Where to Sit in Business on EL AL’s 787-9 Dreamliner

by Sam Roecker
EL AL Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner

EL AL Boeing 787-9 | Image: El Al

For years, EL AL was years behind just about everyone in terms of business class accommodation. That’s changing as the airline rolls out its new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, now operating on key routes including Tel Aviv (TEL) to Newark Liberty (EWR) and Hong Kong (HKG).

EL AL went from having one of the worst business class cabins to one of the best. The Israeli flag carrier hired London-based design firm PriestmanGoode to design cabins that are nothing shy of stunning.

EL AL Dreamliner Business Class 787

EL AL is the first airline to install these Recaro business class seats. Image by PriestmanGoode.

The seats themselves are an entirely new Recaro design, arranged in a 1-2-1 layout. The seats are turned slightly off-center in a bid to create more footwell space.

Like many complex business cabins, not all seats are created equal. The angle and positioning of these seats means passenger experience will vary somewhat depending on chosen seats.

Best Business Class Seats on El Al Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner

Kudos to EL AL for providing a color-coded seat map with specific descriptions. El Al’s business class cabin begins at row 9 and has eight rows of alternating seats.

🌟 Pro Tip: for maximum privacy, choose an A/K seat in rows 10, 12, 14, or 16

Best Seats for Solo Travelers

  • Window seats A/K in rows 9, 11, 13, 15 enable easy aisle access but have less privacy [dark blue]
  • Window seats A/K in rows 10, 12, 14, 16 offer maximum privacy but have a narrow seat entrance [dark blue]
  • Middle seats D/G in rows 10, 12, 14, 16 offer easy aisle access, but aren’t as private as the seats near the windows. [green]

Best Seats for Companions 

  • Middle seats D/G in rows 9, 11, 13, 15 are best for traveling companions [light blue]
El Al Business Class Seat Map

EL AL Business Class Seat Map | Image: EL AL

Ultimately, there don’t appear to be any truly bad seats in this newly designed cabin. The first and last row of seats are close to galley and lavatory areas, which some find bothersome when attempting sleep, but most everyone in this cabin should be happy with their new Recaro seats.

EL AL Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner

EL AL Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. Image by PriestmanGoode / EL AL.

The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser. Responses have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the bank advertiser. It is not the bank advertiser's responsibility to ensure all posts and/or questions are answered.

Related Articles

1 comment

Hyman Arbesfeld October 5, 2018 - 10:37 am

I just flew on this plane from Tel Aviv to NY, never again if I can help ;it. It’s back to the 747 fro me. When you want to fully lie down, your feet go into a narrow area that make you feel you are in a straight jacket. you cannot shift from side to side. The entertainment screen is very big, too big. Your face is too close for. such a large screen.

Reply

Leave a Comment