ANA 787-9 Seat Selection Guide (2025)
ANA's Boeing 787-9 is a long-haul workhorse to the US/Europe/Australia with a staggered Business Class cabin that rewards smart seat choice. The current international layout is widely seen as consistent (no meaningful version lottery), but ANA has announced a future refresh with "THE Room FX" arriving from 2026.
Important: Row numbers can vary by subfleet. Seat recommendations refer to verified seat maps. If your seat map differs, follow the seat map.
1. Quick Verdict
- Business Class is the main story: 40 seats in a staggered pattern where odd rows = best windows for solo travellers, and even-row centres = best for couples.
- Best Business seats (solo): odd-row window seats (e.g., 1A, 3A, 5A, 7A, 9A, 11A and the equivalent on the other side).
- Best Business seats (quiet / smaller cabin): the rear mini-cabin (rows 9–11, only 8 seats total).
- Avoid Business: Row 1 if you're noise/light sensitive (front lavs/galley proximity), and even-row "window" seats if you want a true window experience.
- Premium Economy: tiny, intimate 14-seat cabin—Row 16 is the safer pick if you want to minimise bassinet risk.
- Economy: exit row 28 for legroom (but 28A/28K have no window), and avoid the very last row.
2. ANA 787-9 Versions at a Glance
| Version | Business | Premium Economy | Economy | Total | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Current (Type 2) | 40 | 14 | 192 | 246 | Safran SkyLounge III |
| Future (2026+) | 48 | TBD | TBD | TBD | "THE Room FX" planned |
3. How to Identify Your Version
| Indicator | Current international configuration |
|---|---|
| Business seats | 40 |
| Business layout | Staggered pattern (alternating geometry) |
| Premium Economy | 14 seats (2-3-2) |
| Economy | 192 seats (3-3-3) |
Note: ANA also operates domestic 787-9s with different interiors—this guide is for the international long-haul-style layout.
4. Seat Map Summary
| Cabin | Rows (Approx.) | Layout | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business (Front) | Rows 1–8 | Staggered | 32 seats |
| Business (Rear) | Rows 9–11 | Staggered | 8 seats (mini-cabin) |
| Premium Economy | Rows 15–16 | 2-3-2 | 14 seats |
| Economy | Rows 20–42 | 3-3-3 | 192 seats |
5. Business Class (Safran SkyLounge III)
Business Class uses a staggered design where your experience changes a lot by odd vs even rows.
Key features:
- Fully-flat bed (~74.5")
- ~19.5" seat width
- ~18" screen
- AC + USB-A
- Storage cubby + shoe space
The Row Logic That Matters
- Odd-row window seats = positioned closest to the window (best privacy, best "true window" feel)
- Even-row window seats = more aisle-adjacent (window is farther away)
- Even-row centre pairs = typically the best for couples (closer together)
Best Seats — Business Class
| Category | Seats | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Best privacy (solo) | Odd-row window seats (e.g., 1A, 3A, 5A, 7A, 9A, 11A + opposite-side equivalents) | True window position, most sheltered |
| Best mini-cabin feel | Rows 9–11 (mini-cabin) | Only 8 seats = quieter, fewer walk-bys |
| Best for couples | Even-row centre pairs | Closer together, better for chatting |
| Best "quiet balance" | Mid-cabin odd-row windows (e.g., 5A/5H, 7A/7H) | Away from the very front and very back |
Seats to Avoid — Business Class
| Seats | Reason |
|---|---|
| Row 1 (all) | Closest to front lavs/galley; more light/noise |
| Even-row window seats (if you care about windows) | Seat is more aisle-side; weaker window experience |
| Odd-row centre seats (if travelling as a pair) | More exposed; less "together" than even-row centres |
6. Premium Economy (Rows 15–16)
Small 14-seat Premium Economy cabin in 2-3-2. The small size often feels calmer and more attentive.
Key features:
- 38" pitch
- ~19.3" width
- ~7" recline
- Leg rest + foot rest
Best Seats — Premium Economy
| Category | Seats | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Best legroom | Row 15 A/C or H/K | Bulkhead space (trade-off: bassinets possible) |
| Best to avoid bassinet risk | Row 16 | Behind bulkhead, typically fewer bassinet issues |
Seats to Avoid — Premium Economy
| Seats | Reason |
|---|---|
| Row 15 (if you're noise-sensitive) | Bassinet positions can mean infant proximity |
| Middle seat in the centre triple | Least convenient for getting out |
7. Economy Class (Rows 20–42)
Economy is 3-3-3, but ANA's fixed-back shell style can make recline feel less intrusive.
Key features:
- 34" pitch
- ~17" width
- Fixed-back shell seat
- Footrest + seatback screen
Best Seats — Economy
| Category | Seats | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Best legroom | Row 28 (exit row) | Maximum space |
| Best "front of cabin" | Row 20 | Quieter feel + quicker off the aircraft |
Seats to Avoid — Economy
| Seats | Reason |
|---|---|
| 28A, 28K | Exit-row legroom but no window |
| Row 42 (last row) | Limited recline + rear traffic |
8. Known Quirks & Practical Tips
| Issue | Details |
|---|---|
| "THE Room FX" coming | Major refresh expected from 2026; today's advice still applies for current fleets |
| Staggered seat pattern | The odd/even logic is the biggest unlock for better seats |
| Tiny Premium Economy | 14 seats can feel calmer, but bulkhead may mean bassinets |
| Economy shell seats | Recline tends to intrude less on the person behind |
9. Best Seats Summary Table
| Cabin | Best | Why | Avoid |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business | Odd-row window seats, especially in rows 9–11 | True window + mini-cabin quiet | Row 1, even-row "window" seats |
| Premium Economy | Row 16 | Avoids most bulkhead/bassinet downsides | Row 15 if noise-sensitive |
| Economy | Row 28 (exit), Row 20 | Legroom / quieter forward cabin | 28A/28K, Row 42 |
10. FAQs
What is "THE Room FX"?
ANA's upcoming 787-9 Business Class planned for 2026, based on a new seat concept that's positioned as a next-gen product.
Are all ANA 787-9s the same?
International 787-9s are generally consistent, but domestic 787-9s differ—always verify by seat map.
Which seats are true window seats in Business?
Odd-row window seats are closest to the window; even-row window seats sit closer to the aisle.
Is the 787-9 used on US routes?
Yes—ANA uses the type on many long-haul routes (exact routes vary seasonally; check your booking).