currently have row 6 and 7 window seats and the only middle seats available together are clear back in row 15 and beyond.
So to the questions: a) how "together" are the middle seats, as in could we enjoy our dinner together? It's an evening flight, so it's not like we'd miss the view much and b) would we have a lesser experience being further back in business class, i.e., row 15, 16, or 17 vs. rows 6 and 7? I recognize that we paid more for our seats and that we would not be refunded by switching. That doesn't bother me.
Thank you in advance!
But in looking at the middle seats, it appears as though they are quite angled away from each other, so I'm not sure if changing to middle seats instead of window will even give him what he wants. To add to all of this, we currently have row 6 and 7 window seats and the only middle seats available together are clear back in row 15 and beyond.
So to the questions: a) how "together" are the middle seats, as in could we enjoy our dinner together? It's an evening flight, so it's not like we'd miss the view much and b) would we have a lesser experience being further back in business class, i.e., row 15, 16, or 17 vs. rows 6 and 7? I recognize that we paid more for our seats and that we would not be refunded by switching. That doesn't bother me.
Thank you in advance!
Mar 31, 2025 | 11:01 am
#1563
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: London
Programs: BA Gold
Posts: 1,397
The new club suites are great for solo travelling, not so much for couples. Id stick to the window seats.
Its pointless paying for club suite seats , they are much of a muchness. Crew will do a 4 corners service meaning they will start at the front and back of the club cabin and work towards each other.
Its pointless paying for club suite seats , they are much of a muchness. Crew will do a 4 corners service meaning they will start at the front and back of the club cabin and work towards each other.
Mar 31, 2025 | 11:18 am
#1564
Fontaine d'honneur du Flyertalk
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Morbihan, France
Programs: Reine des Muccis de Pucci; Foreign Elitist (according to others)
Posts: 20,629
Honey, I did the same this last flight back from San Diego - I had taken two window seats one behind the other (2A and 3A), only to have the thing happen. Men! 
How I dealt with this was to stay with what I had. I am ashamed (well a bit) that I told him a Fib. I said that BA had changed the aircraft and re-assigned us the seats we had occupied. I would go down that path and blame BA. Why not? Everyone blames for anything and everything so what harm will it do. You will not have to listen to snoring and since he watched "Conclave" at my instigation, I was perfectly happy watching something that I wanted to see. You really cannot see much from those middle seats which is what they are intended to do. it is not like the ying-yang where you were face to face with someone. That was fine when you knew and loved them, sometimes one met delightful people and sometimes not. I had one individual chewing gum in my face and I was never so glad to get the screen up and end that sight.
How I dealt with this was to stay with what I had. I am ashamed (well a bit) that I told him a Fib. I said that BA had changed the aircraft and re-assigned us the seats we had occupied. I would go down that path and blame BA. Why not? Everyone blames for anything and everything so what harm will it do. You will not have to listen to snoring and since he watched "Conclave" at my instigation, I was perfectly happy watching something that I wanted to see. You really cannot see much from those middle seats which is what they are intended to do. it is not like the ying-yang where you were face to face with someone. That was fine when you knew and loved them, sometimes one met delightful people and sometimes not. I had one individual chewing gum in my face and I was never so glad to get the screen up and end that sight.
Mar 31, 2025 | 11:27 am
#1565
Join Date: May 2011
Programs: BA Gold
Posts: 669
Hello all. Husband and I (and another couple) are flying PDX to LHR in a few weeks. I paid for seat selection, choosing window seats on the 787-10 because I thought it would be nice to look out the window. Well..... come to find out one of the husband's favorite things to do in business class is to "have dinner together". Meaning put the divider down and enjoy our dinner together. Oops.
But in looking at the middle seats, it appears as though they are quite angled away from each other, so I'm not sure if changing to middle seats instead of window will even give him what he wants. To add to all of this, we currently have row 6 and 7 window seats and the only middle seats available together are clear back in row 15 and beyond.
So to the questions: a) how "together" are the middle seats, as in could we enjoy our dinner together? It's an evening flight, so it's not like we'd miss the view much and b) would we have a lesser experience being further back in business class, i.e., row 15, 16, or 17 vs. rows 6 and 7? I recognize that we paid more for our seats and that we would not be refunded by switching. That doesn't bother me.
Thank you in advance!
But in looking at the middle seats, it appears as though they are quite angled away from each other, so I'm not sure if changing to middle seats instead of window will even give him what he wants. To add to all of this, we currently have row 6 and 7 window seats and the only middle seats available together are clear back in row 15 and beyond.
So to the questions: a) how "together" are the middle seats, as in could we enjoy our dinner together? It's an evening flight, so it's not like we'd miss the view much and b) would we have a lesser experience being further back in business class, i.e., row 15, 16, or 17 vs. rows 6 and 7? I recognize that we paid more for our seats and that we would not be refunded by switching. That doesn't bother me.
Thank you in advance!
The newer CW seats are in a reverse-herringbone 1-2-1 formation where the middle seats are angled and have a disappointingly small divider between the seats at face height only - not great for couples, more suited for solo travellers all round.
You could still have dinner together in the new seat but you'll have to raise your voice to be heard.
Mar 31, 2025 | 11:30 am
#1566
Join Date: Nov 2018
Location: London
Programs: BA Silver, Marriott Titanium (LTG), LH Senator, Hilton Gold
Posts: 1,419
I actually have always been a bit counter to the prevailing opinion that the middle suites are not good for couples. Me and the other half always fly in the middle seats and we chat and enjoy food together perfectly fine!
If youre both sat up the view is sort of like this:
(Appreciate everyone is different but thought Id add my 50p! Also; the pose is an in thing we have done for years with all our flights!)
If youre both sat up the view is sort of like this:
(Appreciate everyone is different but thought Id add my 50p! Also; the pose is an in thing we have done for years with all our flights!)
Mar 31, 2025 | 12:33 pm
#1567
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Las Vegas
Programs: BA Gold; Hilton Honors Diamond
Posts: 3,594
The other thing to be mindful of when taking the middle seats is that there is a very strong possibility that you will not be served simultaneously or even close to it. We have had only a single BA flight where the crew were able to deliver our meals at the same time (and, to be fair, they did an excellent job - it was almost perfectly synchronised) although we had to specifically ask for it.
Iberia, to give credit where credit is due, have always served us as husband and wife without any prompting.
Club Suites are very much geared to solo travellers, even in the middle seats. I felt that that oft-derided "old" Club World seats were a much better option for couples.
Iberia, to give credit where credit is due, have always served us as husband and wife without any prompting.
Club Suites are very much geared to solo travellers, even in the middle seats. I felt that that oft-derided "old" Club World seats were a much better option for couples.
Mar 31, 2025 | 12:49 pm
#1568
Join Date: Aug 2013
Posts: 9,905
Good point about not being served at the same time, although you can work that to some extent simply by finishing each course in sync and of course asking the crew to try and accommodate.
I agree with Coffeemadman that the middle seats are the better choice as a couple I reckon. To me they strike a good balance between being able to interact enough while also allowing you to ignore each other when you want. It's hard to have a proper conversation over the meal as if at a restaurant, but you can certainly enjoy the 'how's yours' type thing. And watch films together, if you so please...
I agree with Coffeemadman that the middle seats are the better choice as a couple I reckon. To me they strike a good balance between being able to interact enough while also allowing you to ignore each other when you want. It's hard to have a proper conversation over the meal as if at a restaurant, but you can certainly enjoy the 'how's yours' type thing. And watch films together, if you so please...
Apr 21, 2025 | 5:39 pm
#1569
Join Date: Apr 2025
Posts: 1
BA 781 (787-10) WTP seat question
We are a family of 4 traveling from PDX to LHR in WTP.
Im struggling on the seat selection since this is our first time on this plane. Im thinking about selecting 23 J/K and 24 J/K, to have windows for my kids, but concerned about potential lavatories noise since 24 is the last row in WTP.
Do you have any recommendations? Is it better to avoid row 24 J/K seats and select some from middle section? There are no other window section seats available.
Thanks!
Im struggling on the seat selection since this is our first time on this plane. Im thinking about selecting 23 J/K and 24 J/K, to have windows for my kids, but concerned about potential lavatories noise since 24 is the last row in WTP.
Do you have any recommendations? Is it better to avoid row 24 J/K seats and select some from middle section? There are no other window section seats available.
Thanks!
Apr 22, 2025 | 2:05 am
#1570
Join Date: Jun 2024
Location: London
Programs: BAC Gold, A3 Gold, SK Gold
Posts: 609
Good morning,
Unfortunately had a plane change for a trip early next year from YYZ to LHR from 777 to 787-9
7A/B look like a good choice due to the small cabin and 7A (for me) doesn't have to jump over someone else's feet. Please confirm
Unfortunately had a plane change for a trip early next year from YYZ to LHR from 777 to 787-9
7A/B look like a good choice due to the small cabin and 7A (for me) doesn't have to jump over someone else's feet. Please confirm
Apr 22, 2025 | 2:16 am
#1571
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2002
Programs: Mucci des Hommes Magiques et Magnifiques
Posts: 21,765
Apr 30, 2025 | 7:51 am
#1573
Join Date: Oct 2022
Location: Scotland
Programs: BA Gold, ALL, IHG, Hilton H
Posts: 205
My LHR-YYZ for June has just been changed to a 787-9 with CW config.
7A has already been taken, so currently moved myself to 7K. Am I safe to assume this won't be needed for crew rest on this route? Or should I think about going back to 13A/K?
7A has already been taken, so currently moved myself to 7K. Am I safe to assume this won't be needed for crew rest on this route? Or should I think about going back to 13A/K?
Apr 30, 2025 | 7:57 am
#1574
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2002
Programs: Mucci des Hommes Magiques et Magnifiques
Posts: 21,765
Apr 30, 2025 | 8:02 am
#1575
Join Date: Nov 2018
Location: Belfast
Programs: BA Bronze
Posts: 434
