El Al 787-9 Seat Selection Guide (2026)
El Al was the world's first airline to install the Recaro CL6710 Business Class seat when their 787-9s entered service in 2017. This matters because El Al worked directly with Recaro to customize the product, and every seat offers direct aisle access with a fully flat 78" bed.
No version lottery here — El Al operates a single 787-9 configuration across its fleet of 16 aircraft (with one exception noted below). The Recaro CL6710 is similar to United's Polaris seat layout but from a different manufacturer.
Updated January 2026: Includes 4X-EDN (new May 2025 delivery) with different 30J/263Y configuration.
Quick Verdict
| Cabin | Configuration | Seats | Pitch | Best Seats |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business Class | 1-2-1 staggered | 32 | 42-43" / 78" bed | 2A, 2K, 4A, 4K, 6A, 6K |
| Premium Economy | 2-3-2 | 35 | 37.5" | 11A, 11K, 12A, 12K |
| Economy | 3-3-3 | 204 | 30.8-31" | 21A, 21K (Space); 35B, 35C, 35H, 35J (exit row) |
The El Al Difference: Launch Customer Status
El Al was the world's first airline to install the Recaro CL6710 Business Class seat when their 787-9s entered service in 2017. This matters because:
- El Al worked directly with Recaro to customize the product
- The seat represents a massive upgrade from their previous 2-3-2 angled-flat Business on 777s
- Every Business seat has direct aisle access and lies fully flat (78" bed)
Business Class (32 seats)
The Seat
- Seat type: Recaro CL6710 (staggered)
- Configuration: 1-2-1
- Pitch: 42-43"
- Width: 20.5" (21" per some sources)
- Bed length: 78" fully flat
- Screen: 16" HD touchscreen
- Power: Universal AC + USB-A
- WiFi: ViaSat Ka-band (paid)
Understanding the Staggered Layout
The Recaro CL6710 uses a staggered configuration where window seats alternate between two positions:
Even rows (2, 4, 6, 8) — "True Window" seats:
- Seat positioned directly next to the window
- Side table between you and the aisle provides separation
- Maximum privacy — best for solo travelers
Odd rows (1, 3, 5, 7) — "Aisle-Adjacent Window" seats:
- Seat positioned closer to the aisle
- Window is still accessible but you're not right against it
- Slightly easier aisle access but less private
Best Seats
For maximum privacy (solo travelers):
- 2A, 2K — True window seats, just behind the forward bulkhead
- 4A, 4K — True window seats, mid-cabin quiet zone
- 6A, 6K — True window seats, mid-cabin
- Not 5A. It is an odd-row window seat like any other, except that the window beside it is plugged: 5A has no window at all, and nothing on the booking map says so. 5K, directly opposite, has one.
For couples:
- 1D + 1G — Centre pair with privacy divider. On the odd rows the two centre seats sit close together; on the even rows they are pushed apart by a wide console, which is the arrangement to pick if you would rather not be shoulder to shoulder
- 3D + 3G — Mid-cabin centre pair, the same close arrangement
- 7D + 7G — Same again, at the back of the cabin
- Note the letters: Business is 1-2-1 lettered A | D G | K. There is no E or F seat anywhere on this aircraft, in any cabin
Seats to Avoid
| Seat | Issue |
|---|---|
| 1A, 1K | First row — adjacent to the forward galley and lavatory, more noise and crew movement. Business is rows 1–8; there is no row 9 |
| 5A | No window at all — the window that would sit beside this pod is plugged. The source carries no warning on it, so it reads as an ordinary window suite at booking |
| 8A, 8K | Last Business row — against the galley and lavatory bank between the cabins, though still acceptable |
Cabin Notes
- Footwell can feel cramped: When sleeping on your side, the footwell height doesn't allow you to stack your legs comfortably. You may need to sleep on your back.
- Seat moves forward when reclining: In "comfort mode," the entire seat slides forward, bringing you closer to the screen.
- Privacy at sleeping level: The privacy shield is drawn back at armrest level, meaning aisle passengers have less sound/light blocking when lying flat.
- Storage: Limited compared to some competitors. Use the overhead bins for larger items.
Premium Economy (28 seats)
The Seat
- Seat type: Recaro CL3710
- Configuration: 2-3-2
- Pitch: 37.5"
- Width: 18.7"
- Recline: 8"
- Screen: 13" HD touchscreen
- Power: Universal AC + USB-A
The 2-3-2 layout means window sections have only 2 seats — no middle seat next to you if you're at the window.
Best Seats
- 11A, 11K — Good balance of quiet and accessibility, and the first row clear of the bulkhead
- 12A, 12K — Similar quality
- For couples: 11A + 11C or 12H + 12K — the 2-3-2 window pairs
- Premium is rows 10–14, lettered A C | D F G | H K. There is no B, E or J seat
Seats to Avoid
- Row 10: the bulkhead row — no underseat storage, and every one of its seven seats rates poorly for proximity to the galley and lavatory ahead. It is the row to skip, not the row to book
- Row 14: the last Premium row, against the divider, with 13A and 13K also carrying a poor window
Economy Class (222 seats)
The Seat
- Seat type: Recaro CL3710
- Configuration: 3-3-3
- Pitch: 30.8" (mid-cabin) to 31" (rear)
- Width: 17.1"
- Recline: 5"
- Screen: 12" HD touchscreen
- Power: Universal AC + USB-A
El Al Space Seats (Extra Legroom)
El Al offers "Space" seats with extra legroom at premium prices ($50-150 extra). Located at:
- Row 21 — First Economy row (bulkhead)
- Row 35 — Mid-cabin extra legroom
- Row 37 D, F, G — Center section only
Best Seats
- 21A, 21K — Bulkhead Space windows with extra legroom (paid)
- 35B, 35C, 35H, 35J — the mid-cabin exit row, with the best legroom in Economy. Row 35 has no centre block at all
- Not 35A or 35K. They are sold as Space seats in the exit row, and both have a window so far behind the seat that there is no usable view, with the exit door curving into the legroom on top of it
- 22A, 22K — Behind Space row, standard pitch but away from lavatories
Note: 45A and 45K have exit door intrusion reducing space despite being exit row.
Seats to Avoid
| Seat | Issue |
|---|---|
| Rows 29 and 30 | Right-side-only rows hard against the mid-cabin lavatories — three seats each, H, J and K. 30K also has no window at all |
| 46A, 46K | No window at all. The source describes them as having a window set behind the seat, and records zero windows at both positions |
| 35A, 35K | Exit door intrusion reduces the legroom, and neither has a usable window view |
| Rows 49 and 50 | The last two rows on the standard aircraft — centre seats only, D, F and G, with the rear lavatories immediately behind. Economy runs 21–30 then 35–50; rows 31 to 34 do not exist |
Fleet Information
El Al operates eleven Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners. Ten carry the standard 32J/35W/204Y configuration — 271 seats — and one does not:
4X-EDN Exception (May 2025 delivery)
This aircraft has a different configuration: 30J/263Y (no Premium Economy). Being deployed on Amsterdam, Bangkok, and Paris routes from June 2025.
Important: Kosher Meals Only
El Al serves exclusively Mehadrin Kosher meals on all flights. This is non-negotiable and applies to all cabins. The food quality in Business Class is generally well-regarded, with menus including chicken teriyaki, beef stew, and salmon.
Security Considerations
El Al is widely regarded as the world's most secure airline. This affects your travel experience:
- Check-in: Arrive at least 3 hours before departure. El Al's security screening includes detailed passenger interviews.
- At Ben Gurion (TLV): Security is thorough but efficient and well-organized.
- Departing from international airports: Security interviews at check-in can take 15-30 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is El Al Business Class competitive with other airlines?
Yes — the 787-9 Business product is a genuine competitor on US-Israel routes. It's comparable to United Polaris. It won't match Qatar Qsuite or Singapore, but it's solid.
What's the best seat for sleeping?
Even-row true window seats (2A, 2K, 4A, 4K, 6A, 6K) offer the most privacy for sleeping. Note the footwell is somewhat narrow — if you're a side sleeper, this may feel restrictive. Avoid 5A: the window beside that pod is plugged and the seat has no view at all.
Is Premium Economy worth it?
For overnight flights to the US: Yes. The 37.5" pitch and 2-3-2 layout make sleeping much more feasible than Economy's 31" and 3-3-3.
Do all 787-9s have the same configuration?
Ten of the eleven have the standard 32J/35W/204Y layout, 271 seats. The exception is 4X-EDN, which still wears its original Air China interior: 30J and 263 Economy seats, 293 in all, with no Premium cabin to buy. Its Business Class is a six-abreast 2-2-2 angled lie-flat where only 20 of the 30 seats reach the aisle without climbing over a neighbour, against a 1-2-1 with 100% direct access on the other ten. The consolation is rows 31–34: the former Air China Premium Economy cabin, sold as ordinary Economy and drawn about 16% further apart than the economy rows behind it, which makes those 34 seats the roomiest Economy on any El Al 787. Letters there run A B C | D E H | J K L, and the right-hand window is L, not K.
Summary: Best Seats at a Glance
Business Class
| Priority | Seats | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Best solo | 10A, 12A, 14A, 10K, 12K, 14K | True window, maximum privacy |
| Best couples | 1D+1G, 3D+3G, 7D+7G | Center pairs with divider |
| Avoid | Row 1, and 5A | Galley proximity |
Premium Economy
| Priority | Seats | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Best overall | 11A, 11K, 12A, 12K | Mid-cabin windows |
| Best couples | 11A+11C, 12H+12K | Window pairs |
| Avoid | Row 10, and row 14 | Bassinet locations |
Economy
| Priority | Seats | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Best legroom (paid) | 21A, 21K, 35B, 35C, 35H, 35J | El Al Space seats |
| Best exit row | 35B, 35C, 35H, 35J | Significant legroom |
| Avoid | Rows 49 and 50 | Last rows, lavatory issues |
Comparable Aircraft
Considering similar routes or products? Check these guides:
- United 787-8/787-9 — Similar Polaris product layout on US-TLV routes
- Turkish Airlines 787-9 — Excellent 1-2-1 Business on IST-TLV connections
- Qatar Airways 787-9 — Qsuite alternative via Doha