WestJet Boeing 787-9 Seat Guide (2026)

WestJet began long-haul 787-9 operations as part of a strategic pivot from its roots as a low-cost domestic carrier toward a full-service international airline. The aircraft operates transatlantic routes from Calgary and Toronto to London Gatwick, as well as select leisure routes to the Caribbean and sun destinations. For Canadian travelers, the WestJet 787-9 represents a meaningful alternative to Air Canada on competitive routes - particularly for passengers who prioritize Business Class hardware over lounge networks and elite status benefits.

Business Class (WestJet Business)

WestJet Business Class on the 787-9 uses a 1-2-1 staggered reverse herringbone layout with 16 seats across 4 rows. Every seat has direct aisle access and reclines to a fully flat 80-inch bed. Seat width is 22 inches with a 15.6-inch IFE screen. There is no sliding privacy door - the product is open-suite, with the side console providing partial visual privacy from the aisle.

Odd-numbered window seats (A and K positions) sit flush against the fuselage with the console acting as a partial screen - the better solo sleeping position on overnight crossings. Even-numbered window seats face the aisle more directly. The centre D and G seats in odd rows face each other with a deployable privacy divider - the correct choice for couples. With only 16 Business seats total, the cabin feels genuinely boutique - the passenger-to-crew ratio is among the most generous in transatlantic Business Class at this price point. The bulkhead row (row 1) offers wider footwells and is the standout individual seat pick. Avoid the last Business row - it backs onto the Premium Economy galley.

Premium Economy

WestJet Premium Economy on the 787-9 is a 2-3-2 layout with 28 seats and 38 inches of pitch. Window pairs on either side of the aircraft (2-seat sections) have no middle neighbor - the correct position for solo travelers and couples on overnight routes. The seat reclines to approximately 120 degrees. The bulkhead row offers the most legroom and first meal service. The meal service uses proper tableware and is a genuine step above Economy on competitive routes.

Economy Class

Economy on the WestJet 787-9 uses a 3-3-3 layout with approximately 259 seats at 31 inches of pitch and 17 inches of seat width. IFE screens are 9 inches - functional but smaller than most competitor 787 configurations. The Dreamliner's 6,000-foot cabin altitude and higher humidity make a genuine difference on the 8-9 hour Calgary to London crossing - reduced fatigue and dehydration are measurable at arrival. Exit rows offer the standard legroom uplift; the over-wing exit rows are slightly quieter than the aft exits. WestJet offers paid seat selection in Economy, with Plus seats providing extra pitch in the forward Economy cabin.

The Skycouch option

WestJet has licensed Air New Zealand's Skycouch technology for select rows on the 787-9. The Skycouch allows three adjacent Economy seats to convert into a flat surface by raising the footrests, creating a sleeping area approximately 37 inches wide. This must be booked as a block of three seats at a per-person premium. On an overnight transatlantic crossing, the premium is well justified for couples or families traveling with young children.

💻 Digital nomad workspace audit

Business Class features a stable bi-fold tray table adequate for laptop work. WestJet uses ViaSat satellite Wi-Fi on the 787-9 - speeds on the North Atlantic routing are generally adequate for messaging and email with occasional reliability on video calls. Business seats have AC outlets and USB-A. Economy has USB-A at each seat on most configurations.

🔊 Acoustic and sensory audit

The 787-9's Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engines and composite fuselage make it one of the quietest widebody types in WestJet's fleet. The small Business cabin (rows 1-4) positioned ahead of the main galley is the quietest zone on the aircraft. In Economy, rows 25-35 represent the acoustic sweet spot - forward of the engine noise and clear of the rear galley.

🚪 Deplaning intelligence

WestJet uses Door L1 for Business Class and Door L2 for Economy at most airports. With only 16 Business seats, the forward cabin clears in under 3 minutes. Economy passengers in the rear cabin should expect 15-18 minutes to deplane.

Best seats

Seats to avoid