best seat on boeing 787-9
Choosing the best seat on a Boeing 787‑9 depends largely on the airline’s cabin layout and your personal preferences for privacy, view, and seat orientation.
Window seats and privacy
Window seats are repeatedly highlighted as the most private option across several airlines. On Virgin Atlantic’s Upper Class, the window seats on the “A” side are considered the best because they face a wall, giving a more secluded feel. EVA Air’s business class recommends the window seats in rows 2, 5, and 7 as the top choices, noting they are closest to the windows and provide the most privacy. EL AL’s 787‑9 business class also favors the window seats, along with the centre‑pair seats when traveling with a companion, for their extra width and padding. JAL’s review similarly points to the window seat as the best for solo travelers, citing its superior privacy despite a narrower aisle gap. One Mile at a Time +4
Bulkhead and forward‑facing seats
AeroMexico’s 787‑9 business cabin highlights the bulkhead seat as offering “the best level of privacy,” with a bulkhead directly in front and behind the passenger. ANA’s upcoming “The Room FX” configuration will place forward‑facing seats at the windows (seats A and K), which may be especially desirable for travelers who prefer a forward view and distance from the aisle. Traveling for Miles +2
Seat configuration considerations
Airlines with a 1‑2‑1 layout (e.g., many premium cabins) generally provide direct aisle access for all seats, making any seat comfortable, but the window seats still stand out for privacy. In a 2‑2‑2 configuration like United’s older business class, the aisle and window seats each have their own advantages, but the window seat retains the benefit of a wall‑adjacent position. One Mile at a Time +3
Practical tips for selecting a seat
- Prioritize window seats in the front rows of the cabin, especially those identified by the airline’s seat map as closest to the windows (e.g., EVA Air rows 2, 5, 7).
- If you travel with a partner, consider the centre‑pair seats that offer extra width and direct aisle access (as noted by EL AL). 🔗
- For maximum privacy without a window, look for bulkhead seats that have a solid wall in front (as praised by AeroMexico). 🔗
- Check whether the airline’s 787‑9 uses a 1‑2‑1 or 2‑2‑2 layout, as this influences aisle access and seat width.
By focusing on window or bulkhead positions and being aware of each airline’s specific seat map, you can select the most comfortable spot on any Boeing 787‑9.
