Qantas 787 Business Class Review: Seats, Food, Comfort, Wi-Fi, Best Seats and Booking Guide

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Qantas 787 business class is one of the airline’s most important long-haul products. It is used on major international routes and is designed for passengers who want a comfortable seat, direct aisle access, a fully flat bed, quality bedding, and a calmer way to travel on long flights.

The Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner is especially important for Qantas because it serves many long-distance routes between Australia, North America, Europe, and Asia. For travelers flying across the Pacific or on overnight international services, the business class cabin can make a major difference in comfort, sleep, and arrival energy.

Qantas 787 business class is not the newest or most private business class product in the world. It does not have sliding doors like some modern suites. The food can also vary depending on the route and catering airport. However, the overall product is strong where it matters most: seat comfort, sleep quality, direct aisle access, bedding, service, and long-haul practicality.

This detailed guide explains everything you should know before booking Qantas 787 business class, including the seat layout, best seats, food, service, entertainment, Wi-Fi, airport experience, pros and cons, and whether it is worth the price or points.

Quick Verdict: Is Qantas 787 Business Class Good?

Yes, Qantas 787 business class is a good long-haul business class product, especially if your main priority is sleep and comfort. The seat turns into a fully flat bed, every passenger gets direct aisle access, and the bedding is better than what many airlines offer in business class.

It is best for:

• Long-haul overnight flights
• Business travelers who need rest before arrival
• Solo travelers who choose a true window seat
• Couples who want middle seats
• Qantas Frequent Flyer members
• Passengers using points for premium redemptions
• Travelers who prefer nonstop Qantas routes

It may not be perfect for:

• Travelers who want a private suite with a door
• Passengers who need guaranteed Wi-Fi on every aircraft
• People who expect restaurant-style dining
• Travelers paying very high cash fares without comparing other airlines

Overall, Qantas 787 business class is comfortable, reliable, and practical. It may not feel ultra-luxurious, but it gets the most important long-haul basics right.

Qantas 787 Business Class Cabin Overview

Qantas operates the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner with 42 business class seats. The cabin uses a 1-2-1 layout, which means every seat has direct aisle access. This is one of the biggest advantages of the product because nobody needs to climb over another passenger during the flight. Qantas lists the 787 business seat as converting into a fully flat bed of around 2 metres, with a seat width of around 23 to 24 inches.

The business class cabin is split into two sections. The larger cabin is at the front, while a smaller mini-cabin sits behind the galley area. Some passengers prefer the larger cabin because it feels more open. Others prefer the smaller rear cabin because it can feel quieter and more private when service is calm.

The overall cabin design is simple, modern, and understated. It does not try to look flashy. Instead, it focuses on function, comfort, and long-haul usability.

Seat Layout: 1-2-1 Configuration

The 1-2-1 layout is one of the strongest parts of Qantas 787 business class. It gives every passenger:

• Direct aisle access
• A personal entertainment screen
• A flat bed
• Personal lighting
• AC power and USB charging
• A side console
• Storage for small items
• Privacy divider on middle seats
• Large tray table
• Bedding and pillow

The window seats are best for solo travelers. The middle seats are better for couples, friends, or parents traveling with children.

Qantas 787 Business Class Seat Comfort

The seat is comfortable for sitting, lounging, working, eating, and sleeping. It can be placed into different recline positions, so you do not need to wait until after takeoff to get comfortable.

In bed mode, the seat becomes fully flat. This is very important on long flights because angled-flat seats are much harder to sleep on. Qantas 787 business class gives you a proper bed-like position, which helps reduce fatigue on long-haul routes.

The mattress pad, pillow, blanket, and pajamas make the experience feel more premium. Qantas is known for offering comfortable pajamas on many long international business class flights, and many frequent flyers consider them one of the best parts of the soft product.

The bed is comfortable for most passengers, but very tall travelers may notice the footwell area. It is not extremely tight, but it is not as open as some newer business class suites.

Best Seats in Qantas 787 Business Class

Choosing the right seat can improve your flight experience.

Best Seats for Solo Travelers

Solo travelers should choose a true window seat where the seat is positioned closer to the window and farther away from the aisle. These seats feel more private and are better for sleeping.

They are also better if you want to look outside, work quietly, or avoid feeling exposed to aisle traffic.

Best Seats for Couples

Couples should choose the middle pair of seats. These seats have a privacy divider that can usually be raised or lowered. If you want to talk during the flight, the middle seats are more convenient than two separate window seats.

However, for overnight flights, some couples may still prefer two window seats because each person gets more privacy and better sleep.

Best Seats for Families

Parents traveling with children may prefer middle seats because they make it easier to help a child during meal service, entertainment setup, or sleep time.

If you are traveling with a young child, avoid choosing seats too far apart. Also request child meals in advance if available, because meal options can vary by route.

Seats to Avoid

Try to avoid seats very close to:

• Galleys
• Toilets
• High-traffic aisle areas
• Bright cabin service areas

These seats are not terrible, but they may have more noise, light, and crew movement during the flight.

Privacy: Good, But Not Suite-Level

Qantas 787 business class offers good privacy, especially in window seats. However, it does not have sliding doors. This means it is not as private as Qatar Airways Qsuite, British Airways Club Suite, or other newer business class suites.

The seat still feels private enough for resting and sleeping, especially when you choose a true window seat. Middle seats have a divider, which helps if you are traveling alone.

If privacy is your top priority, Qantas 787 business class is good but not world-leading.

Storage Space

Storage is useful but not perfect. You get space for small items such as:

• Phone
• Passport
• Wallet
• Headphones
• Water bottle
• Charging cable
• Glasses
• Small pouch

However, larger bags need to go in the overhead locker. This is one area where Qantas 787 business class feels slightly older compared with newer business suites that offer more enclosed storage.

A smart tip is to keep your essentials in a small pouch before boarding. That way, you do not need to keep opening the overhead locker during the flight.

Bedding and Sleep Quality

Sleep quality is one of the main reasons to book Qantas 787 business class. The seat is fully flat, the bedding is comfortable, and the Dreamliner cabin feels quieter and calmer than many older aircraft.

The Boeing 787 also has larger windows, improved cabin pressure, and a modern cabin environment. These features can help passengers feel less tired after long flights, although sleep quality still depends on your route, seat choice, meal timing, and personal sleep habits.

For overnight flights between Australia and North America, Qantas 787 business class works very well. You can eat, sleep for several hours, and wake up before landing.

Food and Dining Experience

Qantas business class dining is usually good, but it can be inconsistent. Some flights have excellent meals with generous portions and strong flavors. Other flights feel less impressive, especially when catering from certain overseas airports.

A typical long-haul service may include:

• Pre-departure drink
• Drink and nuts after takeoff
• Main meal service
• Dessert
• Tea, coffee, or wine
• Mid-flight snacks
• Breakfast before landing

On many long-haul routes, Qantas provides a breakfast card before departure. This is useful because you can choose what you want before sleeping. You can also tell the crew whether you want to be woken for breakfast or left to sleep.

What Qantas Does Well With Food

Qantas usually does well with:

• Breakfast customization
• Australian wines
• Desserts
• Bread and salad service
• Simple but fresh presentation
• Generous portions on some routes
• Pre-arrival meals

Where Food Can Improve

Qantas could improve:

• Mid-flight snack variety
• Consistency across routes
• Flavor and seasoning
• More flexible dine-on-demand options
• Better premium presentation on ultra-long-haul flights

The food is not bad, but it is not always the strongest reason to choose Qantas business class. The seat and sleep quality are stronger selling points.

Drinks and Wine

Qantas usually offers a solid drinks list in business class. You can expect wine, spirits, beer, soft drinks, juice, tea, and coffee. The airline often highlights Australian wines, which gives the experience a local identity.

For many passengers, the wine list is one of the better parts of the dining experience. However, champagne and premium drink availability can depend on route and service details.

Service Quality

Qantas business class service is usually friendly, relaxed, and professional. The style is less formal than some Asian and Middle Eastern airlines, but many travelers like the natural Australian approach.

Good Qantas crews are warm, confident, and thoughtful. They help with bedding, keep drinks topped up, and handle meal service smoothly.

However, service can feel quiet between meals. Some passengers like this because it helps them sleep. Others may prefer more regular cabin checks.

The best service experience happens when the crew balances both: letting passengers rest while still being visible and responsive.

Entertainment System

Qantas 787 business class has a large high-definition entertainment screen. Qantas lists the 787 business cabin as having a 16-inch HD screen, USB charging, and AC power outlets.

The entertainment system includes movies, TV shows, music, games, and flight information. The screen is clear and easy to use.

The content selection is good enough for most passengers, but it may not match airlines like Emirates, Qatar Airways, or Singapore Airlines, which often have larger entertainment libraries.

If you are flying on a very long route, download your own content before the flight as a backup.

Wi-Fi on Qantas 787 Business Class

Wi-Fi is an important topic because older reviews often say Qantas 787 business class has no Wi-Fi. That is no longer the full picture.

Qantas says Wi-Fi-connected aircraft operate on select domestic and international routes, and Wi-Fi depends on both aircraft equipment and satellite coverage. This means you should check your specific flight instead of assuming Wi-Fi will always be available.

Before flying, check:

• Your booking details
• The Qantas app
• The aircraft information
• Any onboard Wi-Fi notice after boarding

If Wi-Fi is available, it makes the flight better for business travelers, messaging, emails, and light browsing. If it is not available, prepare offline work and entertainment before departure.

Airport and Lounge Experience

Your lounge experience depends on your departure airport. At some airports, Qantas uses its own lounge. At others, it uses partner lounges.

This is important because the lounge can affect the total value of your business class ticket. A good lounge gives you:

• Better food before boarding
• Showers
• Quiet seating
• Work areas
• Drinks
• Priority services
• A more relaxed start to the journey

If the lounge is weak or crowded, the ground experience may feel less premium. Always check which lounge is included before your flight.

Boarding Experience

Qantas often uses group boarding on international flights. Business class passengers normally board early, along with eligible elite frequent flyers.

Priority boarding is helpful because it gives you time to settle in, store your bag, change into pajamas if offered, and review the menu before takeoff.

Boarding quality depends on the airport. Some airports manage groups very well. Others may feel crowded at the gate.

Qantas 787 Business Class Routes

Qantas uses the Boeing 787-9 on many long-haul international routes. These routes can change based on season, demand, aircraft scheduling, and airline planning.

Common Qantas 787 route types include:

• Australia to North America
• Australia to Asia
• Australia to Europe via Perth or other long-haul links
• Ultra-long-haul international services
• Selected high-demand international routes

Because aircraft assignments can change, always check your flight details before booking if you specifically want the Boeing 787-9 business class product.

Is Qantas 787 Business Class Good for Long-Haul Flights?

Yes, this is where the product performs best. The seat, bed, bedding, and cabin environment are designed for long-haul travel.

It works especially well when:

• The flight is overnight
• You choose a private window seat
• You want to sleep for several hours
• You are flying for business
• You need to arrive rested
• You prefer a nonstop Qantas route

The product is less impressive on shorter flights where you do not have enough time to fully enjoy the bed, dining, and amenities.

Qantas 787 Business Class for Business Travelers

Business travelers will appreciate the direct aisle access, work surface, charging points, and fully flat bed. The seat is practical for laptop work, reading documents, and resting before arrival.

The only major warning is Wi-Fi. If you need to work online, check whether your aircraft is Wi-Fi connected. Do not assume every Qantas 787 flight will have internet.

Qantas 787 Business Class for Couples

Qantas 787 business class is good for couples if you choose middle seats. The privacy divider gives flexibility. You can lower it when you want to talk and raise it when you want to sleep.

For couples on overnight flights, the choice depends on your travel style. If you want to talk, choose middle seats. If you both want maximum sleep, choose two window seats.

Qantas 787 Business Class for Families

Families can have a comfortable experience, but seat planning matters. Middle seats are usually better for one parent and one child.

Parents should also:

• Request children’s meals in advance if available
• Bring backup snacks
• Pack headphones that fit the child
• Choose seats together early
• Bring entertainment for long flights
• Avoid seats close to galley noise if the child is a light sleeper

Qantas business class can work well for families, but preparation makes the experience much smoother.

Qantas 787 Business Class vs Premium Economy

Qantas Premium Economy is a good product for passengers who want more space than Economy but do not want to pay for Business Class.

However, Business Class is much better if sleep matters.

Qantas 787 business class gives you:

• Fully flat bed
• Direct aisle access
• More privacy
• Better bedding
• Better meals
• More personal space
• Lounge access on eligible tickets
• Better long-haul comfort

Premium Economy gives you:

• Wider seat than Economy
• More legroom
• Better recline than Economy
• Lower price than Business Class

Choose Business Class if you need real rest. Choose Premium Economy if you want comfort but need to control cost.

Qantas 787 Business Class vs Other Airlines

Qantas 787 business class is strong, but it is not always the best business class option on every route.

Qantas vs Qatar Airways

Qatar Airways Qsuite is more private and more luxurious when available. It offers a suite-style experience with doors on many aircraft. Qantas is comfortable but less private.

Qantas vs Singapore Airlines

Singapore Airlines often provides more polished service and stronger dining. Qantas may be more convenient if you want a nonstop Australia route.

Qantas vs United Polaris

United Polaris can be competitive on North America routes, especially if the aircraft has Wi-Fi and the fare is lower. Qantas may feel warmer in service style and stronger in bedding.

Qantas vs Air New Zealand

Air New Zealand can be useful for connections through Auckland. However, the best choice depends on aircraft type, price, route, and seat preference.

Qantas vs American Airlines

American Airlines may offer better award availability in some cases, but Qantas often provides a more Australian long-haul feel and strong direct route options.

Pros and Cons of Qantas 787 Business Class

Pros

• Fully flat bed
• Direct aisle access from every seat
• Comfortable bedding
• Good sleep quality
• Strong long-haul cabin design
• Good for solo travelers, couples, and business travelers
• Friendly service style
• Useful breakfast card on many flights
• Good Australian wine selection
• 1-2-1 layout
• Large entertainment screen
• Good points redemption when available

Cons

• No sliding privacy door
• Food can be inconsistent
• Storage is limited compared with newer seats
• Wi-Fi is not guaranteed on every aircraft or route
• Entertainment selection is good but not world-leading
• Cash fares can be expensive
• Some seats are less private than others
• Some routes have difficult arrival times

Is Qantas 787 Business Class Worth It?

Qantas 787 business class is worth it when you can book it with points, find a sale fare, or need a nonstop Qantas route.

It is especially worth it if:

• You need to sleep on the flight
• You are flying overnight
• You are traveling for business
• You value direct aisle access
• You are loyal to Qantas Frequent Flyer
• You want a comfortable long-haul experience
• You can select a good seat

It may not be worth it if:

• The cash fare is much higher than competitors
• You need a private suite with a door
• You need guaranteed Wi-Fi
• You care more about luxury dining than sleep
• Another airline offers a much better fare

The smartest approach is to compare Qantas with other airlines on the same route. If the price is similar, Qantas is a strong option. If Qantas is much more expensive, check whether the nonstop route or loyalty benefits justify the extra cost.

Tips Before Flying Qantas 787 Business Class

• Choose your seat as early as possible.
• Pick a true window seat if you are traveling alone.
• Choose middle seats if traveling as a couple.
• Avoid seats close to galleys and toilets if you want quiet.
• Check Wi-Fi availability before departure.
• Download entertainment as a backup.
• Bring a small pouch for personal items.
• Eat in the lounge if it is a good lounge.
• Request special meals early.
• Use the mattress pad for better sleep.
• Check the arrival time before booking.
• Compare cash fares with other airlines.
• Look for points availability early and close to departure.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Do not assume every window seat has the same privacy.
• Do not assume every aircraft has Wi-Fi.
• Do not wait too long to select your seat.
• Do not rely only on onboard snacks if you are a picky eater.
• Do not pay a very high fare without comparing competitors.
• Do not forget to check lounge access rules at partner airports.
• Do not assume the food will be the same on every route.

Who Should Book Qantas 787 Business Class?

You should book Qantas 787 business class if you want a comfortable, direct, and sleep-friendly long-haul flight. It is ideal for passengers who care more about rest than flashy luxury.

This cabin is a good match for:

• Corporate travelers
• Long-haul leisure travelers
• Honeymooners
• Couples
• Solo travelers
• Frequent flyers
• People using points
• Passengers flying between Australia and North America
• Travelers who prefer Qantas service and loyalty benefits

Who Should Skip It?

You may want to skip it if you want the most modern business suite available. Qantas 787 business class is comfortable, but it does not offer full privacy doors.

You may also want to compare other airlines if the Qantas fare is very high. Sometimes competitors offer better pricing, newer seats, stronger Wi-Fi, or better dining.

FAQs

Final Verdict

Qantas 787 business class is a strong and reliable long-haul product. It does not offer the most private suite in the sky, and the food can be inconsistent, but the seat, bedding, direct aisle access, and sleep quality make it a very good choice for long international flights.

The biggest strengths are the fully flat bed, 1-2-1 layout, comfortable bedding, friendly service, and practical cabin design. The biggest weaknesses are limited storage, no sliding door, inconsistent meals, and Wi-Fi availability that depends on the aircraft and route.

For travelers using points, Qantas 787 business class can be excellent value. For travelers paying cash, it is best to compare other airlines before booking. But if you want a comfortable nonstop long-haul flight with a trusted Australian airline, qantas 787 business class remains one of the better ways to fly across long distances.

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