United, Air New Zealand, ANA, Vietnam Airlines
777-300ER, 787-9, A380
777/787/A380 Seat Guide: United, Air New Zealand, ANA & Vietnam Airlines
TL;DR
The 777-300ER, 787-9, and A380 offer varied seating configurations (3-4-3, 3-3-3, and mixed layouts). Premium Economy is available on most carriers. Book Skycouch/Relax Row seats for flat sleeping surfaces on Air New Zealand. Avoid standard economy seats with armrest bumps and gaps. SkyNest bunk pods arrive in 2026 on Air New Zealand aircraft.
Try Cabin
Navigate wide-body comfort across four major carriers with our comprehensive seat guide. From Air New Zealand's innovative Skycouch and upcoming SkyNest bunks to premium economy options, discover the best and worst seats on these modern aircraft.
Business Class
Business class configurations vary by airline and aircraft. Contact your airline for specific layouts, pitch, width, and privacy door availability. All four carriers offer business class on these wide-body aircraft with premium amenities.
Premium Economy
Premium Economy cabins are available across these airlines, offering enhanced comfort between economy and business class with extra legroom and improved seating.
Economy Class
Economy seating varies significantly: 777-300ER features 3-4-3 layout, 787-9 offers 3-3-3 configuration, and A380 has mixed layouts. Standard pitch is 35 inches with Economy Stretch options available on select routes. Standard width is 29 inches, though Skycouch sleeping surfaces provide wider accommodation. Air New Zealand's Relax Row converts three economy seats into a flat sleeping surface ideal for long-haul flights.
Best Seats
Seat | Cabin | Aircraft | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
Skycouch/Relax Row | Economy | 777-300ER, 787-9 | Three seats convert to flat sleeping surface; 29-inch width; Air New Zealand specialty |
SkyNest Bunks | Economy | 777-300ER, 787-9 | Innovative bunk pods launching 2026 on Air New Zealand; premium sleeping experience |
Premium Economy | Premium Economy | All | Extra legroom and comfort; better than standard economy without business class price |
Seats to Avoid
Seat | Cabin | Why |
|---|---|---|
Standard Economy with armrest bumps | Economy | Uncomfortable armrest design; reduced usable width and sleeping quality |
Seats with gaps | Economy | Gaps between seats compromise privacy and comfort on long-haul flights |
Last rows | Economy | Reduced recline; proximity to lavatories; higher foot traffic and noise |
What's the difference between Skycouch and SkyNest?
Skycouch/Relax Row converts three standard economy seats into one flat sleeping surface using existing economy footprint. SkyNest bunk pods are innovative enclosed bunks launching in 2026, offering enclosed sleeping pods above main cabin on Air New Zealand aircraft—a premium upgrade beyond Skycouch.
Which airline offers the best economy experience?
Air New Zealand stands out with Skycouch (available now) and SkyNest bunks (coming 2026). All four carriers offer premium economy on these aircraft. Compare specific routes and airline amenities for your travel needs.
Is business class available on all aircraft from these airlines?
Business class is available on 777-300ER, 787-9, and A380 across United, Air New Zealand, ANA, and Vietnam Airlines, though specific configurations and routes vary. Contact your airline for route-specific offerings.
What's the economy seat pitch and width?
Standard economy pitch is 35 inches (with Economy Stretch options available). Standard seat width is 29 inches. Skycouch seats provide wider 29-inch sleeping surfaces by converting three seats.
Do all aircraft have Premium Economy?
Premium Economy is available on most routes with these aircraft and airlines, though offerings vary by specific route and carrier. Check your booking for cabin availability.
United, Air New Zealand, ANA, Vietnam Airlines, 777-300ER, 787-9, A380, Skycouch, SkyNest, seat guide, economy, business class