You've finally booked that Dreamliner flight. Honestly, there is something kinda magical about the Virgin Atlantic vibe—the purple mood lighting, the "extra" service, and that iconic bar. But here is the thing: if you don't study the Virgin Atlantic Boeing 787-9 seat map before you check in, you might end up in a "coffin" or staring directly into a stranger's eyeballs for ten hours.
The 787-9 is the backbone of Virgin's long-haul fleet. It’s a great plane. Big windows, better humidity so you don't feel like a piece of beef jerky when you land, and quiet engines. But the seating layout is... quirky. Some people love the intimacy; others find it claustrophobic. Let’s break down where you actually want to sit and which spots are basically a trap.
The Upper Class "Coffin" Controversy
Okay, let's address the elephant in the room. The Upper Class cabin on the 787-9 uses a 1-1-1 configuration.
Most modern airlines use a 1-2-1 setup so couples can sit together. Not here. Every seat in Virgin’s 787-9 Upper Class faces the aisle. Specifically, they face inward in a herringbone pattern.
If you are in Row G or K, you are facing another person. It can be awkward. You’re trying to eat your prawns, and you keep making accidental eye contact with the guy in 8G.
Pro Tip: If you want privacy, you absolutely must pick Row A.
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Row A has its own dedicated aisle. The backs of the middle seats (Row G) face you, so nobody is looking at you. It’s the closest thing you’ll get to a private suite on this specific aircraft. Just keep in mind that these seats are "flip-over" beds. You can’t just recline into a bed; you have to stand up, and the crew helps flip the seat back over to reveal the mattress. It’s a bit old-school compared to their newer A350s, but it’s still a flat bed.
Premium Economy: The Real Sweet Spot?
A lot of frequent flyers, including experts like Ben Smithson from The Points Guy, often argue that the Premium cabin on the 787 is actually one of the best in the sky.
You get 35 seats in a 2-3-2 layout. It feels way more spacious than the back of the bus.
- Seat Pitch: 38 inches.
- Width: 21 inches (that’s wider than some business class seats on other airlines).
- Recline: 8 inches.
That extra inch of recline matters more than you think. On the A350, it’s only 7 inches. You can really feel the difference when you're trying to snooze over the Atlantic.
If you're a couple, the window pairs (A-C or H-K) are the dream. No middle seat, no stranger climbing over you. If you’re a solo traveler, avoid the middle of the "3" block in the center unless you enjoy being a human sandwich.
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Why Economy Delight is Worth the Extra Cash
Virgin splits its main cabin into three flavors: Light, Classic, and Delight.
They all use the same 3-3-3 layout, but Economy Delight is where the value lives. You get a 34-inch seat pitch compared to the 31 inches in Classic. For someone like me who is over six feet tall, those three inches are the difference between "I can't feel my legs" and "Hey, this isn't bad."
Look for seats in Row 46. It’s the bulkhead. You get massive legroom because there’s no seat in front of you. The downside? Your tray table is in the armrest, which makes the seat a tiny bit narrower. Also, you have to store all your bags in the overhead bin for takeoff and landing. Small price to pay for being able to stretch your legs fully.
The Danger Zones: Seats to Avoid
Not all seats are created equal. Even in a fancy Dreamliner, there are "dud" seats that the Virgin Atlantic Boeing 787-9 seat map won't necessarily warn you about.
- Seats 11A and 11K (Upper Class): These are right next to the onboard bar. On a daytime flight to New York, it’s fun. On a red-eye from LAX? It’s a nightmare. People congregate there to chat and clink glasses while you’re trying to sleep three feet away.
- Row 66 (Economy): This is the very back of the plane. The recline is often limited because of the bulkhead wall behind you. Plus, you’re the last person off the plane, which means a longer wait at immigration.
- Row 53 (Economy): You’re right in front of the toilets. The constant "flush-whoosh" sound and the light from the door opening and closing will drive you crazy if you’re a light sleeper.
Families vs. Solo Travelers
The 787-9 is a bit of a puzzle for families.
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In Upper Class, it’s actually really hard to look after a small child because of the high walls and the way the seats face. If you’re traveling with a 2-year-old, some parents prefer sitting in Rows G and K so they are somewhat "across" from each other, but it's still not ideal.
In Premium or Economy, the layout is much more family-friendly. The middle block of three is perfect for a couple with one child.
The Numbers You Actually Need
If you're a data nerd, here is the quick breakdown of what you're working with on this bird:
The total seat count is usually 258. That’s 31 in Upper Class, 35 in Premium, and 192 in Economy (which includes the Delight seats).
The windows are a highlight. They don’t have plastic shutters. Instead, there’s a button that tints the glass. It’s cool, but beware: the crew can centrally override them. If they want the cabin dark for a nap, they’ll turn your window dark blue whether you like it or not.
Actionable Insights for Your Next Flight
If you want the best possible experience on the Virgin 787-9, do these three things right now:
- Check the Tail Number: If you can, see if you're on a newer 787. While the layouts are the same, the "wear and tear" on the older ones like Birthday Girl (G-VNYC) can be noticeable compared to the newer deliveries.
- The Row A Rule: If you are booking Upper Class and you aren't in Row A, you are doing it wrong. Period.
- Bulkhead over Exit Row: In Economy, aim for the Delight bulkhead (Row 46) rather than the exit rows. Exit rows can be cold because of the door seals and often have people standing in your "legroom" while they wait for the bathroom.
The Dreamliner is a fantastic way to fly, provided you know exactly where to plant yourself. Get your seat selection done the moment you book, because those Row A and bulkhead spots disappear fast.