You’re standing in the terminal at Perth or maybe LAX, looking at that sleek, silver-white fuselage with the red kangaroo on the tail. It’s the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. For many, the 787 Qantas business class cabin is the gold standard of long-haul travel, especially if you’re brave enough to tackle the grueling 17-hour "Project Sunrise" precursor flights. But here’s the thing. Is it actually as life-changing as the marketing suggests, or is it just a very expensive seat with some decent sourdough?
Honestly, the answer depends on which seat you get and how much you value your privacy.
I’ve spent enough time in these cabins to tell you that not all Business Suites are created equal. Qantas calls their product the "Business Suite," originally designed by David Caon. It’s a 1-2-1 configuration, which basically means everyone gets aisle access. No more climbing over a sleeping stranger’s legs at 3:00 AM just to use the restroom. That alone is a win. But if you’re stuck in a "true" aisle seat rather than one protected by the console, you’re going to feel every trolley bump and every passenger walking by.
The Layout: Avoiding the "Aisle Trap"
When you look at the 787 Qantas business class seat map, it looks like a neat puzzle. It isn't.
The staggered layout means some seats have the large side console between the seat and the aisle, while others have the seat directly exposed to the traffic. If you want a good night's sleep, you want the "A" or "K" seats in rows 3, 5, or 7. These are the window seats where the seat itself is tucked against the window and the table acts as a buffer. It feels like a private cocoon. If you end up in 2A or 4K, you’re basically sleeping in the hallway. It’s loud. It’s exposed. You’ll see the light from the galley every time the curtain flickers.
The middle seats (E and F) have a divider. If you're traveling with a partner, it's great. You can lower the partition and actually talk. If you're next to a stranger, keep that divider up. It’s awkward otherwise.
Let's Talk About the Bed and the "Sleep Sooner" Strategy
Qantas leans heavily into the "sleep" aspect of the Dreamliner. The 787 is built with composite materials, which allows for a lower cabin altitude and higher humidity. Does it work? Yeah, kinda. You don't feel quite as much like a dried-out raisin when you land in London or New York.
The seat itself is upholstered in a textured fabric that feels premium, not like that sticky plastic leather some airlines use. It converts into an 80-inch fully flat bed. Here is a pro tip: Qantas allows you to have your seat in a "recline" position for takeoff and landing. This is a game-changer. Most airlines force you to sit bolt upright like a schoolboy until the seatbelt sign goes off. On the 787, you can start relaxing the moment you sit down.
📖 Related: Why 1 Hotel South Beach Miami Beach FL Is Actually Worth the Hype
The bedding is where they really win. They provide a mattress pad—it’s thin, but it helps—and a decent duvet. And the pajamas. The grey "Roo" PJs are a cult classic for a reason. They’re comfortable, they breathe, and they make everyone in the cabin look like they're part of a very relaxed, wealthy cult.
Why the Food is Better Than the Entertainment
Neil Perry’s Rockpool menu is a staple here. It's usually pretty good. Think seared barramundi or a beef fillet that isn't actually cooked to the consistency of a hockey puck.
- The sourdough is legit. They serve it with Pepe Saya butter, which is basically the best butter on the planet.
- The "small plates" are often better than the mains. Grab the soup. I don't know why, but Qantas does great soup at 38,000 feet.
- Wine. They take this seriously. Expect high-end Australian pours, often featuring Margaret River Chardonnays or Barossa Shirazes.
The downside? The IFE (In-Flight Entertainment) system. The screen is 16 inches, which is fine, but the interface can be clunky. Compared to Emirates or Qatar’s massive libraries, the Qantas selection can feel a bit thin if you’re on a 17-hour haul. You might finish the "New Releases" before you’ve even crossed the equator. Bring a tablet. Seriously.
The Reality of Service
Qantas service is... Australian. If you’re expecting the subservient, "yes sir, no sir" style of Singapore Airlines or Cathay Pacific, you’re in the wrong place. The crew on the 787 Qantas business class routes are professional, but they’re also chatty and informal. They’ll call you by your name, but they might also crack a joke. Personally, I love it. It feels more human. But if you’re someone who wants a white-glove, invisible service, you might find it a bit too casual.
One thing to watch out for is the "Express Breakfast." On those long flights, the crew wants to maximize your sleep. If you tick the express box, you’ll get a pastry and a coffee about 45 minutes before landing. If you want the full cooked breakfast, you’ll be woken up about 90 minutes out. Choose wisely. That extra 45 minutes of sleep is often worth more than a lukewarm omelet.
💡 You might also like: The Temple of Diana in Ephesus: What Most People Get Wrong About This Lost Wonder
The Points Game and Availability
Getting into 787 Qantas business class using Qantas Frequent Flyer points is getting harder. It’s the "Hunger Games" of travel. If you’re looking for "Classic Flight Reward" seats, you need to be looking 353 days in advance, the moment they drop at 11:00 AM AEDT (or 12:00 PM during DST).
If you aren't a Platinum or Gold member, your chances of snagging a trans-Pacific seat on points are slim. You’re better off looking for "Points + Pay" if you're desperate, but the value is terrible. Another trick? Look for seats out of secondary hubs or consider the Brisbane to LA route, which sometimes has slightly better availability than the flagship Sydney or Melbourne departures.
Technical Nuance: The Dreamliner's Secret Weapon
The 787 isn't just about the seat. It’s about the windows. There are no shades. Instead, you have dimmable buttons. This is polarizing. Some people hate that the crew can "force" the cabin into darkness. But the benefit is that even when "blacked out," you can still see the horizon. It helps with jet lag. Your brain sees the light levels and adjusts slightly better than if you were in a windowless tube.
Also, the overhead bins are massive. You won't have to fight for space for your carry-on, even in a full cabin.
Final Insights for Your Next Trip
If you’re booking the 787 Qantas business class, don't just leave your seat to chance. Log in to the app the second you book.
- Prioritize the "True" Window: Look for seats 3A, 5A, 7A, or their counterparts on the K side. These offer the maximum privacy.
- The Mini-Cabin Myth: Some people love the smaller rear cabin (rows 10-12). It’s quieter, sure. But it’s also closer to Premium Economy, which can mean more noise from kids or galley chatter. I prefer the main cabin, mid-way back.
- Hydrate Early: The 787 is better for humidity, but it’s still an airplane. Drink the water they give you in the side console before you even take off.
- The Self-Service Bar: Tucked away at the back of the business cabin is a small walk-up bar with snacks and drinks. It’s great for stretching your legs, but don't expect a social lounge like on the A380. It’s more of a "grab a Tim Tam and go" situation.
The 787 Qantas business class is a workhorse. It’s not the flashiest "First Class in Business" product like Qatar’s QSuites, and it lacks the door for total privacy. However, the seat is incredibly comfortable for sleeping, the food is consistently high quality, and the tech in the Dreamliner makes a noticeable difference in how you feel when you step off the plane. It’s a solid, reliable way to cross the world without losing your mind.
Check your seat map again. If you're in an aisle-exposed seat, try to move. It’s the difference between a good flight and a great one.
Next Steps for Your Journey
To make the most of your flight, verify your specific aircraft tail number on a site like FlightRadar24 about 24 hours before departure. This ensures you’re actually on the refurbished 787-9 and not a last-minute equipment swap. Once on board, ask the crew for the mattress topper immediately if it isn't already at your seat—they sometimes run out on full flights.