The Qantas Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner is the backbone of the airline's ultra-long-haul network. Configured 42J 28W 166M, it operates flagship services such as Perth–London (~17 hours), major US routes (Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York), and key Asian destinations.
Thanks to improved cabin pressure and humidity, the 787 is a good platform for long flights — but seat selection matters, especially in Business and Premium Economy.
1. Qantas 787-9 Configuration at a Glance
| Cabin |
Layout |
Seats |
Notes |
| Business | 1-2-1 staggered | 42 | Thompson Vantage XL; main + mini-cabin |
| Premium Economy | 2-3-2 | 28 | David Caon design |
| Economy | 3-3-3 | 166 | Caon-designed Recaro seats |
Approximate row layout:
| Cabin |
Approx Rows |
Notes |
| Business | 1–12 | Rows 1–9 main cabin; 10–12 mini-cabin |
| Premium Economy | 20–23 | 4 rows in 2-3-2 |
| Economy | 40+ | Bassinet positions at 40 & 46 |
2. Business Class (42 seats)
Qantas 787 Business Class uses Thompson Aero Vantage XL seats in a 1-2-1 staggered configuration:
| Attribute |
Value |
| Layout | 1-2-1 staggered |
| Seat width | ~23" |
| Bed | Fully flat |
| Cabins | Main (rows 1–9), mini-cabin (rows 10–12) |
| Access | Direct aisle from every seat |
2.1 Best Seats in Qantas 787-9 Business
a) Best for Sleep
| Category |
Seats |
Why |
| Quietest overall | Rows 10–12 (mini-cabin) | Small rear cabin away from boarding and main galley |
| Best legroom | 1A, 1K, 2E, 2F, 10A, 10E, 10F, 10K | Bulkhead positions with wider footwells and extra storage drawer |
b) Best for Solo Travellers
| Category |
Seats |
Why |
| Window solo | A/K seats in odd rows (1,3,5,7,9,11) | True window seats, positioned closest to the window for privacy and views |
| Extra space | 10A, 10K | Bulkhead windows in mini-cabin; larger footwell and quiet location |
c) Best for Couples
| Category |
Seats |
Why |
| Best overall pair | 2E / 2F | Bulkhead with extra storage and larger footwell |
| Quietest pair | 10E / 10F | Bulkhead pair in the quiet mini-cabin |
Middle E/F seats have adjustable privacy dividers; odd-row F and even-row E are more "cocooned" with fixed armrests.
2.2 Business Seats to Avoid
| Seats / Rows |
Why |
| Row 9 | Last row of main cabin; close to galley between cabins |
| 1D / 1G | Very close to forward galley and lavatory; more noise |
3. Premium Economy (28 seats)
Premium Economy is a dedicated cabin in rows 20–23, using David Caon-designed recliners.
3.1 Premium Economy Overview
| Attribute |
Value |
| Layout | 2-3-2 |
| Rows | 20–23 |
| Pitch | 38" |
| Width | 20.5" |
| Recline | ~9" |
| Features | Bi-fold tray, footrest (wall-mounted at row 20) |
3.2 Best Premium Economy Seats
| Category |
Seats |
Why |
| Best legroom | 20A / 20B / 20J / 20K | Bulkhead; no seat in front; maximum knee-room |
| Best for couples | 20A/B or 20J/K | Window pairs with extra legroom and only one neighbour |
3.3 Premium Economy Seats to Avoid
| Seats / Rows |
Why |
| Row 23 | Last row; closer to Economy galley/noise |
4. Economy Class (166 seats)
Economy uses Recaro seats in a 3-3-3 layout:
| Attribute |
Value |
| Layout | 3-3-3 |
| Pitch | ~32" |
| Width | ~17.2" |
| Recline | ~6" |
4.1 Best Economy Seats
| Category |
Seats / Areas |
Why |
| Extra legroom | Exit rows & bulkheads (sold as Extra Legroom) | Significantly more space for knees and feet |
| Best for couples | 2-seat side pairs near rear (e.g. around row 59) | Only two seats together; no middle seat |
| Best for young families | Bulkhead bassinet positions 40B, 40J, 46E | Space for bassinets; easier to manage infants |
4.2 Economy Seats to Avoid
| Seats / Rows |
Why |
| Rows directly in front of lavatories | Higher traffic, noise and light |
| Last rows of each cabin section | Often reduced recline; close to galley/lavs |
5. Known Quirks & Cabin Notes (Qantas 787-9)
| Quirk / Note |
Details |
| Business mini-cabin | Rows 10–12 feel more private and quieter than main cabin |
| Bulkhead footwells in Business | 1A/K, 2E/F, 10A/E/F/K have noticeably wider footwells |
| Bassinet positions in Economy | 40B, 40J, 46E – can be noisy but ideal for families |
| 3-3-3 Economy layout | Standard for 787; seat selection is crucial on 17+ hour flights |
6. Summary – Best Seats Overall (Qantas 787-9)
| Cabin |
Best Seats |
Why |
| Business | 10A / 10K / 10E / 10F; 2E / 2F | Bulkhead space plus quiet mini-cabin or forward location |
| Premium Economy | 20A/B and 20J/K | Bulkhead window pairs with maximum legroom |
| Economy | Extra Legroom rows; bassinet row if with infant | More space; bulkheads for families |
7. Qantas 787-9 – Frequently Asked Questions
Which Qantas 787-9 seats have the most legroom in Business Class?
Bulkhead seats 1A, 1K, 2E, 2F, 10A, 10E, 10F, 10K have larger footwells and additional storage, making them the best choice for legroom.
Where is the quietest place to sit in Business?
The rear mini-cabin (rows 10–12) is generally quieter and feels more private than the larger front cabin.
Which Premium Economy seats should couples choose?
Window pairs 20A/B or 20J/K combine extra bulkhead legroom with only one neighbour.
Which Economy seats work best for families with infants?
Bulkhead bassinet positions 40B, 40J and 46E are specifically designed for families travelling with babies.
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