Hainan Airlines 787-9 Seat Selection Guide (2025)

Hainan Airlines 787-9 Business Class cabin
Hainan Airlines' newer 787-9 aircraft feature Safran Cirrus III reverse-herringbone Business Class in 1-2-1

Hainan's Boeing 787-9 fleet is a seat-map lottery: some aircraft have the newer Safran Cirrus III reverse-herringbone (1-2-1) Business Class, while others still fly an older 2-2-2 layout. Some 787-9s also offer "Hainan Plus" (extra-legroom Economy at ~36" pitch). Your seat map is everything.

Important: Row numbers can vary by subfleet. Seat recommendations below refer to verified seat maps. If your seat map differs, follow your seat map.

Quick Verdict

  • Best outcome: 1-2-1 Cirrus III (direct aisle access for everyone + better privacy)
  • How to spot the good one fast: Business cabin shows an angled 1-2-1 pattern
  • Avoid in 1-2-1 Business: Row 11 (front lavs), and row 18 centre (galley proximity)
  • If you're on 2-2-2: pick centre D/G for aisle access; avoid window A/K unless travelling together
  • Best value outside Business: Hainan Plus (if present) — noticeably more pitch than standard Economy

Hainan Airlines 787-9 Versions at a Glance

Version Business Layout Business Hainan Plus Economy Total
New (Cirrus III) 1-2-1 reverse herringbone 30 36 226 292
Mid (Cirrus III, no Plus) 1-2-1 reverse herringbone 30 0 262 292
Old (legacy) 2-2-2 forward-facing 36–38 0 ~247–262 Varies

How to Identify Your Version

Indicator New 1-2-1 (Cirrus III) Old 2-2-2
Seat map pattern Angled seats, 1-2-1 Straight pairs, 2-2-2
Business seat count ~30 ~36–38
Direct aisle access All seats Window seats climb-over
Hainan Plus May be present Not available

Tip: If you see a neat, repeating 1-2-1 pattern with "facing the windows" at A/K, you've likely got the newer product.

Seat Map Summary

New 1-2-1 version (most common reference layout)

Cabin Rows (Approx.) Layout Notes
Business 11–18 1-2-1 reverse herringbone 30 Cirrus III seats
Hainan Plus 31–34 3-3-3 36 seats, ~36" pitch
Economy 35–50+ 3-3-3 ~32" pitch

Business Class: New 1-2-1 (Safran Cirrus III)

What it is: Reverse-herringbone 1-2-1, direct aisle access for every passenger, with a more private "shell" feel than many older staggered products.

Key features (typical):

  • Lie-flat bed (often quoted around 78")
  • Direct aisle access for all
  • Large touchscreen IFE (often 16–18" depending on aircraft)
  • AC + USB-A power
  • Good privacy at windows
  • Nespresso machine in the cabin on some aircraft

Best Seats – Business (1-2-1)

Category Seats Why
Best privacy (solo) Mid-cabin A/K Window-facing + generally calmer than the very front
Couples Centre D/G pairs Easy to talk, no climbing over anyone
Avoiding the busiest zones Mid rows Front tends to have lavs; rear tends to have galley activity
"Last row" upside Row 18 A/K Often fewer people behind you (quieter feel)

Seats to Avoid – Business (1-2-1)

Seats Why
Row 11 Closest to front lavatories and foot traffic
Row 18 centre Typically closest to galley / service flow

Business Class: Old 2-2-2 (Legacy)

What it is: Forward-facing 2-2-2 with lie-flat seats, but window passengers do not have direct aisle access.

Best Seats – Business (2-2-2)

Category Seats Why
Best for solo travellers Centre D/G Direct aisle access without climbing
Best for couples Window pairs (A/C or H/K) Side-by-side pairs work well together

Seats to Avoid – Business (2-2-2)

Seats Why
Window A/K (solo) You'll likely need to climb over your neighbour to reach the aisle
Rows next to lavs Noise/light/queues (often worst at the front)

Hainan Plus: Enhanced Economy (If Fitted)

What it is: The first few rows of Economy sold as an extra-legroom product—usually the best value upgrade if you're not in Business.

Best Seats – Hainan Plus

Category Seats Why
Maximum space Row 31 Bulkhead legroom (usually the standout pick)
Best "normal" pick Any A/K Window + extra pitch feels more spacious

Seats to Avoid – Hainan Plus

None major — the main benefit is the pitch; choose based on window/aisle preference.

Economy Class

What it is: Standard Dreamliner 3-3-3, typically around 32" pitch.

Best Seats – Economy

Category Seats Why
Most legroom Exit rows Biggest space gain
Best "upgrade on a budget" Hainan Plus (rows 31–34) ~36" vs ~32" pitch (if available)

Seats to Avoid – Economy

Seats Why
Last rows Higher lav traffic; recline can be limited
Middle seats 787 width feels tight—avoid if you value shoulder space

Known Quirks & Practical Tips

Issue What It Means for Seat Choice
Version lottery Always confirm 1-2-1 vs 2-2-2 before picking seats
Hainan Plus isn't universal If you see it, it's usually a strong value play
Nespresso in Business (some aircraft) Nice perk—doesn't change seat choice, but good to know
Strong soft product reputation Service/food can be a highlight regardless of layout
US routes Hainan often serves LAX, JFK, Boston, Seattle from China (routes can change)

Best Seats Summary Table

Cabin Best Why Avoid
Business (1-2-1) Mid-cabin A/K Privacy + window-facing Row 11
Business (2-2-2) Centre D/G Aisle access Window A/K (solo)
Hainan Plus Row 31 Bulkhead + extra pitch N/A
Economy Exit rows Legroom Last rows

FAQs

Q: How do I know if I have the new or old Business Class?

A: Check the seat map. Angled 1-2-1 = new Cirrus III. Straight 2-2-2 pairs = old layout.

Q: What is Hainan Plus?

A: Extra-legroom Economy (often ~36" pitch) in the first rows of the Economy cabin. Not on every aircraft.

Q: Does Hainan have First Class?

A: Not on the 787-9. Some other fleet types may vary by configuration.

Q: Is Hainan really 5-star?

A: Hainan is widely regarded for strong service; many travellers rate the soft product highly.

Q: Which US cities does Hainan serve?

A: Often includes Los Angeles, New York (JFK), Boston, Seattle from various Chinese cities (check your specific route/date).

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