Eight-Abreast: A Look At Japan Airlines' Trend-Defying Boeing 787 Seating Configurations

[@Xilikon]

I flew many 787 mainly with Air Canada but flew JAL 787-8 last month with the 8 abreast seating. It’s the most comfortable seating of all and I wished everyone follow this

[@Adrenaline_chaser]

How much did you pay tho?

[@mh12-47]

The 787 at 8 abreast was the standard configuration. 9 abreast was for higher density routes. Like the 777, when airlines figured out they could cram in more seats and make more money 3x3x3 became the norm.

[@speedbird868]

But people still criticize Boeing and 787 against A350 even though Boeing never said 3-3-3 was the ideal config...

[@mh12-47]

@@speedbird868 wait until the 3x4x3 A350 enters service. That would be hell of an aircraft to fly in in Economy.

[@speedbird868]

@@mh12-47 Once that 3-4-3 config A350 will launch then it will automatically make the 3-3-3 config 787 look much more comfortable and the same for 3-4-3 777...

[@ruiliang6819]

@@speedbird868 One of the french ULCC does have 3-4-3 onboard A350s though

[@filledwithvariousknowledge2747]

@@speedbird868 That would be a nightmare from hell considering it’s narrower than the 777

[@DreamlinerFan2016]

JAL’s seat configuration is perfect for large passenger numbers

[@KarmaFlight]

The problem with long haul economy is that you don't have your own armrest. The JAL layout e alleviates this to some degree.

[@jwandel]

alleviates, but yes good point

[@KarmaFlight]

@@jwandel damn auto completion! 🤣

[@l3v1ckUK]

I flew in JAL 787's just before the pandemic. They were so much more comfortable than every other 787 economy seat I've been in. In the unlikely event I ever go to Japan again, I'll actively search out booking with JAL. Seat width, to me, has much more effect on comfort than seat pitch.

[@timothycrespin6836]

Yes JAL’s 8 abreast seating is way more comfortable than the 9 across on other airlines

[@Lukeyyyyy240]

In an age where flying is so uncomfortable I welcome this new seating arrangement. The holiday should start in the plane, not when you land. Hopefully airlines are getting the message. Well done JAL, good first step.

[@cool5420]

Flying comfort is at its peak.

[@edwink1467]

It’s not new. JAL has had this configuration since they received their first 787 a decade ago. They will likely change to 3-3-3 when they refresh this economy cabin in the future. As much as 2-4-2 is better for passenger comfort, it’s just not the industry norm and hurts capacity (and revenue potential, profit, etc.)

[@jean-claudeallard2740]

Ive flown on JAL 787 as well as many other 787's. I can attest that the JAL 787 has been the most comfortable, and JAL's service, even in economy was spectacular and took me back to the "good old days" of flying. When given the option, I will always fly with JAL.

[@Nuggetmafiaboss]

Flew both JAL Premium Economy and Economy this week from Europe to Australia. By far the best long haul economy experience I have had - the food was healthy and tasty, the cabin service was excellent and the seats were very comfortable. In another league compared to the other airlines I have flown on this endurance route including Qatar, Qantas, Etihad, Emirates and Singapore Airlines.

[@robk3005]

Never flown on a B787, but I've always liked the 2-4-2 layout on the B767 when I flew on them.

[@sytrxrainz3769]

The 767 layout is 2-3-2

[@mbga8mjb]

@@sytrxrainz3769 Not all of them - TUI UK operates 2-4-2

[@robk3005]

My bad. The AC B767 that I flew on were 2-3-2. For a Dreamliner that would be most likely be premium economy.

[@jdmguy44]

I travelled on JAL's 787 8 in Y class from HEL to NRT in 2020 and can confirm their economy is very comfortable and spacious. Arguably the best long haul economy product in the business especially when you factor in the service and food. JAL are a pleasure to use.

[@ord4r857]

Isn't eight-abreast easier for flight attendants during a meal service?

[@Destiny2c0me]

Yes. As there is no confusion for passengers on which side they're getting meal services from & easier to be more personal with passengers without having to stretch my arm like gogo gadget 😅

[@magnustan841]

Yeah, every passenger is no more than a seat away from the aisle, so no need to lean over and stretch their arms to pass a meal tray to someone at the window.

[@edwink1467]

When running an airline, how easy it is for flight attendants to do their job is probably at the bottom on the list of priorities unfortunately. It’s all about maximizing revenue and profit.

[@uchikoshi-TL]

JAL's economy, especially on the 787 is probably the best international economy experience I'll ever have. Doesn't feel cramped, seats are decently comfortable as well. The food quality has recovered since their bankrupcy years too. While not terrible, I wouldn't say the same about their business or premium economy.

[@powershin12]

Flew JAL's 787 from Haneda to Gimpo back in 2018. Despite being a very short haul flight, proper dinner service was there and seats were very comfortable. I would not hesitate to book JAL for the long haul

[@andrewrenteria3983]

Went DFW to NRT with JAL in Economy back in 2019. It was on the 787-9. Was seated in the window with the 2 seats. Luckily nobody was next to me for 14hrs so it was a poor man's business class. On the way back, I had a coworker next to me. Each way was a great experience though.

[@robertbarnier45]

This is a great trend. I look for these configurations when booking

[@spevillehortensenicodeme161]

No need to comment.. all the comments tell the agreed story - well done JAL and only wish all operators of the 787 would offer the same seat layout of 2-4-2. When will they learn?

[@Caledon91]

This configuration is a godsend for traveling couples and people who hate center seats.

[@magnustan841]

My first flight on a 787 was with JAL back in 2013. I found recline to be quite limited, so didn’t get a very good night’s sleep. I personally prioritise legroom over seat width, the main reason I like 2-4-2 is because you only ever need to disturb one passenger to reach the aisle. Even so, on the 777, I find that airlines who maintain 3-3-3 instead of 3-4-3 use that additional space for the aisle, rather than putting in into the seats. So I wouldn’t at first glance, get too over-excited about a less-dense cabin..

[@kleeblattchen38]

True but the JAL seats on the 787 really are wider...

[@johnsmith02]

Another nice thing about JAL’s international 787 is the business class configuration. It is 2-3-2 on their 777 and 2-2-2 on 787 if it is equipped with the Skysuite.

[@dennisodowd3210]

Worked on Okinawa in the early 90’s and would on occasion fly JAL’s 747 with high de airy domestic seating to Tokyo. Don’t know what the seat pitch was, but it carried over 500 passengers.

[@sportsMike87]

Looks a lot more comfortable than an AA 787 I took to Rome. They stuff too many seats in it.

[@kevinkim271]

Flown JAL in the past before the pandemic. The extra space is noticeable. Really it’s the overall package and I’m able to justify the sight bump in ticket prices. Rather have edible restaurant grade meals than the sloppy joes LAUSD served in the 90s. My only complaint in regards to JAL would be that they keep their cabin running a tad warmer.

[@ririeranggasari]

I first took JAL's 787 long haul economy 8 years ago. I have since never fly with other airlines for flights more than 4 hours.

[@Danny_ll]

My issue with JAL is the arrival times being super awkward for Bangkok arrivals.

[@Gameflyer001]

Having flown both JAL's 788 and 789 on my recent trip to Thailand, this was a pleasant surprise. Definitely a better experience on both compared to my BA 788 flight from LHR-YYZ 7 years ago.

[@DJAYPAZ]

I have flow in JAL economy and it was a far more comfortable experience than that offered by competing airlines. The extra space provided by the 8 abreast seating makes a big difference to passenger comfort. Paying a little more for JAL economy class is well worth it. The seat pitch is also more accommodating as well. Economy class is sometimes called cattle class for good reason. 9 abreast seating for long flights is something many passengers would find a real turn-off. More like sardines in a can. I avoid 9 abreast seating whenever I fly.

[@grahambaker6664]

I would really like to see some of the safety data used to validate the denser configuration particularly on the carriers that are opting for 3-3-3 and seat pitches below 32 inches. The ninety second evacuation rule is supposed to be determined using a passenger sample that reflects the general population of the airline's home nation in a simulated emergency landing and with the passengers having received the airline's standard briefings. The aircraft cabin is also supposed to be configured as it would be in an emergency landing. I suspect that many of the denser configurations are only achieving passes by using experienced personnel with ages, fitness levels and body sizes suitable for achieving a pass.

[@eamonahern7495]

In the long haul how to start an airline series my thought experiment had the idea of 787s with a 3-3-3 configuration rather than a 2-4-2 for more fare paying passengers. But, given the choice as a paying customer, I'd prefer a more spacious seat if an 8 abreast layout offers that.

[@jfmezei]

The 787 was designed to compete against the 330/340 which were eating the 767's market. So it was designed with 8 across. However, sales at launch were terrible to some lesser kown airlines like Polaris (I think that was its name). It is only once Boeing pitched the plane with higher density (9 across) that airline accountants became excited and sales of the 787 took off with huge orders from Air Canada and Air India that were followed by just about every major carrier in the world. The 787 is a costly aircraft compared to the 330/340 and didn't do well until they increased its capacity. The success of cramped 787 is also what inspired Boeing to push airlines to densify the 777 to 10 across instead of buying 747s, making flying as unpleasant as possible.

[@AdriantheSpotter]

what are you even talking about??? The 777 was 3-4-3 before the 787 even existed. Blame airlines for choosing to make their planes cramped, not Boeing. Boeing designed the 787 to fly in 2-4-2, it’s the airlines that decided to make it 3-4-3.

[@jfmezei]

@@AdriantheSpotter Densification of 777 happened after 787. And it was Boeing who switched pitching the 787 as 8 across to 9 across because its sales were not going anywhere due to the economics of the 330 and potential of 350 being better. Once Being started to pitch 787 as 9 across, sales skyrocketed with Air Canada and Air India being the unofficial launch customer (prior orders were very timid often from unknown airlines such as Primaris).

[@aa777flyer]

I don't know how JAL can expect to compete effectively with the higher CASM of only being 2-4-2. Eventually they will have to give in. Time and time again the majority of the passengers will not pay for "more room"

[@ronwest7185]

I've flown on Thai Airways 787, reasonable seat pitch, but no shoulder space because 9-across. The JAL 8-across arrangement is much more comfortable (some aircraft even have 34" seat pitch). I've also flown JAL premium economy, which I found very comfortable.

[@Ete005]

i had flown on JAL 787-8 back in 2019 service was great! But the food was ok

[@HokkaidoHiguma-j3j]

I live in Japan and normally fly ANA but JAL is good too

[@theharper1]

I have flown JAL 787 premium economy and it's very good. The seat backs aren't great for tall people but plenty of room. In flight service is great. Economy seat pitch on JAL is better than Qantas.

[@we-hb4ni]

I love JAL for this and so many other things.

[@inomad]

I much prefer 2-4-2 compared to 3-3-3 and 3-4-3 on some aircraft

[@jackthebackpacker]

You should look at the premia 787 too - 35 inches legroom!

[@ksinouye]

The images of the 8-abreast cabin, looking forward from aft, are actually of ANA's old 8-abreast fixed-back cabin.

[@BoredGeese]

This layout reminds me of the B747. Comfy, spacious, luxurious (even for economy passengers)

[@DanielOppliger]

Looking forward to flying on JAL in April. We booked premium economy for a very good fare.

[@davidpaul2291]

Have flown on the JAL 2-4-2 Tokyo to LA and it's a dream. Had flown on a United 787 3-3-3 LA to Tokyo that totally sucked.

[@PatrickLeFloch]

I flew BOS-NRT in Jan '23 in 2nd class. 8 abreast is clearly more spacious thanks to the 33" pitch and 19" seat. I hope they never go to 9.

[@Jwpgr84]

It's funny to see that 9 abreast in economy is talked about being so squished. I remember flying NWA dc-10 and the DC-10 flew a 2-5-2 or 2-4-2 economy config. I assume the same seat widths then as on aircraft now

[@andriadiekoyuwono6373]

I'd love to

[@Dncyx]

Can you do a look at Japan Airlines' Trend Defying Customer service and Online ticketing Situation please

[@tpplatfzft]

On the other hand, JAL’s 787 Business Class configuration is 2-4-2, as well.

[@damian2dc]

I don't mind 9 abreast however in the 2-4-3 config

[@MG101]

I’ve only ever flown on 2 Dreamliners, both 787-8s with Jetstar It was not great although Jetstar is a low cost carrier so it’s expected

[@feldons5621]

Well done JAL. I am flying with them next Month to KIX. Osaka. Not sure if the 787 is on the scheduled route .

[@ks6441]

I guess for KIX, Osaka, it would be 737-8. Should have chosen ITM, Osaka for 787.

[@feldons5621]

@@ks6441 Im flying directly to Hanenda first then in transit to KIX. I'm guessing it will be an A 350 then a B 737 ?

[@andyrichardsvideovlogs8835]

8 abreast is so much better for the passenger. After all, is the airline serving passengers or the cost accountants?

[@peterbarnard6396]

After several uncomfortable flights on 787s with 9 seat configurations, I now avoid the aircraft and make sure I’m flying on a 767 or 777 when flying to Europe.

[@guybeauregard]

ANA's 9 across configuration in economy is frankly miserable.

[@bastian3632]

2-4-2 😍😍😍 only one neighbor if you want to reach the aisle

[@cmdrflake]

That’s a smart move, dumping the awful middle seat. Now, if they would discount that gawd awful seat, a smaller person could save money.

[@germanbeer2466]

Quality for customers at 8 vs 9 across.

[@kentd4762]

I'm sure all fare-paying sardines appreciate the 8-across configuration.

[@jaxonmattox9267]

Based on JAL prices, yeah this checks out. I'd rather be squeezed and paying a significantly lower fare, but I'm not obese or super tall...

[@chromebomb]

i want to fly on this config

[@froggy251]

Hi

[@aviation259]

I have flown with JAL 767 with 2-3-2 configuration in economy and it was perfect. Widest economy seat I’ve tried so far. For asians whos probably 170 - 175cm on height, the seat pitch might not be a big problem for us. JAL might be targeting their domestic or region customers. Additionally, as the earliest 787’s batch had a problem with the production issues which made them heavier than the nowadays 787. By then, 8 abreast configuration might be the solution in the past in reducing weight.

[@richarddastardly6845]

8 abreast is best I think

[@sho1715]

787 is absolutely not the successor of 767 thanks to the horrible standardized 9 abreast. Well done JAL.

[@Alhazmi75]

Recently I was in etihad 787-9 Abudhabi to Bangkok in 9 seat configuration. A terrible experience in my 1st flight in 787. The chair was so narrow that i had to ask for extention for seat belt. No space for my shoulder or hands. It was miserable i would never fly on 787 again

[@AdriantheSpotter]

Blame the airline, not the 787. The 787 doesn’t choose which seats to put on itself, the airline does.

[@rafaelwilks]

If I operated Dreamliners, my economy class would feature 34" of seat pitch with an 8-abreast configuration. Anyone who thinks this will fail, is failing in their intellect, because it would be a product that nobody else would have.

[@Tpaulissendougan]

Why didn’t Boeing just configure the 787 for 9 abreast in the first place?

[@filledwithvariousknowledge2747]

I could ask the same with A350 and 10 abreast considering how hard Airbus is pushing it knowing it’ll be worse than the 777 10 abreast

[@Tpaulissendougan]

@@filledwithvariousknowledge2747 The a350 was configured for 9 abreast so the seats are wider 18” instead of 17”. Traveling, I avoid the 787 like the plague. If I have no choice, then I would pay extra for the bulk head seats with extra leg room.

[@AdriantheSpotter]

It always was supposed to be 2-4-2. it’s airlines that choose seating arrangements, and airlines don’t care about your comfort, only profit. 3-3-3 is more profitable than 2-4-2.

[@Deadeye313]

If boeing and airbus say 8 across, carriers will do 9 across, if they did 9 across, carriers would try to squeeze in a 10th seat. Does the madness ever stop?

[@cabottaxi]

Not going to happen with other airlines reducing their capacity.

[@christianx2k]

All 787 economy class should be 2-4-2 layout

[@jamiesworld1690]

Abousket more space better to sleep

[@schabandreas]

Remind me to not fly ANA 4x4x4 is nuts Japan air seating is the winner

[@mikeo1012]

Cram em and Jam em, that seems to be the way of the skies but NOT for me.

[@joydivision888]

JAL is so much humane to config at 2-4-2. The worst i’ve ever sat is Singapore Airlines’s 787 at 3-3-3 config. Worst red eye flight ever.

[@georgewyatt2924]

31" pitch ... UGGGH

[@dudeoneo0oneboing465]

More space for little people 🤷🏼‍♂️😘

[@johniii8147]

No other airlines shouldn't operate with 8 abreast. The economics are simply too good to operate with 9.

[@harrygarland7966]

Don't fly boeing aircraft now, this company has a quality issue and a issue with misleading the FAA. I still don't know how they got away lightly with these issues. Read that still issues with the 767 tanker and work around keeping it flying.

[@rohanbhadoria860]

Y 787 ....a350 is better than 787 ...

[@이마크-r8e]

Ask the airline lmao They may have a better deal with Boeing than Airbus.

[@ohutchie]

JAL has both the 787 and the A350 in their fleet. I haven't flown the A350 but I have flown JAL 788s and 789s and they were incredibly comfortable compared to the AA 789 I flew on the same trip and definitely the best economy product I've experienced.

[@davedaniel4824]

At the end of the day, if you can save 200$ on an airline with 9 seat instead of JALs 8 seat, I might consider toughing it up, and pay myself 4 really good meals or 1 high end night at a 4 and half star hotel at my arrival. And that’s considering that JAL is my favourite airline.

[@dave8599]

I prefer high density seating. This is because this means cheaper tickets. I am not a fat porker, so smaller seats work fine for me. In fact the ticket price really should be based on the passenger and luggage weight. I am sick of subsidizing fat people and those with lots of luggage. People who weigh twice as much should pay twice as much, that would be equitable.