Should I brave a 787 in Y?
Jan 23, 2023, 12:13 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2006
Posts: 129
Should I brave a 787 in Y?
Hi all,
I’m planning a trip which may involve travelling on a 787 in Y. I’m bigger (wider) than I’d like to be and am wondering if I should avoid the 787 as the seats may be noticeably narrower than other aircraft in the same category.
I may not have a choice about the cabin due to my travelling companion but there may be a choice on the aircraft (dependant on schedule changes, obviously).
Thoughts?
I’m planning a trip which may involve travelling on a 787 in Y. I’m bigger (wider) than I’d like to be and am wondering if I should avoid the 787 as the seats may be noticeably narrower than other aircraft in the same category.
I may not have a choice about the cabin due to my travelling companion but there may be a choice on the aircraft (dependant on schedule changes, obviously).
Thoughts?
Jan 23, 2023, 12:43 am
#2
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2014
Location: UK
Programs: BA Gold
Posts: 12,524
I’ve done once and it is tough / uncomfortable going. I’m smaller build and still had to sit with one shoulder angled out.
Which route ? As you might get it over and done with on a 6hr, but certainly not a 10+ hour journey
Which route ? As you might get it over and done with on a 6hr, but certainly not a 10+ hour journey
Jan 23, 2023, 12:48 am
#3
Join Date: Nov 2004
Programs: BA GGL, LH FTL
Posts: 3,591
Friends of mine (short, slim & used to lots of Y travel) recently did it and described it as uncomfortable. I think there was also a trip report from cws a few years ago that didn't leave a positive impression.
I would avoid it if I could...
I would avoid it if I could...
Jan 23, 2023, 12:49 am
#4
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: US/UK - and elsewhere
Programs: BA Gold
Posts: 2,689
I do... and I'm 6'2 (186cm) and not slim 
. It's doable, although you do spend a lot of time praying for an empty seat next to you!
(Annoyingly it's typically for work who are willing to fork out $2,500 TATL on a semi-flexible ticket in Y...).
. It's doable, although you do spend a lot of time praying for an empty seat next to you!(Annoyingly it's typically for work who are willing to fork out $2,500 TATL on a semi-flexible ticket in Y...).
Jan 23, 2023, 12:58 am
#7
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: YYC
Programs: BA bronze, Aeroplan peon
Posts: 4,769
I take a size 40 suit jacket and my shoulders are wider than the seat. I did Y for an 8 hours trans atlantic and I swore never again. You'll be very intimate with your neighbours whether you want to be or not.
Jan 23, 2023, 1:01 am
#8
Join Date: May 2014
Posts: 7,440
Flew Economy on 787s on BA, LATAM, Air France. Frankly, it's OK. If you think you'll be uncomfortable, or if you think you might make others uncomfortable, book Premium Economy.
The one thing that sets BA's 787s behind are the IFE box and the fact that the Recaro seats have armrests that don't go all the way up. The 781s don't have that problem.
The one thing that sets BA's 787s behind are the IFE box and the fact that the Recaro seats have armrests that don't go all the way up. The 781s don't have that problem.
Jan 23, 2023, 1:04 am
#9
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: GLA
Programs: Chevalier de la Gallentrie - Knight of the Platinum Hair Brush, BA Gold, Hilton Gold
Posts: 1,390
Hi all,
I’m planning a trip which may involve travelling on a 787 in Y. I’m bigger (wider) than I’d like to be and am wondering if I should avoid the 787 as the seats may be noticeably narrower than other aircraft in the same category.
I may not have a choice about the cabin due to my travelling companion but there may be a choice on the aircraft (dependant on schedule changes, obviously).
Thoughts?
I’m planning a trip which may involve travelling on a 787 in Y. I’m bigger (wider) than I’d like to be and am wondering if I should avoid the 787 as the seats may be noticeably narrower than other aircraft in the same category.
I may not have a choice about the cabin due to my travelling companion but there may be a choice on the aircraft (dependant on schedule changes, obviously).
Thoughts?
Jan 23, 2023, 1:51 am
#10
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: London
Programs: BA Gold; FB Silver; SPG; IHG Gold
Posts: 3,044
In my opinion, Y in a BA 787 is fine if:
1) It is a relative short long haul sector (i.,e. USA East Coast); and
2) You and the person next to you are not that wide/fat.
As for 2, if you have a larger person wedged in the middle seat, then it becomes very uncomfortable.
1) It is a relative short long haul sector (i.,e. USA East Coast); and
2) You and the person next to you are not that wide/fat.
As for 2, if you have a larger person wedged in the middle seat, then it becomes very uncomfortable.
Jan 23, 2023, 2:28 am
#12
Join Date: Oct 2019
Programs: BAEC Silver, Volare Executive / Skyteam Elite+
Posts: 676
I'll second TTmex - I'm bigger than I once was, and it's just about doable but no fun based on a flight a few years ago; I made it but zero rest and the day of arrival was a virtual write off. WTP isn't exactly the height of luxury but that bit more space makes it a lot more endurable.
Jan 23, 2023, 2:37 am
#14
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: UK
Programs: BA GfL & GGL, FB Platinum, MB Titanium, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 2,591
This only makes sense if the flexible part of the ticket is frequently being utilised, otherwise it’s crazy when you can get a business class ticket for less.
Jan 23, 2023, 2:41 am
#15
Join Date: Jul 2018
Location: Mexico
Programs: BAEC Gold / SQ *A Gold / Marriott Titanium
Posts: 3,738
I'll second TTmex - I'm bigger than I once was, and it's just about doable but no fun based on a flight a few years ago; I made it but zero rest and the day of arrival was a virtual write off. WTP isn't exactly the height of luxury but that bit more space makes it a lot more endurable.