Jan 12, 2015, 2:30 pm
Last edit by: Pochama
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 does not recline.
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 does not recline.
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: Boeing 787 Dreamliner
Mar 23, 2017, 5:08 am
#316
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Provincie Antwerpen, Vlaanderen, België
Programs: MUCCI Gold
Posts: 2,512
Unfortunately it appears we have to pay for seats. Can't take the chance of getting the worst ones (they all appear to be bad). I read that the last 5 rows have tighter pitch. My husband wouldn't fit as he has long legs.
I have also read that the aisle and window seats have an electronic box of some sort in the way of our feet. Middle seats don't?
What about if we paid for 21 D and E. Does that have a lot of leg room or is the diagram wrong? To us they are pricey but it may be worth it.
I can't check in 24 hours in advance as we will be touring in Rome and I won't have access to check in at T-24.
I have also read that the aisle and window seats have an electronic box of some sort in the way of our feet. Middle seats don't?
What about if we paid for 21 D and E. Does that have a lot of leg room or is the diagram wrong? To us they are pricey but it may be worth it.
I can't check in 24 hours in advance as we will be touring in Rome and I won't have access to check in at T-24.
If you check the Wiki for this thread, middle seats don't have the IFE box (A,C,D,G,H,K seats do).
21D and E are normal seats. The middle bulkheads are 20D-E-F and I guess aren't available to you.
You might also see if an upgrade to WT+ (either via Manage My Booking on ba.com) or on request at the airport is an option. WT+ on the 788/789 is generally rather better received on here than WT, for which nobody has a good thing to say about it.
Mar 23, 2017, 5:12 am
#317
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: London
Programs: BAEC Silver
Posts: 37
Mar 23, 2017, 5:21 am
#318
Join Date: Mar 2017
Programs: BAEC GGL
Posts: 261
I have made a booking for LHR-NRT on the 789 in club. My sole aim is to maximise sleep - so as far away from the loos, galley and bassinet positions as possible. At the risk of divulging too much information: I am 193 cm tall and skinny and sleep on my side it the foetal position. Advice please on whether to go for 6E (which seems to offer a little extra width, which can help) or 7 A/E/K (is there some extra legroom at the bulkhead here?) or 12E or indeed anywhere else.
Thanks in advance,
Hector B (BA silver)
Thanks in advance,
Hector B (BA silver)
I do notice the galley noise in 53A on the A380 (so avoid overnight where possible) but did't have any problems on the 789 in 7E
Mar 23, 2017, 5:27 am
#319
Join Date: Mar 2017
Programs: BAEC GGL
Posts: 261
Any experience on if it is worth it to go to WT+ from WT on the lhr-->sjc (t 10 hr+) for 16k points + £76?
They have said the flight still has avios seats available in economy, so they think it is a light load.
I'm trying to decide if it's worth it if there is a chance I can either get a row to myself or at least an empty seat next to me in WT.
They have said the flight still has avios seats available in economy, so they think it is a light load.
I'm trying to decide if it's worth it if there is a chance I can either get a row to myself or at least an empty seat next to me in WT.
Mar 23, 2017, 5:55 am
#320
Moderator, Iberia Airlines, Airport Lounges, and Ambassador, British Airways Executive Club
Join Date: Feb 2010
Programs: BA Lifetime Gold; Flying Blue Life Platinum; LH Sen.; Hilton Diamond; Kemal Kebabs Prized Customer
Posts: 63,819
I've had a decent night's sleep in 7E from SJC>LHR, I'd probably take a window in the same mini cabin if it was available but otherwise it's a good seat in my book.
I do notice the galley noise in 53A on the A380 (so avoid overnight where possible) but did't have any problems on the 789 in 7E
I do notice the galley noise in 53A on the A380 (so avoid overnight where possible) but did't have any problems on the 789 in 7E
Mar 23, 2017, 6:35 am
#322
Join Date: Jul 2009
Programs: BAEC Silver, IHG Diamond
Posts: 7,770
I miss the side bins in CW on the 787-9. Awkward having to put your tray table down to put a drink on.
7K was fine for me. Not overly practical for the crew when bringing trays etc. especially if you've got your screen out and they don't lean through the divider.
No galley noise that I noticed although I was wearing my Bose earphones for most of the flight.
7K was fine for me. Not overly practical for the crew when bringing trays etc. especially if you've got your screen out and they don't lean through the divider.
No galley noise that I noticed although I was wearing my Bose earphones for most of the flight.
Mar 23, 2017, 6:53 am
#323
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Herts, UK
Programs: BAEC GGL, HH Diamond.
Posts: 3,178
would the crew still be busy there after the meal service?
I have 53A booked on this in June, wondering if its worth moveing?
Mar 23, 2017, 7:07 am
#324
Join Date: Mar 2017
Programs: BAEC GGL
Posts: 261
It's not intolerable by any means and I'll happily take those seats on a day flight but I am doing JNB>LHR myself in September and opted for 51A/B instead of 53A/B, or indeed 50A/B given everyone's propensity to bump into 50B during the night.
Mar 23, 2017, 7:28 am
#325
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: DCA
Programs: AA Gold, HH Diamond, UA Silver
Posts: 1,366
30 will have traffic for the WC, particularly in the H area, so 21 will be quieter, 30 has unlimited legroom. The bulkhead 20/21 isn't right on your knees but there isn't a full stretch there, you could perhaps risk using the aisle a bit, but your ankle may get stepped on. You best go on a diet or get yourself up a cabin.
It's primarily the WT toilets actually, the doors are in that cabin.
It's primarily the WT toilets actually, the doors are in that cabin.
Unfortunately the diet wouldn't help- I have the opposite problem in that the shoulder width is caused by too much time at the gym! Going up a cabin seems like the best option here. My employer will only pay for WT, and I'm usually reluctant to pay out of pocket when on a work trip, but given how bad these seats sound, I may have to try for the WT+ buy up at the airport...
Mar 24, 2017, 6:44 pm
#326
Join Date: Feb 2007
Programs: wn
Posts: 39
I tried to pay for seats and it would not do it. I went through the whole process... saw the seat charge with the prices of each seat..picked out seats...input all the info requested ... then input credit card info. I clicked to submit. After a moment or two it told me it couldn't do it and told me to contact my local British Airways office. Anyone know what could be the issue?
Mar 26, 2017, 10:14 am
#327
Moderator: Qatar Airways
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: LHR/NCE/MIA
Programs: BAEC GfL & GGL, SQ Gold, Amex Centurion, Mucci des Chevaliers des Bons Mots et Qui Savent Moucher
Posts: 8,948
I've got flights on the 789 coming up in May and will be in Y (shock horror).
The WIKI pretty much says all the seats are as bad as each other, but are there any good'uns?
M
The WIKI pretty much says all the seats are as bad as each other, but are there any good'uns?
M
Mar 26, 2017, 10:26 am
#328
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: living near Malaga
Programs: BA Gold , Mucci recipient. Coffee Drinker, Blue Sky Thinker
Posts: 2,112
not really.. the extra leg room are best if you're tall of course but they are even narrower than the already narrow seats due to the tray located in the fixed armrest. However I just dont find them comfy in the least. I did KL this year and swear i wont do that again.
Mar 26, 2017, 10:30 am
#329
Moderator: Qatar Airways
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: LHR/NCE/MIA
Programs: BAEC GfL & GGL, SQ Gold, Amex Centurion, Mucci des Chevaliers des Bons Mots et Qui Savent Moucher
Posts: 8,948
not really.. the extra leg room are best if you're tall of course but they are even narrower than the already narrow seats due to the tray located in the fixed armrest. However I just dont find them comfy in the least. I did KL this year and swear i wont do that again.
M
Mar 26, 2017, 10:35 am
#330
Moderator, Iberia Airlines, Airport Lounges, and Ambassador, British Airways Executive Club
Join Date: Feb 2010
Programs: BA Lifetime Gold; Flying Blue Life Platinum; LH Sen.; Hilton Diamond; Kemal Kebabs Prized Customer
Posts: 63,819