Lufthansa Boeing 787-9 Seat Selection Guide (2026)

Lufthansa Boeing 787-9 Allegris Business Class suite with blue seats and wood accents

Lufthansa operates two distinct Boeing 787-9 configurations: the new Allegris cabin and a legacy (pre-Allegris) layout. The difference is huge — Allegris introduces multiple Business Class "seat options" (including enclosed suites and a couple-friendly double bed setup), while the legacy aircraft uses Lufthansa's older long-haul product.

Seat selection on the 787-9 is all about identifying which version you're on, then picking seats that avoid the usual trouble spots: galleys/lavs, bassinet zones, blocked window alignment, and last-row noise.

Note: Seat maps and row numbers can change with aircraft swaps. Allegris 787-9 route expansion continues through 2026.

1) 787-9 Versions at a Glance

Version Business Premium Economy Economy Total Notes
Allegris 28 28 231 287 New cabin concept with multiple Business seat options and paid "seat upgrades"
Legacy (78S) 26 21 247 294 Older generation long-haul product (more conventional, simpler to choose)

2) How to Identify Your Version

Cue What to Look For
Business seat count 28 = Allegris; 26 = Legacy
Premium Economy count 28 = Allegris; 21 = Legacy
Booking wording Look for an "Allegris / new seat concept" indicator during booking or seat selection
Seat map complexity Allegris maps often show multiple seat categories and different price tiers
Important 2026 reality check On some Allegris flights, parts of Business may be temporarily unavailable due to certification/rollout constraints. If the seat map shows large sections blocked, that's normal — choose from what's selectable and re-check closer to departure.

3) Cabin Overview

Allegris configuration (typical structure)

Cabin Approx Rows Layout What to Expect
Business 1–9 1-2-1 (varied by seat option) Multiple seat types with different privacy/space and pricing
Premium Economy 10–14 2-3-2 Modern PE, bulkhead row usually the "best pick"
Economy 15–43 3-3-3 Large cabin; best seats depend on proximity to lavs and whether you want speed vs quiet

Legacy (78S) configuration (typical structure)

Cabin Approx Rows Layout What to Expect
Business 1–7 1-2-1 reverse-herringbone A consistent, straightforward product (privacy-focused, all aisle access)
Premium Economy 8–11 2-3-2 Smaller PE cabin; bulkhead row is usually best
Economy 12–43 3-3-3 Similar strategy: forward is quieter, rear is busier

Row ranges are approximate and can vary slightly.

4) Business Class — Allegris (Rows ~1–9)

Highlights

  • Multiple Business "seat options" (varying privacy/space)
  • Fully-flat beds across the cabin
  • More modern storage and privacy in the best seat types
  • Some seats may carry significant upgrade fees depending on route/date

Allegris Business Seat Options (Typical)

Seat Option Typical Seats (examples) Best For Notes
Suite Row 1 window/aisle suites Maximum privacy Enclosed feel; usually the most expensive
Extra Space / "Throne" Centre "E" seats (e.g., 2E/4E/6E) Solo travellers No neighbour on either side; excellent privacy
Privacy (window) Selected A/K seats Solo/privacy Higher sidewalls; privacy-forward
Extra Long Bed Selected centre pairs Sleeping comfort Longer sleeping surface vs standard
Double Bed pair One centre pair (often 7D/7G) Couples Divider can convert for shared sleeping space
Classic Remaining seats Value Often the "standard" seat type / lowest price

Seat labels and exact seat numbers can vary by aircraft and update over time — always trust the live seat map.

Best Seats — Allegris Business

Category Seats Why
Best Overall Row 1 Suites (e.g., 1A / 1K) Most enclosed + most premium feel
Best Solo Centre "Throne" seats (e.g., 2E / 4E / 6E) Maximum personal space; no neighbour on either side
Best for Couples Double Bed pair (often 7D / 7G) Best couple experience when available
Quietest Forward/mid-cabin seats away from rear galley Less foot traffic and fewer service sounds
Avoid Seats Last-row Business seats (near the galley) Highest noise + lavatory traffic risk

Allegris warning: If you see many Business seats blocked/unavailable, it can be due to rollout/certification constraints. Pick the best selectable option now, and re-check later — availability can change.

5) Business Class — Legacy (78S) (Rows ~1–7)

Highlights

  • Reverse-herringbone layout (privacy-forward)
  • All seats have direct aisle access
  • Window seats are excellent for solo travellers; centre pairs work well for couples
  • Much simpler seat-picking than Allegris (fewer "types", fewer pricing tiers)

Best Seats — Legacy Business

Category Seats Why
Best Overall Mid-cabin window seats (typically rows 3–5, A/K) Best balance: quieter than the front, further from last-row traffic
Best Solo Any A/K window seat Best privacy and fewer disturbances
Best for Couples D/G centre pairs Easier conversation; divider helps when you want separation
Quietest Rows 3–4 Typically furthest from the busiest galley/lav zones
Avoid Seats Last row of Business (often row 7) Closest to cabin divider and mid-cabin activity

Legacy "small but useful" note: Some legacy aircraft have reduced overhead bin space above certain centre seats near the front due to ceiling structures/crew rest areas. If you're boarding late and carry-on space matters, choose a window seat or board early.

6) Premium Economy — Allegris (Rows ~10–14)

Highlights

  • 2-3-2 cabin: good density-to-comfort balance
  • Bulkhead row is usually best for knee space (but check bassinet icons)
  • Last row often has the most recline restrictions and traffic

Best Seats — Allegris Premium Economy

Category Seats Why
Best Overall Row 10 bulkhead (window pairs) More knee space; no one reclining into you
Best Solo 10A / 10K Best privacy available in PE (window + bulkhead)
Best for Couples 10A/10B or 10J/10K Window pairs + extra space feel
Quietest Forward PE rows Less through-traffic than the back
Avoid Seats Last row of PE (often row 14) More noise + divider/lav proximity; recline risk

Bulkhead trade-off: fixed armrests and tray tables can reduce usable width. Also check for bassinet icons, which can mean more infant activity.

7) Premium Economy — Legacy (Rows ~8–11)

Highlights

  • Smaller PE cabin (fewer seats)
  • Bulkhead row generally best
  • Last row often worst for noise/traffic

Best Seats — Legacy Premium Economy

Category Seats Why
Best Overall Row 8 bulkhead (8A / 8K) Most open knee space feel
Quietest Row 8 Furthest from Economy and rear traffic
Avoid Seats Last row of PE (often row 11) Divider + traffic + potential recline limitation

8) Economy — Allegris (Rows ~15–43)

Highlights

  • 3-3-3 Dreamliner layout (middle seats are common)
  • Best Economy strategy: avoid lav/galley zones and the final rows
  • "Extra legroom" seats exist — they're usually marked on the seat map (often near cabin breaks/exits)

Best Seats — Allegris Economy

Category Seats Why
Best Overall Forward Economy rows (window or aisle) Quieter, quicker to deplane, less lav queue
Best Solo Forward window seats Less disturbance; better sleep chances
Best for Couples Window-side pairs (A/B or J/K) Easier conversation + fewer interruptions than centre block
Quietest Forward/mid Economy away from lavs Lower foot traffic
Extra Legroom Seats labelled "extra legroom" on the map Best value if you can grab them
Avoid Seats Rows near lavatories + last 2–3 rows Odours, queues, noise; last rows often feel most cramped

9) Economy — Legacy (Rows ~12–43)

Highlights

  • Similar playbook to Allegris Economy: forward is best, rear is busiest
  • Bulkhead/first row of Economy can be great, but check bassinet icons and fixed-armrest trays

Best Seats — Legacy Economy

Category Seats Why
Best Overall First few rows of Economy Quieter + faster deplane
Best Solo Forward window seats Better rest and fewer bumps
Quietest Forward Economy away from lavs Less traffic
Avoid Seats Rear cabin + lavatory-adjacent rows Highest noise/traffic

10) Known Quirks & Notes

Issue Details
Allegris seat availability Some flights may show parts of Business blocked/unselectable during rollout; re-check later
Allegris seat fees Premium seat options can carry high surcharges; prices vary by route/date
Bulkhead trade-offs More knee space, but often fixed armrests/tray tables and stricter stowage rules
Bassinet zones Bulkheads often support bassinets — great for space, noisier for sleep
Overhead bin differences (legacy) Some front-centre areas may have reduced bin availability; window seats are safer for carry-on
Dreamliner comfort The 787 is generally more comfortable for long flights (humidity/pressure feel better than older widebodies)
Rear cabin reality Last rows are usually loudest and feel busiest due to lav queues + galley activity

11) Best Seats Summary

Cabin Best Seats Why
Business (Allegris) Row 1 Suites or centre "Throne" seats Most privacy/space (when selectable)
Business (Legacy) Mid-cabin window seats (rows ~3–5, A/K) Quiet + privacy
Premium Economy Allegris: Row 10 bulkhead; Legacy: Row 8 bulkhead Most space feel
Economy Forward Economy rows, away from lavs Quietest + quickest off

12) FAQs

How do I know if my flight has Allegris?

Check the seat map: 28 Business and 28 Premium Economy typically indicates Allegris. Legacy is usually 26 Business and 21 Premium Economy.

Why does my Allegris seat map show many blocked seats?

During rollout, some seats may be temporarily unavailable for operational/certification reasons. Pick the best available seat now and re-check later.

What are the best Allegris seats for solo travellers?

The centre "Throne" seats are typically the best solo option for personal space and privacy.

What's the best option for couples in Allegris?

If available, the Double Bed centre pair is the best couples experience; otherwise choose a standard centre pair.

Is the legacy Business cabin still good?

Yes — it's a consistent, privacy-focused reverse-herringbone layout and often easier to choose seats on.

Are bulkhead seats always best?

Not always. You gain space, but you may lose underseat storage, get fixed armrests/tray tables, and be closer to bassinets.

More Seat Guides for This Airline

Comparable Aircraft

See all aircraft seat guides →

Related Guides

See all aircraft seat guides →