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
Apr 18, 2024 | 2:25 am
#1412
Join Date: Apr 2024
Programs: IBPlus Platinum (OWE)
Posts: 218
Hey guys, flying to LHR>PDX 17th of July on Business, when I booked the flight the equipment showed as 787-10 and had the Club Suites configuration, which was very welcome. Today I got a notification that the equipment had been changed to a 787-8 and of course, it's back to the usual Club World seats, and they have assigned me 6K. I have swapped to 7A for the moment but I have never used any of the front-row ones, was thinking about giving 1B a go, but not entirely sure if anyone has a better suggestion. (As you can see the good row 3 seats are gone already which was very weird, having used 3A and 3K in the past I loved them).
The only available seats right now since I can't post attachments yet are: 1 (B,D,E,F,J), 2 (A,B), 6 (A,D,E,F,K) and 7 (B,D,E).
Appreciate any feedback on the seat 1B or 1J, I don't mind being on the aisle as long as I don't get someone climbing over me to get out...
The only available seats right now since I can't post attachments yet are: 1 (B,D,E,F,J), 2 (A,B), 6 (A,D,E,F,K) and 7 (B,D,E).
Appreciate any feedback on the seat 1B or 1J, I don't mind being on the aisle as long as I don't get someone climbing over me to get out...
Apr 18, 2024 | 4:00 am
#1413
Join Date: Dec 2012
Posts: 3,727
Go with 1J, less foot traffic for the toilet. The fwd galley is generally quiet during the cruise portion of the flight as mostly everything is done from the galley at doors 2 and trolley stowage and switch over are the main sources of traffic in the fwd galley.
Apr 18, 2024 | 4:46 am
#1414
Join Date: Apr 2024
Programs: IBPlus Platinum (OWE)
Posts: 218
Thank you! I have changed to 1J. Apparently, the aircraft might change according to the customer rep from Iberia (I'm OWE through IB) since they saw the 787-10 still assigned for this route / period.
Apr 20, 2024 | 11:37 am
#1416
Join Date: Apr 2024
Programs: IBPlus Platinum (OWE)
Posts: 218
The November schedule for around Thanksgiving has been put on 787-8 as well. Hopefully, by then, some planes' cabins will have been updated. Although 3K/3A seats have their charm I have to say.
Apr 27, 2024 | 4:00 am
#1418
Ambassador: The British Airways Club
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: UK
Programs: BA Silver
Posts: 10,877
Personally I would choose it from this and other pictures. Plus IIRC service is 4 corners so you'd get served first.
https://www.turningleftforless.com/b...s-to-heathrow/
Apr 29, 2024 | 6:48 am
#1419
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: New Orleans, LA USA
Programs: United Lifetime Gold;SPG Gold (occasional platinum);SW;etc.
Posts: 278
I am back for seat advice on a new to me 787-9, please. Flying with hubby MSY-LHR in mid-June. We eat b/f boarding and our goal once onboard is to sleep/rest as much as possible. Don't usually sit together but try to sit where we can avoid having someone climb across a seat. I grabbed 7A which I think should be fairly quiet and means I don't need to climb over 7B, correct?
Asking for advice on seat for him and welcoming your comments and opinions, please. Here is what is available:
6B which seems like the best option due to mini-cabin location and the fact that no one will climb over him during the night, correct?
10D, 10E & !0F are available. Is there any width or length advantage to 10E? I assume he would need to climb over D & F in that seat?
12F, 12J, 12K available but I see no advantage there
13A, 13B, 13D, 13E, 13F available. How is 13E as an opition? Climbing skills required?
Lastly, my parents flew this route in Jan/Feb and were on the equipment with Club Suites. Is there a good chance that our June flight will have a similar aircraft swap?
Many thanks, as always, for your advice.
Asking for advice on seat for him and welcoming your comments and opinions, please. Here is what is available:
6B which seems like the best option due to mini-cabin location and the fact that no one will climb over him during the night, correct?
10D, 10E & !0F are available. Is there any width or length advantage to 10E? I assume he would need to climb over D & F in that seat?
12F, 12J, 12K available but I see no advantage there
13A, 13B, 13D, 13E, 13F available. How is 13E as an opition? Climbing skills required?
Lastly, my parents flew this route in Jan/Feb and were on the equipment with Club Suites. Is there a good chance that our June flight will have a similar aircraft swap?
Many thanks, as always, for your advice.
Apr 29, 2024 | 8:17 am
#1420
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: DFW or GOT or...
Programs: TK nothing, BA Silver, Marriott GFL
Posts: 873
I am back for seat advice on a new to me 787-9, please. Flying with hubby MSY-LHR in mid-June. We eat b/f boarding and our goal once onboard is to sleep/rest as much as possible. Don't usually sit together but try to sit where we can avoid having someone climb across a seat. I grabbed 7A which I think should be fairly quiet and means I don't need to climb over 7B, correct?
Asking for advice on seat for him and welcoming your comments and opinions, please. Here is what is available:
6B which seems like the best option due to mini-cabin location and the fact that no one will climb over him during the night, correct?
10D, 10E & !0F are available. Is there any width or length advantage to 10E? I assume he would need to climb over D & F in that seat?
12F, 12J, 12K available but I see no advantage there
13A, 13B, 13D, 13E, 13F available. How is 13E as an opition? Climbing skills required?
Lastly, my parents flew this route in Jan/Feb and were on the equipment with Club Suites. Is there a good chance that our June flight will have a similar aircraft swap?
Many thanks, as always, for your advice.
Asking for advice on seat for him and welcoming your comments and opinions, please. Here is what is available:
6B which seems like the best option due to mini-cabin location and the fact that no one will climb over him during the night, correct?
10D, 10E & !0F are available. Is there any width or length advantage to 10E? I assume he would need to climb over D & F in that seat?
12F, 12J, 12K available but I see no advantage there
13A, 13B, 13D, 13E, 13F available. How is 13E as an opition? Climbing skills required?
Lastly, my parents flew this route in Jan/Feb and were on the equipment with Club Suites. Is there a good chance that our June flight will have a similar aircraft swap?
Many thanks, as always, for your advice.
F. ex. 6A will climb over the legs of 7B.
Correct, noone will climb over 6B.
13E will also have their own "alley" behind the back of both 13D and 13F so they can choose which way to exit/enter, and again, no need to climb over anyone. The seat is a bit wider than the rest of the seats. I would pick this seat if I wanted to sleep and be left alone
The rest of your questions I will leave for others who have more experience.
LcS
Apr 29, 2024 | 8:20 am
#1421
Ambassador: The British Airways Club
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: UK
Programs: BA Silver
Posts: 10,877
1) Well, 7A is a very good seat and direct aisle access so I'd keep that.
2) 6B is a good seat as in no one climbing over him. There will be a little foot traffic but not compared to the larger cabin further back.
So I'd keep 6B and 7A as a good choice for what's available meantime.
13E is also a direct aisle seat and is slightly wider IIRC. Not the seat itself but there is a little more width at the side of the seat. There's the disadvantage of having a passenger either side of you but the screens can go up after the safety briefing/take off.
As for an aircraft swap to Club Suites etc just keep a regular eye on your booking but generally I think the 789 will stick.
There's numerous videos and pictures but here's the mini cabin at 6:00 which might help?
You can see 13E here at 3:40 and the seat is like this (not 13E but it shows the middle seat width)
2) 6B is a good seat as in no one climbing over him. There will be a little foot traffic but not compared to the larger cabin further back.
So I'd keep 6B and 7A as a good choice for what's available meantime.
13E is also a direct aisle seat and is slightly wider IIRC. Not the seat itself but there is a little more width at the side of the seat. There's the disadvantage of having a passenger either side of you but the screens can go up after the safety briefing/take off.
As for an aircraft swap to Club Suites etc just keep a regular eye on your booking but generally I think the 789 will stick.
There's numerous videos and pictures but here's the mini cabin at 6:00 which might help?
You can see 13E here at 3:40 and the seat is like this (not 13E but it shows the middle seat width)
Last edited by PETER01; Apr 29, 2024 at 8:29 am Reason: adding info re aircraft type changes
Apr 29, 2024 | 6:17 pm
#1422
Join Date: Apr 2024
Posts: 9
Boeing 787 First
Just booking first to Beijing and back in December form London for under 2.5k, I am travelling with a very good friend and we are currently wondering what seats to choose.
Any recommendations and why? Currently select 2A and 2E.
Any recommendations and why? Currently select 2A and 2E.
May 4, 2024 | 5:07 am
#1424
Join Date: Apr 2024
Programs: IBPlus Platinum (OWE)
Posts: 218
So, another aircraft change on flight number BA0267 on the 17 of July LHR>PDX, from 787-10 to 787-8 to now 787-9.
I have been assigned 6B, which I will keep as it looks pretty decent on this mini-cabin, considering they have First now. Could someone check if any of the first seats are booked or will they be flown empty so far? I'm thinking about trying to upgrade to first if they leave it as an option as I hold way too many avios atm.
I have been assigned 6B, which I will keep as it looks pretty decent on this mini-cabin, considering they have First now. Could someone check if any of the first seats are booked or will they be flown empty so far? I'm thinking about trying to upgrade to first if they leave it as an option as I hold way too many avios atm.
May 4, 2024 | 5:30 am
#1425
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: ABZ/EDI/DOH/DXB
Programs: BA Gold, HH Gold, Marriott Gold elite, *A Gold, Accor Gold FB Platinum Emirates Silver
Posts: 491
Looks like there might not be a first cabin available. They don't show under first, only business, and even then blocked.