Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner Best Seats Guide 2026

The Boeing 787-8 is the smallest and original Dreamliner, seating 242–359 passengers. It has the same comfort-enhancing features as the 787-9 (high humidity, low cabin altitude, large windows) but slightly fewer seats and shorter range. It's common on mid-range international routes — think US to Europe or Asia to Australia.

Seat Configuration

Cabin	Layout	Pitch	Width
Business	1-2-1 or 2-2-2	72–76 in (lie-flat)	20–22 in
Premium Economy	2-3-2	38–40 in	18 in
Economy	3-3-3	31–33 in	17–17.5 in

Best Seats on the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner

Business class window in 1-2-1 layout
Direct aisle access to a window seat with lie-flat bed. The 787's large windows are especially appreciated on overnight routes.
Economy exit rows
Exit rows on the 787-8 provide 38–40 in of legroom — a meaningful upgrade on an international flight.
Economy window seats A & K (first half of economy)
Large windows, wall to lean against, no one climbing over you. First half of economy is also quieter and faster to deplane.

Seats to Avoid on the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner

Center section middle (seat E)
Same issue as 787-9. The worst seat on the plane — two people on each side, no view, no aisle.
Rear 3 rows of economy
Proximity to lavatories and galley is especially problematic on long-haul flights. Hours of galley noise through the night disrupts sleep.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between the 787-8 and 787-9?

The 787-9 is 20 feet longer than the 787-8 and carries about 40–50 more passengers with greater range. The 787-8 is used on shorter international routes. Both have the same passenger comfort features (humidity, windows, cabin altitude). The 787-9 typically has newer, more competitive business class products.

What is the seat layout on the Boeing 787-8?

Economy is typically 3-3-3 (9 across). Business class varies by airline but is commonly 1-2-1 or 2-2-2. The 787-8 fuselage is narrower than the 777, making 9-across economy more comfortable per seat than 10-across on the 777.