Qantas 787-9 International · 236 seats
The 787-9 carries 236 passengers: 42 Business, 28 Premium Economy, and 166 Economy. Business class uses the Thompson Aero Vantage XL seat in a staggered 1-2-1 layout -- every seat gets direct aisle access and a lie-flat bed at 60 inches of pitch. The cabin splits into two sections: 30 seats in the forward cabin and 12 in a smaller rear cabin separated by galleys and lavatories. Premium Economy gets 40 inches of pitch. Economy is at a reasonable widebody standard. The aircraft flies Perth-London (17 hours), trans-Pacific routes, and key Asian services. There's no WiFi on Qantas 787s, which is odd for an aircraft that spends 17 hours in the air.
The rear business cabin (12 seats) is the insider pick -- it's quieter, more private, and less trafficked than the 30-seat forward section. In the forward cabin, rows 2-4 avoid the row 1 galley proximity while still getting quick service. Window seats are worth specifically requesting for the electrochromic dimming windows -- they're one of the best features of the Dreamliner, replacing the old plastic shades with electric tinting. Premium Economy at 40 inches is worth it on overnight flights. Economy exit rows 31-33 offer real legroom.
Rows 42-50 at the rear of economy are far from facilities and get more engine noise. Seats adjacent to the rear galley (rows 48-50) get noise, food smells, and crew traffic. Economy middle seats (C and D) on any widebody long-haul service are to be avoided -- on a 17-hour Perth-London flight, that's a lot of hours without aisle or window access. No WiFi means you're entirely dependent on the seatback IFE system (15.5-inch HD screens in business), so download content before you board.
This Qantas Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner features 236 seats in a Business / Premium Economy / Economy configuration. Our analysis has identified 48 seats rated as "Best" or "Good" for comfort and convenience.
Business class offers 42 seats with 60" seat pitch and 21" width. Premium Economy class offers 28 seats with 38" seat pitch and 20.5" width. Economy class offers 166 seats with 32" seat pitch and 17.2" width.
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