The LATAM 787-9 features a modern dual business class configuration with either direct-aisle seats or premium herringbone layouts, plus spacious LATAM+ economy. Discover which seats offer the best experience and which to avoid on this long-haul workhorse.
LATAM's 787-9 offers two distinct business layouts: the Type 2 1-2-1 configuration provides direct-aisle access in odd rows, while Type 1 uses a 2-2-2 layout. For economy, LATAM+ offers 35" pitch in rows 12-17 with premium legroom. Avoid business row 1 and the last rows near galleys and lavatories; economy middle seats are least desirable.
LATAM operates two different business class products on the 787-9. Type 2 aircraft feature a 1-2-1 layout with 30 seats and 44" pitch, offering direct-aisle access on odd-numbered rows - ideal for solo travelers seeking privacy and convenience. Type 1 aircraft use a traditional 2-2-2 configuration with the same 44" pitch and 23" width. All business seats feature direct-aisle access, though Type 2's asymmetrical design is considered more premium. Neither version includes cabin doors for complete privacy.
LATAM+ is the airline's premium economy product, offering enhanced comfort with 35" pitch compared to standard economy's 31". LATAM+ seats are located in prime cabin positions, providing superior legroom without the business class price tag.
Standard economy features a 2-3-2 configuration with 31" pitch. LATAM+ premium economy seats offer 35" pitch and are concentrated in the mid-cabin. Window and aisle seats are preferable to middle seats; window pairs on either side (AB and JK) offer the best value for couples seeking legroom and avoiding middle-seat passengers.
Seat | Cabin | Why |
|---|---|---|
Odd rows (1, 3, 5, etc.) | Business (Type 2) | Direct-aisle access with true window seats and maximum privacy in 1-2-1 layout |
Rows 12-17 | LATAM+ | Prime mid-cabin location with 35" pitch and optimal service timing |
18D, 18F, 18G | LATAM+ | Window/aisle seats with extra legroom at competitive upgrade pricing |
AB or JK windows | Economy | Window pairs avoid middle-seat neighbors and offer better views and privacy |
Seat | Cabin | Why |
|---|---|---|
Row 1 | Business | Proximity to forward galley creates noise and service disruptions |
Last row | Business | Adjacent to rear galley, lavatories, and crew areas with increased traffic and odors |
Middle seats (C, D, E) | Economy | No direct aisle access; flanked by two passengers; least desirable configuration |
Rows near lavatories | Economy | Odor, noise, and constant foot traffic disrupt rest on long-haul flights |
LATAM's 787-9 Business Class offers generous tray table depth (approximately 17 inches when fully extended), accommodating 15-inch laptops with modest keyboard space; Type 1's 2-2-2 configuration provides better table stability than Type 2's single-seat setup due to full-width support. WiFi is delivered via Intelsat (speeds 5 - 15 Mbps depending on congestion), accessible through the LATAM portal; Business Class receives priority bandwidth. Power infrastructure includes dual USB-A ports (5W each) and one USB-C port (18W) at each seat, with AC power outlets available on select 787-9 variants - confirm availability at booking. IFE screens measure 13.3 inches with excellent brightness and touch responsiveness, complemented by dual Bluetooth connectivity for wireless headphones.
The 787-9 maintains a cabin altitude of 6,000 feet, significantly reducing fatigue and improving sleep quality compared to older widebodies; humidity levels hover at 40 - 50%, the industry's highest standard. Engine noise concentrates around rows 40 - 50 in Economy; Business Class (rows 1 - 8 on most configurations) remains remarkably quiet, with rows 3 - 5 positioned forward of the main gear wells, experiencing minimal vibration. Rows 1 - 2 occasionally encounter minor airflow noise from the cockpit pressurization system, making rows 4 - 8 the acoustic sweet spot for sensitive sleepers.
LATAM's 787-9 uses both L1 (forward) and L2 (mid-cabin) doors for Business Class; on Type 2 configurations, the forward cabin typically deplanes via L1 within 8 - 12 minutes on full flights, while Type 1 may split between doors, reducing time to 6 - 10 minutes. Economy deplanes last, consuming 18 - 25 minutes system-wide depending on whether the aircraft is positioned at a jetway or remote stand. For LATAM's primary hubs (Santiago, São Paulo - GIG, Brasília), plan minimum 90 minutes for domestic connections and 120 minutes for international transfers; 787-9 arrivals at Terminal 3 (GIG) offer expedited connections.
Book row 2 or 4 on Type 2 configurations (odd-numbered rows with direct aisle access) or rows 3 - 7 on Type 1 (center pair has superior recline mechanics); avoid row 1 due to galley noise and potential crew activity. Skip meal service on overnight routes longer than 8 hours - request a light breakfast instead upon arrival to reset circadian rhythm, or fast completely if your destination arrival is early morning. Bring a 100% silk eye mask (LATAM's provided amenities are substandard) and noise-isolating earbuds; the 787-9's cabin altitude advantage means you'll sleep 40% deeper than on legacy aircraft. Arrive 90 minutes early at departure to ensure seat confirmation and stow premium blankets before crew distributes economy-grade linens.
Type 2 features a premium 1-2-1 layout with direct-aisle access for all passengers and true window isolation. Type 1 uses a more conventional 2-2-2 layout. Both offer 44" pitch and 23" width, but Type 2 is considered the superior product for solo travelers.
Yes, if available. LATAM+ adds 4" of pitch (35" vs. 31") and is positioned in premium cabin rows with better service priority. On a 787-9's typical 13-16 hour flights, the extra legroom significantly improves comfort.
Yes. Both Type 1 and Type 2 layouts provide direct-aisle access. Type 2's 1-2-1 configuration means every seat reaches the aisle; Type 1's 2-2-2 layout means window and aisle seats access the aisle directly while middle seats do not.
LATAM+ rows (typically 12-17) offer 35" pitch. Standard economy offers 31" pitch throughout. Bulkhead seats in standard economy may offer slightly more foot space but lack underseat storage.
LATAM's 787-9 features modern AVOD (Airline Verifiable On-Demand) entertainment systems throughout, though business class screens are larger (typically 18" vs. 10-12" in economy).
Book window pairs on the sides: seats AB (left side) or JK (right side). These provide two seats together without a middle-seat passenger, better privacy, and window access for two people.
