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 24, 2019, 1:54 am
#751
Join Date: Mar 2015
Programs: BA GGL
Posts: 2,447
Having flown 7A on popular advice, I didn't think it was a great choice. Too close to window (not good on day flight) and engine noise.
If you want to cocoon self then I'd find 7E preferable - aisle access middle with no leg jumping.
Personally I find the aisle more free, so will stick with 6D next time - no leg jumping, away from toilets, away from galley, away from engine noise.
Fortunately the flight was only about a third full, so I was able to move anyway.
If you want to cocoon self then I'd find 7E preferable - aisle access middle with no leg jumping.
Personally I find the aisle more free, so will stick with 6D next time - no leg jumping, away from toilets, away from galley, away from engine noise.
Fortunately the flight was only about a third full, so I was able to move anyway.
Mar 24, 2019, 2:46 am
#752
Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: LHR
Programs: BAEC Silver
Posts: 484
Having flown 7A on popular advice, I didn't think it was a great choice. Too close to window (not good on day flight) and engine noise.
If you want to cocoon self then I'd find 7E preferable - aisle access middle with no leg jumping.
Personally I find the aisle more free, so will stick with 6D next time - no leg jumping, away from toilets, away from galley, away from engine noise.
Fortunately the flight was only about a third full, so I was able to move anyway.
If you want to cocoon self then I'd find 7E preferable - aisle access middle with no leg jumping.
Personally I find the aisle more free, so will stick with 6D next time - no leg jumping, away from toilets, away from galley, away from engine noise.
Fortunately the flight was only about a third full, so I was able to move anyway.
Mar 24, 2019, 7:17 am
#753
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: 63,769
This is always going to be a personal choice. I'm guessing this was on the 787-8, where 7A is on the wing, whereas on a 787-9 the same seat number is before door 2L. On the 787-9 I don't think there is a better seat really. On a 787-8 then 3A/K is the obvious choice, but I would still go for 7A/K if not available. Obviously it also depends on the sun to some degree but personally I'm happy with the blind controls. If you want to be cocoon somewhere a bit darker and also a bit of extra space then 7E has a lot going for it. If you are normally an aisle person, which is what mmxbreaks indicates, then I can see the difficulty. The 787 is much, much quieter than a 777 so it's all somewhat relative, but there is more engine noise in row 7 on a 787-8 compared to row 3.
Mar 24, 2019, 11:27 am
#754
Join Date: Jul 2018
Location: Mexico
Programs: BAEC Gold / Marriott Platinum
Posts: 3,543
With regards to flight crew rest seats, the Summer 2019 details are as follows:
One rest seat - 7K
One rest seat - 7K
- BA0005/6 LHR-NRT-LHR
- BA0018 ICN-LHR
- BA0019/20 LHR-KIX-LHR
- BA0036 MAA-LHR
- BA0041/40 LHR-DUR-LHR
- BA0051/50 LHR-JNB-LHR
- BA0243 LHR-MEX
- BA0249 LHR-GIG
- BA0279 LHR-SJC
- BA0281 LHR-LAX
- BA0033/34 LHR-KUL-LHR
- BA0251/250 LHR-SCL-LHR
Hi, does this mean there is a risk of being evicted from these seats then?
We have 7F, J and K on the BA242 MEX to LHR.
Although on the way back (LHR-MEX) BA243 we have 6F, J and K as 7 already taken.
Thanks a lot
Mar 24, 2019, 12:57 pm
#755
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: U.K.
Programs: BA Exec Club Gold, Hilton Honors Diamond
Posts: 277
No you won’t be. There are no rest seats on the BA242 due to a shorter flight time as it’s eastbound and with the prevailing winds. 7K will be blocked on the BA243 for crew rest hence your inability to select them.
Last edited by Boeing77W; Apr 4, 2019 at 8:47 am
Mar 24, 2019, 2:41 pm
#756
Join Date: Jul 2018
Location: Mexico
Programs: BAEC Gold / Marriott Platinum
Posts: 3,543
Thanks . That's good to know. We could pick 7A etc but concerned it is next to the toilet. Is a day flight, but still. Hopping out of 6k really not a problem for me.
Mar 29, 2019, 8:46 am
#759
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2002
Programs: Mucci des Hommes Magiques et Magnifiques
Posts: 19,092
Apr 3, 2019, 3:01 pm
#761
Join Date: Jul 2018
Location: Mexico
Programs: BAEC Gold / Marriott Platinum
Posts: 3,543
Just a curiousity as I didn't get affected in the end. Had 6K and J and 7K selected for flight from LHR to MEX on 787-9.
7J was designated as a crew rest seat, so couldn't be booked.
Got an email today to say for operational reasons seats had been changed. Logged in and moved to middle 3 seats. Now 6K and 7K are blocked out and 7J is free. Am I right in thinking they have just moved the crew rest beds to the window seats?
If so, seems a bit strange seeing they are highly sought after by people flying CW.
I was able to move us across the cabin to 7A/B and 6A, but I'd have been livid had this been only a few days out. Luckily is not and still loads free.
7J was designated as a crew rest seat, so couldn't be booked.
Got an email today to say for operational reasons seats had been changed. Logged in and moved to middle 3 seats. Now 6K and 7K are blocked out and 7J is free. Am I right in thinking they have just moved the crew rest beds to the window seats?
If so, seems a bit strange seeing they are highly sought after by people flying CW.
I was able to move us across the cabin to 7A/B and 6A, but I'd have been livid had this been only a few days out. Luckily is not and still loads free.
Apr 3, 2019, 3:10 pm
#762
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: 63,769
As mentioned upthread 7K will be used for the crew, the only surprise is it took them this long, at least you were advised here in advance to consider other seats. I suspect 6K is unrelated, because of 7K they just moved your group out of that corner. They are sought after for the same reason that crew needs them - to ensure the pilots are well rested.
Apr 3, 2019, 3:36 pm
#765
Join Date: Nov 2017
Programs: BA, Hilton
Posts: 2,091