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
Jan 30, 2018, 2:11 pm
#496
Join Date: Jul 2017
Programs: All the usual suspects
Posts: 342
Row 7 is my favourite row on the 789 and on an overnight the middle seat is perfect for an undisturbed night's sleep with the added convenience of not having to step over anybody to move around.
Another bonus for me of sitting in that row is that i'm usually first or second off the aircraft, particularly useful when trying to get to the front of the immigration line in the US, Global Entry notwithstanding.
Another bonus for me of sitting in that row is that i'm usually first or second off the aircraft, particularly useful when trying to get to the front of the immigration line in the US, Global Entry notwithstanding.
Jan 30, 2018, 2:11 pm
#497
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Ottawa, Canada
Programs: BA Silver - hard drop from GGL :( SPG Gold, Hilton Diamond, AC E50k
Posts: 567
Excellent advice, CIHY and @BertieBadger. Seats selected, and rollers will be used for her “fort”.Just need to make sure IPad is loaded with Peppa Pig, and we are all set for a 13 hr flight @:-)
Feb 4, 2018, 6:37 am
#499
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: 63,830
T-48 for those who ring in for it (the bassinet seat that is, that's not all row 16). It's not always going to be available so if an agent says it's not available you could HUACA but may get the same reply. Otherwise OLCI. It may be available at T-72 but lately reports on that haven't had much success.
Feb 7, 2018, 12:08 pm
#501
Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: Glasgow, UK
Programs: BA Gold
Posts: 630
I'm due to fly the 787-9 from IAD on 1st March in WT. The cabin is fairly wide open at this stage. And while I appreciate there isn't a "great" seat on this plane, I'm trying to pick the least-worst option, but I've seen a few conflicting reviews for some of the seats I'm considering:
30A: Extra legroom but seems that the exit impinges on the space quite a bit. I've not been able to find any photos of this seat. Any thoughts? Would 30C be better?
43B: Extra space with the missing "A" seat, and no one behind to worry about reclining in to, but I've read that the rear rows have a tighter pitch.
Any thoughts between the two? Or any others I should consider?
30A: Extra legroom but seems that the exit impinges on the space quite a bit. I've not been able to find any photos of this seat. Any thoughts? Would 30C be better?
43B: Extra space with the missing "A" seat, and no one behind to worry about reclining in to, but I've read that the rear rows have a tighter pitch.
Any thoughts between the two? Or any others I should consider?
Feb 7, 2018, 12:27 pm
#502
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Las Vegas
Programs: BA Gold; Hilton Honors Diamond
Posts: 3,228
There seems to be a paucity of information regarding the better WT+ seats on the 787-9 so I am wondering if anyone has any insight to share? I will be on BA280 from LAX - LHR on 4th May and I am currently in 18J.
I am assuming row 16 other than having extra legroom as being a bulkhead row suffers from the usual issue of a slightly narrower seat as the video screen is contained within the seat? Equally, row 21 is to be avoided owing to it being adjacent to the toilets?
For the 787-9 are the tray tables in the arm rest, or do they fold down from the seat in front? I know that the IFE control unit boxes are an issue in WT but I presume they aren't on the floor in WT+ and hence no seats are to be avoided because of this?
Thanks!
I am assuming row 16 other than having extra legroom as being a bulkhead row suffers from the usual issue of a slightly narrower seat as the video screen is contained within the seat? Equally, row 21 is to be avoided owing to it being adjacent to the toilets?
For the 787-9 are the tray tables in the arm rest, or do they fold down from the seat in front? I know that the IFE control unit boxes are an issue in WT but I presume they aren't on the floor in WT+ and hence no seats are to be avoided because of this?
Thanks!
Feb 7, 2018, 12:55 pm
#504
Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: London
Programs: BA Gold
Posts: 18
There seems to be a paucity of information regarding the better WT+ seats on the 787-9 so I am wondering if anyone has any insight to share? I will be on BA280 from LAX - LHR on 4th May and I am currently in 18J.
I am assuming row 16 other than having extra legroom as being a bulkhead row suffers from the usual issue of a slightly narrower seat as the video screen is contained within the seat? Equally, row 21 is to be avoided owing to it being adjacent to the toilets?
For the 787-9 are the tray tables in the arm rest, or do they fold down from the seat in front? I know that the IFE control unit boxes are an issue in WT but I presume they aren't on the floor in WT+ and hence no seats are to be avoided because of this?
Thanks!
I am assuming row 16 other than having extra legroom as being a bulkhead row suffers from the usual issue of a slightly narrower seat as the video screen is contained within the seat? Equally, row 21 is to be avoided owing to it being adjacent to the toilets?
For the 787-9 are the tray tables in the arm rest, or do they fold down from the seat in front? I know that the IFE control unit boxes are an issue in WT but I presume they aren't on the floor in WT+ and hence no seats are to be avoided because of this?
Thanks!
The tray tables are in the arm rests, and so if the person in front reclines it doesn’t move your table.
There are IFE boxes on the floor, but I find you still have plenty of footroom and they’re not an issue.
One other small point is that the IFE screens have to be stowed for takeoff and landing in the bulkhead seats, whereas you can continue watching throughout takeoff and landing in the other seats.
Personally I prefer the bulkhead aisle seats when travelling on my own, as the person next to you can get in and out without you having to move. I also find I have more sense of space compared to the other seats, particularly without anyone able to recline towards you. But if you’re quite tall you might find you can stretch your legs out more fully in the non-bulkhead seats.
But it’s pretty marginal stuff – I find it’s a good cabin with generally good seats throughout.
Feb 13, 2018, 1:23 pm
#507
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: 63,830
See also the answers to your question here:
BA 787-800 premium economy seat recline
BA 787-800 premium economy seat recline
Feb 13, 2018, 3:13 pm
#508
Join Date: Sep 2016
Posts: 63
[QUOTE=GM1985;29390789]I'm due to fly the 787-9 from IAD on 1st March in WT. The cabin is fairly wide open at this stage. And while I appreciate there isn't a "great" seat on this plane, I'm trying to pick the least-worst option, but I've seen a few conflicting reviews for some of the seats I'm considering:
30A: Extra legroom but seems that the exit impinges on the space quite a bit. I've not been able to find any photos of this seat. Any thoughts? Would 30C be better?
We had 30d and e on the 789 back from Madrid and they were awfully narrow.
30A: Extra legroom but seems that the exit impinges on the space quite a bit. I've not been able to find any photos of this seat. Any thoughts? Would 30C be better?
We had 30d and e on the 789 back from Madrid and they were awfully narrow.
Feb 13, 2018, 6:19 pm
#509
Moderator: American AAdvantage
Join Date: May 2000
Location: NorCal - SMF area
Programs: AA LT Plat; HH LT Diamond, Maître-plongeur des Muccis
Posts: 62,948
We’re booked in 789 CW SJC-LHR and have selected 7A and 7B (Lady JDiver 7B for aisle access, myself in 7A as there is aisle access by the aft bulkhead).
All comments and suggestions welcome. TIA!
All comments and suggestions welcome. TIA!
Last edited by JDiver; Feb 13, 2018 at 6:33 pm
Feb 14, 2018, 2:27 am
#510
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: 63,830
As a single traveller I try to get 7A on this aircraft. If I was deliberately trying to find fault with these seats I guess I could point out that when the overhead lockers are open the cabin feels fairly cramped, there is a bit of a feeling they squeezed everything into the available space, though it is the standard CW seating. Also there are 2 windows on 7A (some CW seats such as 13A have 3 windows) and to see out of the nearest window means either pressing the Bolt Upright seat button or by perching forward. Anyone under about 1m70 / 5ft 6 may find it a bit uncomfortable to be look out of the windows for any length of time. On arrival into LHR it's a 2L exit, so if you want to avoid daggers in the back of your head on arrival, get yourself fully packed at "20 minutes to arrival" so you can glide off quickly (pet CWS annoyance is to see people surprised to have successfully landed at LHR!). The aisle is too narrow to let people pass around you. Service is delivered by the CSD/CSM in that seat.
I hope you have a good flight and you will let us know how it transpired.