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
Nov 29, 2018, 6:12 am
#646
Join Date: Nov 2017
Programs: BA, Hilton
Posts: 2,092
Am I correct that the window seats in Row 13 (13A, 13K) have access to the aisle without climbing over the sleeping aisle seat passenger? Any other rows in business that have similar aisle access from window seats? Not being a monkey, I don't like climbing over others or having others climb over me :-)
Thanks so much.
Thanks so much.
13A/K the view is not much unless you like wings, but it's still a seat I've chosen and been happy with.
Nov 29, 2018, 6:42 am
#647
Join Date: Jul 2009
Programs: BAEC Silver, IHG Diamond
Posts: 7,778
Watching the wing flexing is really cool 
I've seen the views of LA, the polar regions etc. a few times now so a bit of an obstructed view won't affect me too much.
Sometimes the wing makes for a good frame of reference in photos especially when the plane is turning over population areas.
I've seen the views of LA, the polar regions etc. a few times now so a bit of an obstructed view won't affect me too much.
Sometimes the wing makes for a good frame of reference in photos especially when the plane is turning over population areas.
Nov 29, 2018, 9:46 am
#649
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: On the underground
Programs: BMI Dimond club, BA Executive Club
Posts: 462
I did 12 hours to Kulu Lumper in 43J which to be honest was ok for shoulder space. Leg room was tight. Also I could spread out and actually fit my legs under the seat as I had two free seats. The guy who put the video box under the seat should be shot.
Nov 29, 2018, 10:09 am
#650
Join Date: Nov 2017
Programs: BA, Hilton
Posts: 2,092
To be fair, I would caveat my answer somewhat, and I'm taking a fairly broad interpretation of your concept of "doable". In my case:
- I'm about 5' 11", and somewhat "broader" (i.e, fatter!) than I should be. Legroom was tolerable but only just. People over 6ft would likely find it much less so
- As many people will point out, width is a key issue on these seats. I do tend to sit quite upright and with arms and shoulders in so I don't personally find that too onerous even when the seat next to me was occupied. Obviously when blocked it was fine.
- I would never describe myself as "bright-eyed" or well rested when disembarking, but equally I did this flight many times and wasn't reduced to a hunchbacked cripple.
Would I choose to fly it these days? It's not my first choice, I can generally find an acceptable T/E fare in the WTP cabin which is altogether more pleasant. But equally I would not go too far out of my way to avoid it if the flight timings and route were the best choices. (In fact, due to only W being left for WTP I do once again find myself down the back of a 788 for an upcoming flight to YYZ, I'm sure I will greet it like an old friend
)ETA: 38D/F are my seat recommendations if no exit rows available. Far enough back that seat blocking has a good chance of working, and the last row in the center 3 to have lockers above it.
Nov 29, 2018, 10:17 am
#651
Join Date: Oct 2017
Programs: BAEC Silver, Flying Blue Platinum; Hilton Gold, IHG Diamond, Marriott Titanium, Wyndham Diamond
Posts: 788
Late to this question, but I'd go somewhat against the grain here and say yes. I cut my BA teeth on this very route down the back of a 788, doing the trip several times a year. I quite often got an empty seat beside me, and I survived long enough to find FlyerTalk
To be fair, I would caveat my answer somewhat, and I'm taking a fairly broad interpretation of your concept of "doable". In my case:
- I'm about 5' 11", and somewhat "broader" (i.e, fatter!) than I should be. Legroom was tolerable but only just. People over 6ft would likely find it much less so
- As many people will point out, width is a key issue on these seats. I do tend to sit quite upright and with arms and shoulders in so I don't personally find that too onerous even when the seat next to me was occupied. Obviously when blocked it was fine.
- I would never describe myself as "bright-eyed" or well rested when disembarking, but equally I did this flight many times and wasn't reduced to a hunchbacked cripple.
Would I choose to fly it these days? It's not my first choice, I can generally find an acceptable T/E fare in the WTP cabin which is altogether more pleasant. But equally I would not go too far out of my way to avoid it if the flight timings and route were the best choices. (In fact, due to only W being left for WTP I do once again find myself down the back of a 788 for an upcoming flight to YYZ, I'm sure I will greet it like an old friend )
ETA: 38D/F are my seat recommendations if no exit rows available. Far enough back that seat blocking has a good chance of working, and the last row in the center 3 to have lockers above it.
To be fair, I would caveat my answer somewhat, and I'm taking a fairly broad interpretation of your concept of "doable". In my case:
- I'm about 5' 11", and somewhat "broader" (i.e, fatter!) than I should be. Legroom was tolerable but only just. People over 6ft would likely find it much less so
- As many people will point out, width is a key issue on these seats. I do tend to sit quite upright and with arms and shoulders in so I don't personally find that too onerous even when the seat next to me was occupied. Obviously when blocked it was fine.
- I would never describe myself as "bright-eyed" or well rested when disembarking, but equally I did this flight many times and wasn't reduced to a hunchbacked cripple.
Would I choose to fly it these days? It's not my first choice, I can generally find an acceptable T/E fare in the WTP cabin which is altogether more pleasant. But equally I would not go too far out of my way to avoid it if the flight timings and route were the best choices. (In fact, due to only W being left for WTP I do once again find myself down the back of a 788 for an upcoming flight to YYZ, I'm sure I will greet it like an old friend
)ETA: 38D/F are my seat recommendations if no exit rows available. Far enough back that seat blocking has a good chance of working, and the last row in the center 3 to have lockers above it.
I've been looking at the loadings on expert flyer recently on this route, though, , and it always seems there's loads of empty seats at the back, which is what motivated my original question. Speaking of exit rows, what's the deal with 30A and F. They show up as red on BA Source.
Nov 29, 2018, 10:24 am
#652
Join Date: Nov 2017
Programs: BA, Hilton
Posts: 2,092
ETA: Just another info point, I was BA Bronze and Silver for the majority of these flights, and although I did not know Theoretical Seating was a thing back then, I definitely noticed an increase in empty seats beside me around row 38 once I hit Silver. I often traveled with a colleague who was also Silver but his preference was to be as far forward as possible. His success rate on a blocked seat was far lower.
Last edited by BertieBadger; Nov 29, 2018 at 10:29 am
Nov 29, 2018, 10:35 am
#653
Join Date: Oct 2017
Programs: BAEC Silver, Flying Blue Platinum; Hilton Gold, IHG Diamond, Marriott Titanium, Wyndham Diamond
Posts: 788
I'm going to guess you mean 30A and K? As I recall, the emergency exit door intrudes quite significantly into the cabin (There is a large bulge, which I assume contains the exit slide)
ETA: Just another info point, I was BA Bronze and Silver for the majority of these flights, and although I did not know Theoretical Seating was a thing back then, I definitely noticed an increase in empty seats beside me around row 38 once I hit Silver. I often traveled with a colleague who was also Silver but his preference was to be as far forward as possible. His success rate on a blocked seat was far lower.
ETA: Just another info point, I was BA Bronze and Silver for the majority of these flights, and although I did not know Theoretical Seating was a thing back then, I definitely noticed an increase in empty seats beside me around row 38 once I hit Silver. I often traveled with a colleague who was also Silver but his preference was to be as far forward as possible. His success rate on a blocked seat was far lower.
I'll hopefully hit gold by the end of the month, so that would increase my chances even further I think. Thanks again.
Nov 29, 2018, 2:38 pm
#654
Join Date: Jan 2013
Programs: Ba exec blue
Posts: 58
Now to try and get the BA call center to change my seats as I have an infant but our flights are under three separate bookings....
Took me 50 minutes to get my seats allocated last time
Anyway enough of me grumbling, thanks again!
Nov 30, 2018, 5:10 pm
#657
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: BRS
Programs: BA Ex Club Gold, IHG Spire Elite, Hilton Diamond, Avis Presidents Circle
Posts: 256
Hi everyone, I have just managed to book my first flight on a 787. The booking has automatically allocated 6J&K on the flight from LHR to SCL. Can anyone see any disadvantages to these seats?
Thanks!
Thanks!
Dec 4, 2018, 7:57 am
#658
Join Date: Oct 2017
Programs: BAEC Silver, Flying Blue Platinum; Hilton Gold, IHG Diamond, Marriott Titanium, Wyndham Diamond
Posts: 788
Just got notified (not by BA, of course) that our Summer LHR-YYZ got swapped from a 777 to a 789. Everything is open except for 6JK and the bassinet seats. Went with 7JK judging from the BA Source seat map. Anything I'm missing that would suggest another option?
Dec 24, 2018, 3:42 am
#659
Join Date: Dec 2018
Posts: 2
Flying BA for the 1st time with my infant on 787-9 LHR-KUL overnight flight. Flying WT and the bassinet seat is no longer available. Which seat would be best for us? I am traveling alone with my infant.
I read that 43A/K has increased space between the seat and cabin wall, but there aren't seats 43A/K. Do they mean 43B/J?
These seats are next to the WC, would there be a lot of disturbance and smell?
Thanks a lot!
I read that 43A/K has increased space between the seat and cabin wall, but there aren't seats 43A/K. Do they mean 43B/J?
These seats are next to the WC, would there be a lot of disturbance and smell?
Thanks a lot!
Dec 24, 2018, 11:12 am
#660
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: London
Programs: Mucci. Nothing else matters.
Posts: 38,644
This is to note a couple of reports of engine noise and vibration in 7K (and this will probably also apply to 7A by analogy), so that some may want to avoid 7AK on a 788 - New BA Routes 2018: Durban, KwaZulu-Natal (DUR)