There's no question the air quality and cabin pressure were huge pluses for me. The 787 would be the first plane I would consistently pay more money to fly on for long-haul flights because of those features. Headroom, lighting, windows were all pleasant amenities but paled in comparison to how I felt getting off the plane after 14 hours. Completely relaxed and refreshed.
Glad to see that everyone seems to mostly like the 787. It would suck to create a new airplane and everyone hates it.
Apparently they don't think the windows are dark enough and are considering installing blinds on the 2 long haul 787s delivered http://in.reuters.com/article/2012/06/20/ana-boeing-idINL3E8HK3QT20120620
Flew SEA-NRT last week on the NH 788. I agree - the experience is so good, it is worth more money. Some of this is NH, with 34 inches of pitch and great service - IMO, the best non-premium Y experience in the sky, with SQ - but the 787 airframe lifts it to a new level. I made a short-notice MP award booking and was condemned to row 32 - where the cabin narrows, so nothing like as much room as the bulkheads or exits. No StarG privilige when it was so heavily booked already. I thought this flight would suck rocks - on the UA744 in seat 63E it would have - but it did not. The low fatigue was quite notable - and the machine is far quieter than any other jet aircraft. I had expected the comfort differential between a 380 and a 787 would be incremental, but it's not. This is really a different experience and it's miles better. If the bulkheads can be snagged (21 and 25 I think, from my cabin recollection) there would be no need for J. But then, the extreme J/Y ratio on the NH machine makes this likely op-up turf for Star G members.during summer/vacation travel seasons.
Glad to hear you had a good ride. I can't wait for another long trip on it, maybe to go see Tsukiji fish market one more time before it closes. But, while I'm sure the bulkhead seats are better than regular coach, I'll be happy a bit closer to the pointy end of the plane.
