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
Feb 5, 2019, 6:49 am
#691
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: 63,791
Welcome to Flyertalk and welcome to the BA forum jcr67, it's good to see you here, thank you for the question.
I'm guessing you are concerned about being boxed into 13K, but personally I think it's a good seat and a lot more open than say the E seats. 6B and J are aisle seats so that loses the privacy altogether and you're still looking a bulkhead and in a smaller cabin. So I'm not sure why you would prefer these if privacy was a factor. Have you had previous CW experience in windows versus aisle?
I'm guessing you are concerned about being boxed into 13K, but personally I think it's a good seat and a lot more open than say the E seats. 6B and J are aisle seats so that loses the privacy altogether and you're still looking a bulkhead and in a smaller cabin. So I'm not sure why you would prefer these if privacy was a factor. Have you had previous CW experience in windows versus aisle?
Feb 5, 2019, 2:06 pm
#692
Join Date: Feb 2019
Posts: 1
BA 787-9 seats 43 B&C
Does anyone have personal experience with sitting in WT seats 43 B&C? My husband is 6'4" and 250lbs and the more reviews I read the more concerned I get. I looked into upgrading to WTP but can't really swing the additional $4K.
Feb 5, 2019, 2:36 pm
#693
Join Date: Feb 2018
Location: London
Programs: HH Diamond, Marriott Titanium, BAEC Gold
Posts: 283
The information you want is here - https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/brit...787-8-9-a.html
It's definitely worth your while asking for the cost to upgrade to world traveler plus or club world at the airport, depending on availability an upgrade to WTP would usually be significantly cheaper than $4k.
It's definitely worth your while asking for the cost to upgrade to world traveler plus or club world at the airport, depending on availability an upgrade to WTP would usually be significantly cheaper than $4k.
Feb 5, 2019, 2:56 pm
#694
Ambassador, British Airways Executive Club
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: UK
Posts: 10,146
I've no experience of economy on the 789 which is reported as cramped but 43 seems to have a little extra room to the side. However if you get the chance to pay for exit seats that would be worth it in my view. As above if you get a chance to upgrade to World Traveller Plus it's worth it. There is a thread on upgrades in the main forum dashboard.
Your ticket mat fall into a category where you might be able to use Avios to upgrade which is subject to availability.
also a warm welcome to Flyertalk and the BA board DawnR1969
Your ticket mat fall into a category where you might be able to use Avios to upgrade which is subject to availability.
also a warm welcome to Flyertalk and the BA board DawnR1969
Feb 5, 2019, 3:13 pm
#695
Join Date: Feb 2019
Programs: Qantas, Virgin Au, Garuda, Emirates
Posts: 4
I'm guessing you are concerned about being boxed into 13K, but personally I think it's a good seat and a lot more open than say the E seats. 6B and J are aisle seats so that loses the privacy altogether and you're still looking a bulkhead and in a smaller cabin. So I'm not sure why you would prefer these if privacy was a factor. Have you had previous CW experience in windows versus aisle?
The smaller cabin of row 6/7 would not be a problem - I would like that. No claustro from that. I have had experience with 6D equivalent in CW - but about 7 years ago, on a 777 or 767, from memory. Pretty bad for Bus Class really. The lack of privacy on the aisle is not good - but that is all. Looking at the bulkhead would be fine. And no interference from other passengers in 6B/D/J etc either.
So....decisions.
Feb 5, 2019, 3:21 pm
#697
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: 63,791
In which case there is no difference on any seat as constructed, they are all identical dimensions. Clearly you would have the fuselage along the side, but if that is the issue then go, paradoxically, for the E seats since they have privacy and more width. Not from the seat itself but just from the edging around the seat where the E seats have a few cm more space than any other CW seat on that aircraft. You're trading off privacy with visual access of the aisle area from what you are saying, and that essentially works against each other. Personally I think 13K is a great seat, and so is 13E. I would need a lot of persuading to go to 6B due to the lack of privacy and the swishing First curtain directly in front. But that lack of privacy then gives sideways openness.
Feb 5, 2019, 3:33 pm
#698
Join Date: Feb 2019
Programs: Qantas, Virgin Au, Garuda, Emirates
Posts: 4
In which case there is no difference on any seat as constructed, they are all identical dimensions. Clearly you would have the fuselage along the side, but if that is the issue then go, paradoxically, for the E seats since they have privacy and more width. Not from the seat itself but just from the edging around the seat where the E seats have a few cm more space than any other CW seat on that aircraft. You're trading off privacy with visual access of the aisle area from what you are saying, and that essentially works against each other. Personally I think 13K is a great seat, and so is 13E. I would need a lot of persuading to go to 6B due to the lack of privacy and the swishing First curtain directly in front. But that lack of privacy then gives sideways openness.
Feb 5, 2019, 3:49 pm
#699
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: 63,791
The thing is that both 13E and 7E are very private - yes you can control the screens on both side, another unique feature about the seat - and you have two exit routes too. However it is boxed in on all sides when the screens are up, so I guess for some people it wouldn't be suitable. I guess claustrophobia affects different people in different ways. But yes, if it's width you are after it's going to be the E seats. Moreover if one of the two outer seats remains empty - and row 13 would be the most likely for that - then you can choose to keep that screen down (or not) and use the empty seat for storing things.
Feb 5, 2019, 4:00 pm
#700
Join Date: Feb 2019
Programs: Qantas, Virgin Au, Garuda, Emirates
Posts: 4
The WC isn't obvious from 7E. There is some online comment that row 13 may get noise from any infants in the WTP bassinets (on the other side of the partition) but it hasn't happened to me, so far.
The thing is that both 13E and 7E are very private - yes you can control the screens on both side, another unique feature about the seat - and you have two exit routes too. However it is boxed in on all sides when the screens are up, so I guess for some people it wouldn't be suitable. I guess claustrophobia affects different people in different ways. But yes, if it's width you are after it's going to be the E seats. Moreover if one of the two outer seats remains empty - and row 13 would be the most likely for that - then you can choose to keep that screen down (or not) and use the empty seat for storing things.
The thing is that both 13E and 7E are very private - yes you can control the screens on both side, another unique feature about the seat - and you have two exit routes too. However it is boxed in on all sides when the screens are up, so I guess for some people it wouldn't be suitable. I guess claustrophobia affects different people in different ways. But yes, if it's width you are after it's going to be the E seats. Moreover if one of the two outer seats remains empty - and row 13 would be the most likely for that - then you can choose to keep that screen down (or not) and use the empty seat for storing things.
Feb 20, 2019, 8:18 am
#702
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: UK
Programs: BA Gold, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 804
If you have choice of 1J/K, that is slightly more preferable due to being on the opposite side to the front toilets, but not much in it.
Feb 20, 2019, 8:24 am
#703
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: UK
Programs: BA Gold, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 804
6 A definitely better than 7 A on 789
Recently travelled on 789 LHR to SCL. Travelled 6A/B out and 7A/B back.
While in 6A, you do have to climb over 7B to get out but you have direct aisle access from 7A.
However the constant flushing of the toilet behind 7A was a slight issue since you can feel the vibrations, I assume through the foot stool. Thankfully the smell from the toilet was not as bad as I thought it would be, however at times, you do get it.
If I have a choice, particularly on night flight, I would choose 6A. This is obviously a personal choice since I value a better night's sleep over the minor irritation of climbing over someone to get out of my seat.
While in 6A, you do have to climb over 7B to get out but you have direct aisle access from 7A.
However the constant flushing of the toilet behind 7A was a slight issue since you can feel the vibrations, I assume through the foot stool. Thankfully the smell from the toilet was not as bad as I thought it would be, however at times, you do get it.
If I have a choice, particularly on night flight, I would choose 6A. This is obviously a personal choice since I value a better night's sleep over the minor irritation of climbing over someone to get out of my seat.
Feb 20, 2019, 8:39 am
#704
Moderator, Iberia Airlines, Airport Lounges, and Ambassador, British Airways Executive Club
Join Date: Feb 2010
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Posts: 63,791
There's also 13A and 13K to consider too, these CW seats have direct aisle access. Some people can hear an engine whine in some locations in 787, personally I don't notice it but you're unlikely to pick it up in row 13. Personally I think 7A is a better seat than 6A.
Feb 20, 2019, 8:54 am
#705
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: UK
Programs: BA Gold, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 804
There's also 13A and 13K to consider too, these CW seats have direct aisle access. Some people can hear an engine whine in some locations in 787, personally I don't notice it but you're unlikely to pick it up in row 13. Personally I think 7A is a better seat than 6A.