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
Seating guide: Boeing 787 Dreamliner
Jan 12, 2015, 4:18 pm
#2
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: AMS
Programs: AAdvantage Platinum, Asiana Club Silver, Flying Blue Ivory
Posts: 368
Thank you, GSBTK, excellent guide.
Having flown AUS-LHR recently (seat 22H), I can only chime in about the annoyance of the IFE box. This will easily take a quarter to a third of your available foot space. Anyone of any tallness, should seriously consider avoiding putting any carry-on in that space, if in regular Y.
This is about the only plane I know where one should seriously consider booking the middle seat.
A note on the toilets:
They're slight different from, for example, the 777. The bathroom has a handle to open, rather than a push the door mechanism. Also, the flush uses a sensor rather than a button. They're not rocket science to figure out, but going in without knowledge might cause confusion at an inopportune moment.
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.
This is about the only plane I know where one should seriously consider booking the middle seat.
A note on the toilets:
They're slight different from, for example, the 777. The bathroom has a handle to open, rather than a push the door mechanism. Also, the flush uses a sensor rather than a button. They're not rocket science to figure out, but going in without knowledge might cause confusion at an inopportune moment.
Jan 12, 2015, 4:24 pm
#3
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Oxfordshire, UK
Programs: BAEC Silver, IHG & Accor Plat...
Posts: 734
Seating guide: Boeing 787
WTP Cabin: haven't flown it myself, but Mrs LostAntipod reports that the last row of WTP seats do not fully recline due to the cabin divider to the Y cabin. Quite annoying , as the seat in front ends up too close for comfort when reclined...when surely the point of paying extra for a WTP seat is to avoid this.
(Also the only lavatories WTP can use are the Y lavs at the rear of the plane)
(Also the only lavatories WTP can use are the Y lavs at the rear of the plane)
Jan 12, 2015, 4:38 pm
#4
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Lewes
Programs: HiltonH. Gold Starwood Gold BA BLUES! Mucci.
Posts: 4,833
I think it is only the window pairs in the last row of wt+ that have slightly restricted recline?
Regardless, if you are fussed about a choice of catering, try and sit near the front of Wt+ as that is where service starts!
Avoid the last 5 rows in WT as pitch is even less. If you have broad shoulders like me, find another way to get to your destination if your only option is wt!
Regardless, if you are fussed about a choice of catering, try and sit near the front of Wt+ as that is where service starts!
Avoid the last 5 rows in WT as pitch is even less. If you have broad shoulders like me, find another way to get to your destination if your only option is wt!
Jan 12, 2015, 5:03 pm
#6
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Lewes
Programs: HiltonH. Gold Starwood Gold BA BLUES! Mucci.
Posts: 4,833
Good video trip report here
Video for youtube london to philadelphia british airways 787 world traveller +► 27:02► 27:02
www.youtube.com/watch?v=OF5jRH-OhoM
Video for youtube london to philadelphia british airways 787 world traveller +► 27:02► 27:02
www.youtube.com/watch?v=OF5jRH-OhoM
Jan 12, 2015, 5:06 pm
#7
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: London
Programs: BAEC
Posts: 439
Good video trip report here
Video for youtube london to philadelphia british airways 787 world traveller +► 27:02► 27:02
www.youtube.com/watch?v=OF5jRH-OhoM
Video for youtube london to philadelphia british airways 787 world traveller +► 27:02► 27:02
www.youtube.com/watch?v=OF5jRH-OhoM
Jan 12, 2015, 5:25 pm
#9
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Lewes
Programs: HiltonH. Gold Starwood Gold BA BLUES! Mucci.
Posts: 4,833
Calum, pleased to hear that, but it is the narrow seats that are the real issue for most.
I don't think its about bashing the 788- the wt+ cabin is probably the best in the fleet.
When the 787 was first displayed with a mock up cabin at Waterside,
the wt cabin was 2-4-2
I don't think its about bashing the 788- the wt+ cabin is probably the best in the fleet.
When the 787 was first displayed with a mock up cabin at Waterside,
the wt cabin was 2-4-2
Jan 12, 2015, 5:37 pm
#10
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Ipswich
Posts: 7,543
I have my first 780 WT trip on Friday.
Can anyone advise about legroom in the first rows? Do seats 21ABC have less space than 20DEF? I think I read somewhere that's the case but would love to have that confirmed.
I'd prefer not to have my knees knocking a bulkhead with no option to stretch my legs a little so may forgo my usual window in favour of 20D or 20F.
I'm not a big fan of aisle seats and I know these aisles are narrow but would there typically be much traffic by the first row? I suppose there'll be more than one might think if the WT+ loos are at the back.
It's not a thrilling prospect, that's for sure.
Can anyone advise about legroom in the first rows? Do seats 21ABC have less space than 20DEF? I think I read somewhere that's the case but would love to have that confirmed.
I'd prefer not to have my knees knocking a bulkhead with no option to stretch my legs a little so may forgo my usual window in favour of 20D or 20F.
I'm not a big fan of aisle seats and I know these aisles are narrow but would there typically be much traffic by the first row? I suppose there'll be more than one might think if the WT+ loos are at the back.
It's not a thrilling prospect, that's for sure.
Jan 12, 2015, 5:40 pm
#11
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Edi
Posts: 2,203
Calum, pleased to hear that, but it is the narrow seats that are the real issue for most.
I don't think its about bashing the 788- the wt+ cabin is probably the best in the fleet.
When the 787 was first displayed with a mock up cabin at Waterside,
the wt cabin was 2-4-2
I don't think its about bashing the 788- the wt+ cabin is probably the best in the fleet.
When the 787 was first displayed with a mock up cabin at Waterside,
the wt cabin was 2-4-2
Jan 20, 2015, 6:23 am
#13
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2008
Posts: 11,565
Disabled pax
Two of my friends will be travelling on the 788 on YYZ-LHR in WT. One friend is disabled required full assistance i.e. assistance getting onboard, onboard wheelchair to seat and use of it to get around the aircraft (Category 3). I'm trying to choose good seats for them. I noticed that 30D/F would probably be fine. It is close to the lav and it seems like E is blocked right now as all the bassinet seats seem to be blocked right in front of them. Of course this may change at the airport but in their experience it will be blocked for them because any pax thinking of seat swapping with 30 D/F will be out of luck. These do not count as the exit row being in the centre block.
The only thing that concerns me is the armrest are presumably fixed and they are quite big guys. Do you think these seats are a good choice?
The only thing that concerns me is the armrest are presumably fixed and they are quite big guys. Do you think these seats are a good choice?
Jan 20, 2015, 6:31 am
#14
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Ipswich
Posts: 7,543
I'm not sure the armrest will make much difference...if they are large build the fixed armrest will probably help contain them rather than spilling into their neighbours space. For me the bigger issue is the shoulder space. If they are of largish build they are likely to find they are wider than the seat.
I'm a 5ft10 woman and my shoulders are wider than these seats. It's a bit of a nightmare as there's really little to do about it save twist in the seat, or encroach on my neighbour - unless they happen to be a pretty normal build themselves in which case they'd be trying to encroach on me!
I'm a 5ft10 woman and my shoulders are wider than these seats. It's a bit of a nightmare as there's really little to do about it save twist in the seat, or encroach on my neighbour - unless they happen to be a pretty normal build themselves in which case they'd be trying to encroach on me!
Jan 20, 2015, 6:34 am
#15
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Ipswich
Posts: 7,543
I went in expecting a pretty grim flight, and to be completely honest, it was worse than I expected.
In terms of comfort on long haul flights it probably was my worst experience. I won't be taking the 787 any time soon in Y. And I fly Y a lot, and manage pretty well generally.