Saudia 787-9 Seat Map & Selection Guide (2025)
Updated January 2026
Saudia operates the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner on medium and long-haul routes from Jeddah and Riyadh to London Heathrow, Paris, Frankfurt, Manchester, New York JFK, Los Angeles, Washington Dulles, Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta and throughout the Middle East. The aircraft features Collins Aerospace Super Diamond Business Class — a well-established reverse-herringbone product with direct aisle access at every seat.
This guide includes specific seat recommendations for business travellers and families travelling for Umrah and Hajj, with a focus on Saudia's prayer facilities and family-friendly rows.
Saudia 787-9 Seat Specifications
Business Class Seat Specs
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Seat type | Collins Aerospace Super Diamond |
| Configuration | 1-2-1 reverse-herringbone |
| Seat count | 24 seats (rows 1–6) |
| Seat pitch | 47" |
| Seat width | 21" |
| Bed length | 78" (6'6") fully flat |
| Screen size | 17" HD touchscreen |
| Power | AC + USB-A |
| Wi-Fi | Yes (paid) |
Economy Class (Guest Class) Seat Specs
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Configuration | 3-3-3 |
| Seat count | 274 seats |
| Seat pitch | 32" |
| Seat width | 17.3" |
| Recline | ~3" |
| Screen size | 9" HD touchscreen |
| Power | AC + USB-A |
Configuration: 24J / 274Y (298 total). Single configuration across the entire 787-9 fleet — no version lottery.
Quick Verdict
Saudia's 787-9 is their best long-haul product. The Collins Super Diamond Business Class is a reliable, industry-standard reverse-herringbone with fully-flat beds and direct aisle access — comparable to Emirates 787 Business and above many legacy products.
Best Business seats: 2A, 4A, 2K, 4K (most private window seats)
Best Economy seats: Row 21 exit row for legroom; rows 12–14 windows for quiet forward cabin
Best for Umrah/Hajj families: 11D-E-F or 31D-E-F (bassinet bulkheads)
Saudia 787-9 Cabin Layout Overview
Saudia's 787-9 fleet uses a single two-class configuration — so there are no variant worries when choosing seats. Seat maps consistently show 24 Business and 274 Economy seats.
| Cabin | Layout | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Business Class | 1-2-1 reverse-herringbone | 24 seats in rows 1–6, Collins Super Diamond, direct aisle access, 17" screens |
| Guest Class (Economy) | 3-3-3 | 274 seats in two cabin sections, 32" pitch, prayer areas available, 9" screens |
Saudia 787-9 Business Class Seat Map (Rows 1–6)
24 Collins Aerospace Super Diamond seats in rows 1–6, configured 1-2-1 reverse-herringbone:
- All seats angle toward the window with direct aisle access
- Seat width: 21 inches
- Seat pitch: 47 inches; fully flat bed at 180 degrees
- IFE: 17 inch HD touchscreen
- Power: Universal AC and USB-A
- Storage: Secure compartment beneath aisle-side armrest plus console storage
- Lavatories: Two forward of row 1
Best Business Seats
| Category | Recommended Seats | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Most private solo | 2A, 4A, 2K, 4K | Even-row window seats in herringbone are true window positions — closest to window with maximum separation from aisle |
| Good window alternatives | 3A, 5A, 3K, 5K | Odd-row windows are slightly more exposed to aisle but still offer excellent privacy |
| Best for couples | 2D-G, 3D-G, 4D-G, 5D-G | Centre pairs angle toward each other; divider can be raised for privacy or lowered for conversation |
| Quietest | 3A, 3K, 4A, 4K | Mid-cabin rows away from forward galley/lavatories (row 1) and rear galley (row 6) |
| Quick service | 1A, 1K | First row served first; window seats maintain privacy despite galley proximity |
| Best for families | 2D-G, 3D-G | Centre pairs keep parents together with easy access to both aisles; rows 2–3 have space for children's items |
Business Seats to Avoid
| Category | Seats | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Front row centre | 1D, 1G | Row 1 centre seats adjacent to forward galley and lavatories — crew activity, light intrusion and lavatory door noise |
| Last row | 6A, 6D, 6G, 6K | Row 6 directly in front of galley separating Business from Economy; service prep noise and foot traffic |
Business Class Seat-by-Seat Summary
| Row | A (window) | D (centre) | G (centre) | K (window) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Good — quick service | Avoid — galley/lav | Avoid — galley/lav | Good — quick service |
| 2 | Excellent — most private | Good couples | Good couples | Excellent — most private |
| 3 | Very good | Good couples | Good couples | Very good |
| 4 | Excellent — most private | Good couples | Good couples | Excellent — most private |
| 5 | Very good | Good couples | Good couples | Very good |
| 6 | Avoid — rear galley | Avoid — rear galley | Avoid — rear galley | Avoid — rear galley |
Saudia 787-9 Economy Class Seat Map (Guest Class)
274 seats in 3-3-3 configuration across two cabin sections separated by lavatories and galley:
- Seat width: 17.3 inches
- Seat pitch: 32 inches
- Recline: approximately 3 inches
- IFE: 9 inch HD touchscreen at every seat
- Power: Universal AC and USB-A at every seat
- Special features: Designated prayer areas, bassinet positions at bulkheads, halal catering throughout
Best Economy Seats — General Travellers
| Category | Recommended Seats | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Exit row legroom | 21A, 21B, 21C, 21H, 21J, 21K | Exit row with significantly more pitch; armrests fixed; seats may not recline fully |
| Bulkhead legroom | 11A, 11B, 11C, 11D, 11E, 11F, 11H, 11J, 11K | First Economy row with extra knee room; tray table in armrest; bassinet at 11D-E-F |
| Forward cabin quiet | 12A, 12K, 13A, 13K, 14A, 14K | Forward Economy window seats; less foot traffic; served earlier; faster deplaning |
| Over-wing smooth | 25A, 25K, 26A, 26K, 27A, 27K | Over the wing typically offers the smoothest ride for turbulence-sensitive travellers |
| Second cabin front | 31A, 31B, 31C, 31H, 31J, 31K | Bulkhead of second Economy section; extra legroom; bassinet at 31D-E-F |
Best Economy Seats — Umrah & Hajj Travel
| Category | Recommended Seats | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Families with infants | 11D-E-F, 31D-E-F | Bulkhead centre blocks accommodate bassinets; extra floor space for baby items and movement |
| Families with children | 35A-B-C, 36A-B-C, 35H-J-K, 36H-J-K | Rear cabin tends to be more relaxed; easier lavatory access; crew often more flexible with families |
| Elderly passengers | 11A, 11K, 31A, 31K | Bulkhead window offers legroom without needing to manage exit-row responsibilities; early boarding available |
| Groups travelling together | 15D-E-F, 16D-E-F, 17D-E-F | Centre block rows keep groups together in forward cabin; easier to assist each other |
Economy Seats to Avoid
| Category | Seats | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Last rows | 40A-K, 41A-K, 42A-K | Minimal or no recline; constant lavatory queue; odours throughout flight |
| Lavatory-adjacent | 20D, 20E, 20F, 30D, 30E, 30F | Adjacent to mid-cabin lavatories with queue noise and door banging |
| Middle of middle | Any E or F seat | No window, no aisle — most trapped position in 3-3-3 |
| Bassinet if no infant | 11D, 11E, 11F, 31D, 31E, 31F | Bassinet positions mean higher likelihood of infants nearby, especially on Umrah/Hajj flights |
Known Quirks and Cabin Notes
| Quirk / Note | Details |
|---|---|
| Prayer areas | Designated prayer spaces available near rear galley areas. Cabin crew can direct you to the appropriate location |
| Umrah/Hajj peak | During Ramadan and Hajj season, flights are often fully booked. Select seats early; families should book together to ensure adjacent seating |
| Meal service | All meals are halal. Business Class offers multi-course Arabic and international options with dine-on-demand. Special dietary meals available on request |
| Single configuration | Saudia operates a single 787-9 configuration (24J/274Y) — no variant concerns when booking |
| Wi-Fi | Satellite Wi-Fi available. Packages vary by duration and data allowance |
| 787 comfort | Dreamliner features larger windows, higher cabin humidity and lower cabin altitude — typically reduces jet lag vs older aircraft |
Summary — Best Seats Overall
| Cabin | Best Seats |
|---|---|
| Business Class | Solo: 2A, 4A, 2K, 4K — Couples: 2D-G, 3D-G, 4D-G — Avoid row 1 centre (1D, 1G) and row 6 |
| Economy (general) | 21A-K exit row for legroom; 12A, 12K, 13A, 13K for quiet forward window seats |
| Economy (families) | 11D-E-F, 31D-E-F for bassinets; rows 35–36 for more relaxed rear-cabin atmosphere |
FAQs
What is the seat pitch on Saudia 787-9?
Business Class has 47" pitch with fully-flat beds (78" length). Economy Class has 32" pitch and 17.3" seat width in a 3-3-3 configuration.
What are the best seats on Saudia 787-9 Business Class?
The best Business Class seats are 2A, 4A, 2K, and 4K — even-row window positions in the reverse-herringbone layout offer maximum privacy. For couples, centre pairs in rows 2–5 (D-G) allow you to dine together with the divider lowered.
What are the best seats on Saudia 787-9 Economy Class?
Row 21 (exit row) offers the most legroom. For a quieter experience, forward window seats in rows 12–14 are ideal. For families, bulkhead rows 11 and 31 accommodate bassinets.
Does Saudia have prayer facilities on the 787-9?
Yes. Saudia provides designated prayer areas on the 787-9, typically located near the rear galley. Crew can direct you, and prayer times are sometimes announced on board.
Is Saudia Business Class competitive with other Gulf carriers?
The Collins Super Diamond seat is a solid, industry-standard reverse-herringbone product. It offers fully-flat beds, direct aisle access at every seat, good privacy and storage. It is comparable to Emirates newer 787 Business Class and above many older-generation seats, but a step below Qatar Qsuite and Etihad's latest suites in terms of doors and privacy. Overall, it delivers reliable comfort for overnight flights.
How does the Saudia 787-9 compare to other Saudia aircraft?
The 787-9 is generally considered Saudia's best long-haul hard product:
- 1-2-1 Super Diamond Business vs older layouts on some 777-300ERs
- Modern IFE and cabin environment vs ageing A330s (many of which are being phased out)
If you have a choice of aircraft, prioritise the 787-9.
Which seats are best for Umrah and Hajj travel with family?
In Business, centre pairs 2D-G or 3D-G keep parents together with easy aisle access from both sides. In Economy, bulkhead rows 11 and 31 offer bassinet positions and extra space. Rear-cabin rows 35–36 tend to feel more relaxed and are close to lavatories — helpful with younger kids.
Is seat selection free on Saudia?
Policies vary by fare:
- Business Class usually includes complimentary seat selection
- In Economy, cheaper fares may require a fee for advance seat selection, especially for exit rows, bulkheads and preferred forward seats
Check the latest rules during booking or in Manage My Booking.
What should I expect for catering on Saudia?
All catering on Saudia is halal, with:
- Business Class: Multi-course Arabic and international menus, often with dine-on-demand service and strong mezze/dessert options
- Economy Class: Full meal service appropriate to flight length
Special dietary meals (vegetarian, diabetic, etc.) can be requested at least 24 hours before departure.
Comparable Aircraft
- Oman Air 787-9 Seat Selection Guide (2025) — Another Gulf carrier with excellent 787 Business Class
- Qatar Airways 787-9 Seat Selection Guide (2025) — QSuites on similar routes from the Gulf
- Etihad Airways 787-9 Seat Selection Guide (2025) — New Elements suites from Abu Dhabi