ANA's Boeing 787-8 offers a modern cabin experience with Business and Premium Economy options. This guide helps you secure the best seats and avoid common pitfalls on this popular long-haul aircraft.
The 787-8 features either a 1-2-1 staggered Business layout or 2-2-2 configuration depending on variant, Premium Economy seating, and standard 3-3-3 Economy. Book Premium Economy window seats (15A, 15K) or Economy exit-row windows (20A, 20K) for maximum comfort. Avoid middle seats and rows immediately before emergency exits.
ANA operates two Business Class configurations on the 787-8. The 184-seat variant features a staggered 1-2-1 layout with approximately 32 seats, providing excellent direct-aisle access and privacy. The 240-seat version offers a 2-2-2 configuration with around 42 seats, ideal for couples. Neither configuration includes privacy doors. Business passengers enjoy premium bedding, enhanced catering, and priority boarding. Pitch and seat width specifications vary by configuration but both provide comfortable long-haul rest.
ANA's Premium Economy offers a sweet spot between Business and Economy. Seats feature enhanced recline, superior legroom, and improved meal service. The cabin provides better noise isolation and priority amenities compared to Economy. Premium Economy is ideal for long-haul flights where you want more comfort without Business Class pricing.
The 787-8 Economy cabin uses a 3-3-3 layout with 31-inch pitch and approximately 17-inch wide seats. Two variants exist: the 184-seat configuration and the larger 240-seat version. Window and aisle seats offer the best experience, while middle seats should be avoided. Exit-row seats provide additional legroom in both variants. Standard amenities include on-demand entertainment, USB charging, and meal service on long-haul routes. The 787's larger windows and improved cabin pressure make Economy more comfortable than older aircraft.
Seat | Cabin | Why |
|---|---|---|
15A, 15K | Premium Economy | Window seats with excellent natural light and no middle seat neighbors |
15C, 15H | Premium Economy | Aisle-adjacent seats with easy access and extra personal space |
16A, 16K | Premium Economy | Window seats in forward Premium cabin with optimal cabin positioning |
20A, 20K (184-seat) | Economy | Exit-row window seats with significantly more legroom |
25A, 25K (184-seat) | Economy | Window seats with extra legroom near emergency exit |
12A, 12K (240-seat) | Economy | Forward cabin window seats with optimal positioning |
23C, 23H (240-seat) | Economy | Aisle seats with exit-row legroom benefits |
24A, 24K (240-seat) | Economy | Window seats in preferred mid-cabin location |
Seat | Cabin | Why |
|---|---|---|
15F, 16F | Premium Economy | Middle seats with limited privacy and center-cabin positioning |
16D, 16G | Premium Economy | Middle section seats in less desirable cabin positions |
B, E, F (all rows) | Economy | Middle seats with no aisle or window access and reduced comfort |
23A, 23K (240-seat) | Economy | Seats near lavatories with increased traffic and noise |
Rows 33-35 (184-seat) | Economy | Rear cabin seats near galleys with noise and service disruption |
Rows before exits | Economy | Reduced recline and potential armrest restrictions |
ANA's 787-8 fleet splits between two Business configurations: the 184-seat variant with 1-2-1 staggered layout (32 seats) and the 240-seat variant with 2-2-2 configuration (42 seats). You can identify which version operates your flight by checking SeatGuru or calling ANA directly - the aircraft registration number in your booking confirms it. The 1-2-1 staggered layout is objectively superior for solo travelers seeking direct aisle access and psychological privacy, making it worth rebooking on if available. The 2-2-2 configuration primarily benefits couples and those traveling together, so solo passengers should actively seek the 184-seat variant.
Against Cathay Pacific's 777-300ER Business (also 1-2-1 on some routes), ANA's 787-8 edges ahead with newer seat technology, superior ergonomics, and better IFE systems, but Cathay wins on lounge access and consistency across the fleet. For solo travelers, ANA's 1-2-1 staggered seats provide the privacy advantage you need. Tall passengers will appreciate the 787-8's slightly better headroom and the newer generation seat's improved pitch flexibility. Where ANA loses is reliability - Cathay's configuration is more predictable across bookings, while you may accidentally land on the 2-2-2 variant if you don't verify the aircraft type.
ANA's Tokyo hub (Narita and Haneda) features the ANA Lounge with shower facilities, a ramen restaurant, and quiet rest areas - Haneda's newer flagship lounge is substantially better and justifies a connection there. Business Class passengers enjoy full access; premium economy gets entry only on connecting flights. Unless you're routing via Haneda specifically for the lounge experience on a long layover (6+ hours), the lounge isn't a routing decision-maker, though it meaningfully improves a standard 2-3 hour connection's comfort.
On the 1-2-1 staggered layout, seats 1A, 1K, 2D, and 2J (window pairs on the outer edges) convert to 6'8" beds with the best sleep potential; avoid middle seats 2E-2G entirely - they're narrow and congested. Request a light meal service and skip the multi-course dinner if departing evening - eat before boarding and sleep immediately after takeoff to arrive refreshed. Bring compression socks, a neck pillow (the seat pillow is mediocre), and melatonin; download an offline audiobook for descent wind-down. Aim to land within 2 hours of local sunrise at your destination - this minimizes jet lag impact far more than how well you slept on the plane.
No, ANA operates the 787-8 with Business and Economy service on most routes. Premium Economy is available for enhanced Economy comfort.
The Boeing 787 features larger windows (electronically dimmable), higher humidity levels, improved air quality, and cabin pressure equivalent to 6,000 feet rather than 8,000 feet. These features reduce jet lag and passenger fatigue.
Yes, ANA's 787-8 Economy features individual on-demand entertainment systems with USB charging ports at each seat on long-haul routes.
ANA operates both 184-seat and 240-seat configurations. Check your booking details or flight specifications to determine which version you'll be on.
Yes, galleys separate cabin classes. Avoid seats immediately adjacent to galley areas for minimal noise disruption.
Yes, contact ANA directly if you prefer the 1-2-1 staggered Business layout over the 2-2-2 configuration, though aircraft assignment depends on route and schedule.
