Everything You Wanted to Know About Where to Sit on a United 787-9 (non-Polaris seat)
 

Now that the 787-9 is in service I figure it is time to put together the master thread about seats and such. I was on the inaugural yesterday writing for Airways News as a guest of UA so I got a bit of time to explore the 787-9 before all the other passengers came on board. And I snapped a lot of photos. I've included some here in hopes that it helps people make decisions about where they want to sit.

BusinessFirst
Not much different from the -8 version. There are still (at least) three different foot-well layouts/sizes. Choose wisely based on your needs.

http://blog.wandr.me/wp-content/uplo...comparison.jpg

I still prefer the bulkhead in the second cabin on the starboard side but I can understand that others might have other preferences.

Also, no windows at row 4.
http://blog.wandr.me/wp-content/uplo...9/IMG_6319.jpg

And limited overhead storage in the center at row 1 due to pilot rest bunks but given the new Sky Interior bins I'd be shocked if that's really a problem.

Not particularly related to seat quality but there are new controls for the recline and the IFE. I really like the new IFE controller; you can watch the moving map on it and a movie on the main screen.
http://airwaysnews.com/blog/wp-conte...9/IMG_6287.jpg

EconomyPlus
Bulkhead rows are still my favorite. Every seat has power (not just 2 plugs per 3 seats) and good legroom.
http://blog.wandr.me/wp-content/uplo...9/IMG_6238.jpg

The center 3 seats also has an adjustable armrest for the D/E pair. Might be useful to some.

Exit Row @ 3L/R
The A/L seats at row 27 are not marked as E+ from what I've seen. There is the door slide and no window but I think these are probably the best "free" seats on the plane.
http://blog.wandr.me/wp-content/uplo...9/IMG_6236.jpg

Economy
The crew bunks in the pack start at row 39 which cuts that overhead space out.
http://blog.wandr.me/wp-content/uplo...9/IMG_6313.jpg

Also, no window at row 38.
http://blog.wandr.me/wp-content/uplo...9/IMG_6240.jpg

I forgot to mention...

The new economy seats are different. They are the articulating seat so the bottom pan slides forward a bit when you recline. You can see it a bit in this photo:
http://blog.wandr.me/wp-content/uplo...G_6234-001.jpg

Everything else looked pretty normal from what I recall. I have more photos so if there are any questions just ask and I'll try to get an answer or a photo showing what's going on.

Links above go to the stories I've written about the plane on two different commercial websites. FT rules require disclosure of such.

Would you be able to explain which of the three foot-wells are where?

If the exit rows are not marked E+ UA will fix that soon.

Thanks Seth, very helpful report. Did you try out the Y seat?

My guess is window, aisle, bulkhead (from L to R). Window having the smallest footwell.

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The smaller foot-well is in the A, E and L seats.

There are two different sizes for the bulkheads, too, but they are much more similar to each other and both are significantly wider than the other rows.

I sat briefly in a coach seat. Other than articulating I didn't notice a difference but it was a short stint.

Thanks for reporting, smb12! ^

Re the BF footwell I'd be interest to learn which seats have the smallest footwell, e.g. the one shown on the left of your 3 pix.

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It is just the A/L seats not marked. The other 7 are definitely E+ on the seat maps. I suppose we'll see what happens.

I'm on MEL-LAX on oct 31 on the 787-9 and yes, the exit rows are indeed E+ on the seatmap..

Hmm in 16A (Bulkhead window..) wonder if I should move to exit row (Waitlisted for UG)

EDIT: Just seen we have been downgauged to a 787-8 :( (UA99 on Oct31)

That photo was taken from 8L. I believe all A, E and L seats except for the bulkhead are that layout.

Thanks, with the E seat being the middle seat on the right aisle (facing forward)?

What seats are like the footwell shown in the middle picture?

Correct.

The other three "columns" on board. :-:

Sorry if I'm being dense - is your op implying that the crew rests are actually above the cabin (hence no over head bins)? Or is there some other explanation for having no overhead bins at the crew rest areas?

nice report, thanks ... but red text on a dark background can be difficult to read.

-David

Have LAX-MEL booked for next year and my GPU's cleared. Currently have 1 K and L booked. Will these seats both have the larger foot wells? We were on the 787-8 last month and had 4 K and L, love those seats. Both had nice sized foot wells and there was a nice sized shelf in front of the seats that were very handy while in flight. Will the seats on the 787-9 be as comfortable? We could change to row 6 if they are better then row 1.
Thanks, Molly

Yes they'll have big foot wells. Think no difference between 1 and 6