Avianca 787-8 Seat Selection Guide (2025)
Avianca's 787-8 offers a solid Safran Cirrus Business Class with 1-2-1 reverse-herringbone seating—competitive with other Star Alliance carriers on long-haul routes. The main catch: verify you're not on an ex-Norwegian aircraft with recliner seats marketed as Business Class.
Updated January 2025: Guide covers Standard (28J) and High-Density (20J) configurations. Avoid ex-Norwegian 2-3-2 recliners.
Quick Verdict
Best Business seats: 2A, 2K, 3A, 3K (mid-cabin windows)
Avoid: Row 1 (galley noise), last row of each cabin (lavatories/traffic)
Versions at a Glance
| Configuration | Business | Economy | Total | Key Difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard (V1) | 28 (1-2-1) | 222 (3-3-3) | 250 | Two Business cabins with in-flight bar |
| High-Density (V2) | 20 (1-2-1) | 271 (3-3-3) | 291 | Single Business cabin, tighter 31" Economy pitch |
| Ex-Norwegian ⚠️ | 32 (2-3-2) | — | — | Recliner seats, NOT lie-flat |
How to Identify Your Configuration
28-seat Business (Standard V1)
- Two Business Class cabins
- Main cabin: rows 1–5
- Mini-cabin: rows 6–7, separated by an in-flight bar
- Look for 7 rows of Business on the seat map
20-seat Business (High-Density V2)
- Single Business cabin (rows 1–5 only)
- Economy begins at row 6
- Look for only 5 rows of Business on the seat map
⚠️ Ex-Norwegian (Avoid if possible)
- Seat map shows 2-3-2 in Business (not 1-2-1)
- 32 Business seats, no lie-flat capability
- These are former Norwegian 787s with recliner seats that Avianca markets as Business Class
If you see 2-3-2 in the Business cabin, consider rebooking or requesting a refund.
Business Class
Both Standard and High-Density configurations feature the Safran Cirrus reverse-herringbone seat in a 1-2-1 layout. Every seat has direct aisle access and converts to a fully lie-flat bed.
Seat Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Seat model | Safran Cirrus |
| Layout | 1-2-1 reverse herringbone |
| Width | 20 inches |
| Bed | Fully lie-flat |
| IFE | 16" HD touchscreen (fixed at bulkhead rows) |
| Power | Universal AC outlet + USB-A |
| Storage | Retractable table, secure stowage compartment |
Best Seats – Standard Configuration (28J)
| Category | Seats | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Best Solo | 2A, 3A, 4A | Mid-cabin windows, maximum privacy, quieter than row 1 |
| Best Couples | 2D/2G, 3D/3G | Centre pairs with lowerable divider |
| Best for Quiet | 6A, 6K | Mini-cabin behind door 2, smaller and quieter |
Seats to Avoid – Standard Configuration (28J)
| Seat | Issue |
|---|---|
| 1A, 1K | Bulkhead with galley noise, bassinet position, fixed IFE screen |
| 5A, 5K | Last row of main cabin, directly in front of mid-galley and bar area |
| 7D, 7G | Last mini-cabin row, centre seats near rear lavatory traffic |
Best Seats – High-Density Configuration (20J)
| Category | Seats | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Best Solo | 2A, 3A | Mid-cabin windows away from galley |
| Best Couples | 2D/2G, 3D/3G | Centre pairs |
Seats to Avoid – High-Density Configuration (20J)
| Seat | Issue |
|---|---|
| 1A, 1K | Bulkhead galley noise, fixed IFE screen |
| 5D, 5G | Last row centre seats, more foot traffic from Economy |
Economy Class
Both configurations use Weber 5751 seats in a 3-3-3 layout.
Seat Specifications
| Feature | Standard (V1) | High-Density (V2) |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 222 | 271 |
| Pitch | 32" | 31" |
| Width | 17.1" | 17.1" |
| Recline | 6" | 6" |
| IFE | 8" HD touchscreen | 8" HD touchscreen |
| Power | USB-A | USB-A |
Best Seats – Standard Configuration (222M)
| Category | Seats | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Best Legroom | 8A, 8K, 8D, 8G | Bulkhead row with extra space |
| Best for Families | 8D, 8E, 8F | Bulkhead centre block |
| Best for Couples | 8A/8B | Window pair at bulkhead |
Seats to Avoid – Standard Configuration (222M)
| Seat | Issue |
|---|---|
| Row 21 | Near mid-cabin lavatories |
| Row 33 | Near rear lavatories |
| 34D/E/F, 35D/E/F | Often blocked for crew rest |
| 35A, 35B, 35C | Last row with limited recline |
Best Seats – High-Density Configuration (271M)
| Category | Seats | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Best Legroom | 6A, 6K, 6D, 6G | First Economy row behind Business bulkhead |
| Best for Families | 6D, 6E, 6F | Bulkhead centre block |
Seats to Avoid – High-Density Configuration (271M)
| Seat | Issue |
|---|---|
| Row 35, 36 | Last rows with limited recline and lavatory proximity |
Routes
Avianca deploys the 787-8 on its longest routes including:
- Bogotá (BOG) – Madrid (MAD)
- Bogotá (BOG) – London Heathrow (LHR)
- Bogotá (BOG) – São Paulo (GRU)
- Bogotá (BOG) – Buenos Aires (EZE)
The 787-8 occasionally operates US routes (MIA, JFK) but narrowbody equipment is more common on those sectors.
Known Quirks & Practical Tips
| Issue / Quirk | Details |
|---|---|
| Ex-Norwegian recliner trap | 3 aircraft have 2-3-2 recliner seats sold as Business Class—always check your seat map for 1-2-1 layout |
| In-flight bar (V1 only) | Standard config has a bar between the two Business cabins—nice amenity, but rows 5 and 6 get more traffic |
| Fixed IFE at bulkhead | Row 1 and row 6 screens don't retract, reducing bed length slightly |
| Crew rest blocking | Seats 34DEF and 35DEF often blocked for crew rest—don't count on these |
| Mixed fleet age | Some aircraft showing wear and tear; service quality varies |
| No Premium Economy | Two-class only—no middle option between Business and Economy |
| Soft product inconsistency | Catering and service reviews range widely; set expectations accordingly |
| Rebooking leverage | If you discover ex-Norwegian equipment after booking, Avianca has historically offered refunds |
FAQs
Is Avianca 787-8 Business Class good?
Yes—when you get the Safran Cirrus seats. The 1-2-1 layout with direct aisle access and lie-flat beds is competitive with other Star Alliance carriers. The catch is avoiding ex-Norwegian aircraft with recliner seats.
How do I avoid the ex-Norwegian recliners?
Check your seat map before booking. If Business Class shows a 2-3-2 layout (like a widebody Economy cabin), you're on an ex-Norwegian aircraft. The correct Avianca product shows 1-2-1.
What's the difference between 28J and 20J configurations?
The 28J (Standard) has two Business cabins with an in-flight bar between them and 32" Economy pitch. The 20J (High-Density) has one smaller Business cabin and tighter 31" Economy pitch.
Is there Premium Economy on Avianca's 787-8?
No. Avianca operates the 787-8 in a two-class configuration only: Business and Economy.
Which seats have the most privacy in Business?
Even-row window seats (2A, 2K, 4A, 4K) in the reverse-herringbone layout face away from the aisle, offering maximum privacy.
How does Avianca 787-8 compare to LATAM 787-9?
LATAM's 787-9 has a version lottery—some have 1-2-1 Business, others have older 2-2-2. Avianca's proper 787-8 (not ex-Norwegian) consistently offers 1-2-1, which is more predictable.
Can I select my seat in advance?
Yes, seat selection is available at booking for most fare classes. Business Class passengers can select for free; Economy may require a fee depending on fare type.
Summary
| Traveller Type | Standard (28J) | High-Density (20J) |
|---|---|---|
| Solo Business | 2A, 3A, 4A | 2A, 3A |
| Couples Business | 2D/2G, 3D/3G | 2D/2G, 3D/3G |
| Quiet Business | 6A, 6K (mini-cabin) | N/A |
| Solo Economy | 8A, 8K | 6A, 6K |
| Families Economy | 8D/8E/8F | 6D/6E/6F |
Bottom Line: Avianca's 787-8 Business Class offers a solid Safran Cirrus 1-2-1 product—just verify your seat map shows 1-2-1 and not 2-3-2 to avoid the ex-Norwegian recliner trap.
Comparable Aircraft
Same seat (Safran Cirrus):
- Delta A330 Seat Selection Guide — Zodiac Cirrus 1-2-1
- EVA Air 777-300ER Seat Selection Guide — Royal Laurel Cirrus
Other Star Alliance 787s:
- Air Canada 787-8 Seat Selection Guide
- United 787-8 & 787-9 Seat Selection Guide
- LOT Polish 787-8 Seat Selection Guide
Other Latin American carriers: