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
May 5, 2018, 7:22 pm
#556
Join Date: Apr 2017
Programs: BAEC bronze
Posts: 52
Cheers!
May 7, 2018, 5:23 am
#557
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: UK
Programs: BA Gold, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 804
Had my first flight LHR-CAI on a 789 this week. Flew out in Economy to start our ex-CAI to Hawaii, so flew back in Club on the same aircraft next day.
Had 30A/B on way out. Seats are narrow since they are exit row seats and the tray table and the entertainment screens are in the immovable arm rest. The emergency slide does jut in on 30A but it was perfectly fine for me since I am about 5'11 and I just about could touch it with my feet sat up. The window is slightly behind you, so hard to see out of. If you don't mind being without a window, 30B/C is best and the same on the other side of the aircraft.
Returning we were in 6J/K since F was closed off and the wife does not like anyone climbing over her when she is in sleep mode and I prefer the window and don't mind climbing over people!!!! Ok seats although found them a bit uncomfortable the sleep in full flat mode.
Had 30A/B on way out. Seats are narrow since they are exit row seats and the tray table and the entertainment screens are in the immovable arm rest. The emergency slide does jut in on 30A but it was perfectly fine for me since I am about 5'11 and I just about could touch it with my feet sat up. The window is slightly behind you, so hard to see out of. If you don't mind being without a window, 30B/C is best and the same on the other side of the aircraft.
Returning we were in 6J/K since F was closed off and the wife does not like anyone climbing over her when she is in sleep mode and I prefer the window and don't mind climbing over people!!!! Ok seats although found them a bit uncomfortable the sleep in full flat mode.
May 12, 2018, 11:09 am
#558
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: York, UK
Programs: BAEC Gold, Honors Diamond
Posts: 1,184
Traveled back last night in 7E, overall a good seat, I particularly liked the privacy that it offers once the dividers are up. It felt like there was extra space too.
Crew served round the end of the seat each time, so no issues with the divider going up and down.
The only downside for me was the galley noise, despite being a sleeper service (it was still the old service) a substantial number of passengers chose to eat. So for quite a while after take off you heard every bang and clatter from the galley. Another issue was the cabin temperature, but as soon as I asked the crew they turned it down (it was set at 23C - who at home sleeps in those temps!?) and it stayed down for the remainder of the flight.
Crew served round the end of the seat each time, so no issues with the divider going up and down.
The only downside for me was the galley noise, despite being a sleeper service (it was still the old service) a substantial number of passengers chose to eat. So for quite a while after take off you heard every bang and clatter from the galley. Another issue was the cabin temperature, but as soon as I asked the crew they turned it down (it was set at 23C - who at home sleeps in those temps!?) and it stayed down for the remainder of the flight.
May 15, 2018, 3:00 am
#559
Join Date: Apr 2018
Programs: BAEC Gold
Posts: 267
Traveled back last night in 7E, overall a good seat, I particularly liked the privacy that it offers once the dividers are up. It felt like there was extra space too.
Crew served round the end of the seat each time, so no issues with the divider going up and down.
The only downside for me was the galley noise,
Crew served round the end of the seat each time, so no issues with the divider going up and down.
The only downside for me was the galley noise,
Just a shame that after two years, a 787 is essentifally falling apart. On my return, I once again had a screen that would not stay out without an object being jammed into the mechanism (this time the crew provided a drink stirrer), a toilet that would randomly flush when sitting on it due to the stupid design of the flushing button – and in this case a toilet door that did not close properly by itself, meaning that anyone in seats 7B, D and E never had any doubts on the bovel conditions of the people using the facility…
May 21, 2018, 2:57 am
#560
Join Date: Apr 2018
Posts: 49
I'm booked onto the 787-9 in CW coming back from Kuala Lumpur next year, with my partner. Seating obviously wide open at the moment, with just and 7J/K and 10B/J blocked.
Recommendations for a couple? We're currently in 6A/B - I'll be in the window seat and not particularly fussed about climbing over, my problem is noise/being a light sleeper - hence avoiding 7A/B. Am I right in seeing that there is a toilet on the left near the front cabin - in which case would it be better to go to 6J/K?
Or otherwise what would be best in back in the rear cabin? Conscious about row 13 potentially near WT+ babies etc,
Thanks
Recommendations for a couple? We're currently in 6A/B - I'll be in the window seat and not particularly fussed about climbing over, my problem is noise/being a light sleeper - hence avoiding 7A/B. Am I right in seeing that there is a toilet on the left near the front cabin - in which case would it be better to go to 6J/K?
Or otherwise what would be best in back in the rear cabin? Conscious about row 13 potentially near WT+ babies etc,
Thanks
May 25, 2018, 4:46 pm
#561
Join Date: Apr 2018
Posts: 49
787-9 CW
Have reviewed the relavent thread but looking for some input. I'm booked onto the 787-9 in CW coming back from Kuala Lumpur next year, with my partner. Seating obviously wide open at the moment, with just 7J/K and 10B/J blocked.
Recommendations for a couple? We're currently in 6A/B - I'll be in the window seat and not particularly fussed about climbing over, my problem is noise/being a light sleeper - hence avoiding 7A/B. I'd like a good sleep as working the day of arrival. Am I right in seeing that there is a toilet on the left near the front cabin - in which case would it be better to go to 6J/K?
Or otherwise what would be best in back in the rear cabin? Conscious about row 13 potentially near WT+ babies etc,
Thanks
Recommendations for a couple? We're currently in 6A/B - I'll be in the window seat and not particularly fussed about climbing over, my problem is noise/being a light sleeper - hence avoiding 7A/B. I'd like a good sleep as working the day of arrival. Am I right in seeing that there is a toilet on the left near the front cabin - in which case would it be better to go to 6J/K?
Or otherwise what would be best in back in the rear cabin? Conscious about row 13 potentially near WT+ babies etc,
Thanks
May 25, 2018, 5:08 pm
#563
Ambassador, British Airways Executive Club
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: UK
Posts: 10,148
Staying in 6 A/B or 6 J/K is fine and I don't think you will notice any issues re the loos.
There's a decent review here as well as lots of videos on youtube to give you a visual of what to expect etc.
https://www.headforpoints.com/2016/0...rld-best-seat/
There's a decent review here as well as lots of videos on youtube to give you a visual of what to expect etc.
https://www.headforpoints.com/2016/0...rld-best-seat/
May 25, 2018, 5:18 pm
#564
Join Date: Apr 2018
Posts: 49
Staying in 6 A/B or 6 J/K is fine and I don't think you will notice any issues re the loos.
There's a decent review here as well as lots of videos on youtube to give you a visual of what to expect etc.
https://www.headforpoints.com/2016/0...rld-best-seat/
There's a decent review here as well as lots of videos on youtube to give you a visual of what to expect etc.
https://www.headforpoints.com/2016/0...rld-best-seat/
Jun 13, 2018, 2:07 pm
#565
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: On the underground
Programs: BMI Dimond club, BA Executive Club
Posts: 462
The twin seats at the back of the 787-9, Im traveling on my own so will the seat beside me be blocked if its not a full flight?
Row 30 is also free. I'm more worried about the shoulder room so would it be better than the leg room of row 30?
Row 30 is also free. I'm more worried about the shoulder room so would it be better than the leg room of row 30?
Jun 30, 2018, 2:22 am
#566
Join Date: Jun 2014
Posts: 78
This is to anyone who has travelled on the 787 with BA.
What is the visibility like out of the windows if you are in an aisle seat in World Traveller? I remember a Boeing engineer on TV mentioning that the windows were higher up so visibility was good even for those who were sat further in.
Also if you are sat in World Traveller Plus, is the wing in the way of the view?
What is the visibility like out of the windows if you are in an aisle seat in World Traveller? I remember a Boeing engineer on TV mentioning that the windows were higher up so visibility was good even for those who were sat further in.
Also if you are sat in World Traveller Plus, is the wing in the way of the view?
Jun 30, 2018, 3:01 am
#567
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: 63,803
This is to anyone who has travelled on the 787 with BA.
What is the visibility like out of the windows if you are in an aisle seat in World Traveller? I remember a Boeing engineer on TV mentioning that the windows were higher up so visibility was good even for those who were sat further in.
Also if you are sat in World Traveller Plus, is the wing in the way of the view?
What is the visibility like out of the windows if you are in an aisle seat in World Traveller? I remember a Boeing engineer on TV mentioning that the windows were higher up so visibility was good even for those who were sat further in.
Also if you are sat in World Traveller Plus, is the wing in the way of the view?
-
Jun 30, 2018, 3:18 am
#569
Join Date: Jun 2014
Posts: 78
I can only answer the latter question, based on frequent travel in the final CW row (and therefore facing backwards over the wing). Row 16 gets some visibility in the forward direction, but the wing intrudes on the perpendicular aspect. Row 20 / 21 gets some rearward views, but not much forward. In between it's basically wing. It doesn't make a difference if on the 787-8 or 787-9
-
-
Jun 30, 2018, 3:31 am
#570
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: 63,803
Yes, at full opacity it's pretty much a normal aircraft window. I'm on a 787-8 at the moment, and even on the penultimate dark setting (so 4 out of 5) I can (just) make out the Danube, the shapes of fields and main roads - so on full opacity you would be OK at least at the window seat . I think the complaint I sometimes see here is that on maximum darkness something like a sunrise is still visible, albeit somewhat obscured.