Lounge Frog guide
American Airlines Boeing 787-9 (Version 1, 285 seats) vs Qantas Airways Boeing 787-9 (42 Business · 28 Premium Economy · 166 Economy)
American Airlines Boeing 787-9 (Version 1, 285 seats) has 285 seats and Qantas Airways Boeing 787-9 (42 Business · 28 Premium Economy · 166 Economy) has 236. Economy legroom is more generous on the second (31 vs 32 inches of pitch).
Cabins side by side
| Cabin | Seats | Rows | Layout | Seat | Pitch | Width | Recline | Bed | Screen | Power | Wi-Fi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
American Airlines · Version 1, 285 seatsFlagship Business | 30 | 1–8 | 1-2-1 | Lie-flat bed | — | 21 in | — | — | — | Every seat | Yes |
American Airlines · Version 1, 285 seatsPremium Economy | 21 | 9–11 | 2-3-2 | Recliner | 38 in | 19 in | — | — | — | Every seat | Yes |
American Airlines · Version 1, 285 seatsMain Cabin | 234 | 12–39 | 3-3-3 | Recliner | 31 in | 17.2 in | — | — | — | Every seat | Yes |
 Qantas Airways · 42 Business · 28 Premium Economy · 166 EconomyBusinessPhoto: Qantas Airways | 42 | 1–12 | 1-2-1 | Lie-flat bed | — | — | — | 80 in | 16 in | — | — |
Qantas Airways · 42 Business · 28 Premium Economy · 166 EconomyPremium Economy | 28 | 20–23 | 2-3-2 | Recliner | 38 in | 22.8 in | — | — | 13 in | — | — |
Qantas Airways · 42 Business · 28 Premium Economy · 166 EconomyEconomy | 166 | 40–59 | 3-3-3 | Standard seat | 32 in | 17.2 in | 6 in | — | 12 in | — | — |
American Airlines Boeing 787-9 (Version 1, 285 seats)
285 seats: 30 good, 31 mixed, 6 to avoid
Best seats
- Rows 2–7, seats A and L (Flagship Business): set back from the aisle, so it is more private
- Rows 13–14, seats A, B, C, D, E, H, J, K and L (Main Cabin): main Cabin Extra: about 35" of pitch and early boarding, sold as an upgrade from Main Cabin
Seats to avoid
- Row 23, seats D, E and H (Main Cabin): next to a lavatory, with queues, noise and flushing
- Row 39, seats D, E and H (Main Cabin): next to a galley, with light and noise during service
Qantas Airways Boeing 787-9 (42 Business · 28 Premium Economy · 166 Economy)
236 seats: 5 good, 27 mixed, 7 to avoid
Best seats
- Row 3, seat E (Business): centre Business pair, good for two travelling together.
- Row 10, seat A (Business): business window seat in the small rear Business cabin.
- Row 20, seat A (Premium Economy): front row of Premium Economy, with bassinet positions.
- Row 40, seat E (Economy): extra Legroom Front seat in the centre block.
Seats to avoid
- Row 43, seats D, E and F (Economy): next to a lavatory, with queues, noise and flushing
- Row 59, seat A (Economy): last row, beside the rear lavatories.
- Row 59, seats B, J and K (Economy): next to a lavatory, with queues, noise and flushing