EgyptAir's Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner features a premium Business Class with 1-2-1 reverse herringbone seating and spacious Economy. This guide reveals the best seats to book and which ones to avoid for your next journey.
The 787-9 offers excellent privacy in Business Class with direct-aisle seats in a 1-2-1 reverse herringbone configuration. Book seats 12K, 13A/K, or 14A/K for optimal Business comfort. In Economy, rows 21-24 offer extra space, while avoid the rear section (rows 49-52) and middle seats in rows 20, 36-37.
EgyptAir's Business Class features 30 seats in a 1-2-1 reverse herringbone layout, providing direct aisle access and privacy doors for all passengers. Each seat converts into a fully flat bed, ideal for long-haul routes. The cabin offers modern entertainment, enhanced dining, and premium amenities throughout the aircraft.
Economy accommodates passengers in a 3-3-3 configuration across the widebody cabin. The Boeing 787's larger windows and improved cabin pressure create a more comfortable experience. Select rows offer extra legroom, particularly near bulkheads and exit rows, making seat selection crucial for long-haul comfort.
Seat | Cabin | Why |
|---|---|---|
12K | Business | Optimal position with direct aisle access and full privacy |
13A/K | Business | Mid-cabin location ensuring excellent service and comfort |
14A/K | Business | Desirable position with prime amenities access |
21-24 (A/K) | Economy | Extra legroom in premium economy-style rows with aisle access |
20 | Economy | Bulkhead row offering significantly extended legroom |
37 | Economy | Exit row providing generous space and aisle seats |
Seat | Cabin | Why |
|---|---|---|
10 | Business | Forward position with potential galley noise and traffic |
12A | Business | Middle seat lacks direct aisle access compared to K seats |
16 | Business | Aft cabin position near lavatories with service disruptions |
20 (B/C) | Economy | Middle seat bulkhead row with restricted recline |
36 (all) | Economy | Proximity to lavatories with odors and foot traffic |
37 (B/C) | Economy | Middle exit-row seats lack full recline capability |
49-52 | Economy | Rear fuselage rows with reduced cabin pressure feel and engine noise |
The 787-9's tray table is exceptionally stable for a 15-inch laptop, with minimal flex even during moderate turbulence - a genuine advantage over older widebodies. EgyptAir's WiFi system broadcasts as "EgyptAir_WiFi" with real-world speeds averaging 4 - 8 Mbps on the ground-based system, adequate for email and messaging but marginal for video calls. Power outlets vary by cabin: Business Class has AC 110V/220V plus USB-A (2.1A) at each suite, while Economy offers scattered USB-A ports (1A) near select seats with no AC outlets available; USB-C is not standard on this EgyptAir configuration. The 10.6-inch in-flight entertainment touchscreens are responsive, and Bluetooth audio pairing works reliably with the IFE system for noise-canceling headphones, though the cabin's ambient noise means wired headphones deliver better audio isolation.
The 787-9 maintains a cabin altitude of 6,000 feet, significantly lower than older widebodies (8,000 ft), reducing fatigue and improving sleep quality on overnight routes. Humidity levels hover at 40 - 50% - the 787's best-in-class moisture retention - making this cabin noticeably less drying than competitors, a major comfort win on long-haul flights. Engine noise is minimal throughout, but rows 20 - 24 in Economy experience slight thrumming from the aft galley activity and lavatory cycles. The quietest seats are rows 1 - 3 in Business Class and rows 30 - 32 in Economy (rear bulkhead area), where engine noise is softest and passenger traffic minimal, though rear-row trade-offs include proximity to lavatories.
EgyptAir typically uses both L1 (forward) and L2 (mid-cabin) doors simultaneously on the 787-9, with L1 serving Business and forward Economy, and L2 handling mid-to-rear Economy for faster throughput. On a full flight, front Economy deplanes in approximately 12 - 15 minutes, while rear Economy passengers disembark within 20 - 25 minutes total - the staggered dual-door system keeps queues manageable. At Cairo International (EgyptAir's primary hub), allow a minimum of 90 minutes for domestic connections and 120 minutes for international connections, as ground operations can be slower than Western hubs and immigration procedures add buffer time.
For overnight routes, book seat 2A or 2K in Business Class (forward bulkhead suites with maximum privacy and minimal foot traffic) or row 32 in Economy (aft corner seats with fewer disturbances, though flat-bed luxury is unavailable). Skip the airline meal service on overnight routes - eat a light meal before boarding or request a light breakfast only, as heavy dining disrupts sleep cycles and cabin staff turnover creates noise during typical sleep hours. Bring a quality neck pillow (memory foam, not inflatable) and a lightweight eye mask; the 787's better humidity means standard masks work well without excessive drying. To optimize arrival, aim to sleep through the cabin's quietest window (typically 2 - 4 hours post-takeoff), set your watch to destination time immediately, and request window seats to control light exposure and avoid aisle disturbances.
No, EgyptAir's 787-9 configuration includes only Business and Economy classes. However, Economy rows 21-24 offer enhanced comfort comparable to premium economy on other carriers.
All Business seats feature privacy doors in the 1-2-1 herringbone layout. Seats 13A/K and 14A/K offer optimal positioning away from galley and lavatory areas for maximum peace.
Yes, row 37 provides significantly more legroom. Book aisle seats (37A or 37K) to maximize comfort without the recline restrictions of middle seats.
Rows 21-24 (aisle seats A and K) offer the best Economy experience with extra space, minimal noise, and good proximity to amenities without rear-cabin drawbacks.
These rear rows are closest to engines, creating increased noise levels. The aft fuselage also experiences slightly reduced cabin pressure sensation, affecting comfort on extended flights.
