The Boeing 787 Dreamliner is one of the bestselling widebody aircraft in the aviation industry. Major US airlines, 
American Airlines
and 
United Airlines
, have incorporated several variants of the Dreamliner into their fleets.
Each airline utilizes the aircraft to serve domestic and international routes, connecting travelers to popular cities around the world. The 787’s spacious cabins, quieter engines, and improved air quality create a more enjoyable flying experience, encouraging both airlines and passengers to favor this remarkable aircraft for their travel needs.
The airline’s configuration of the Dreamliner
The Boeing 787 Dreamliner offers unique experiences with each airline’s different configurations. The American Airlines 787-8 seats 234 passengers, while United Airlines’ 787-8 can accommodate slightly more, at 243 passengers.
American Airlines’ 787-9 takes the lead with a capacity of 285 passengers, compared to United Airlines’ 257 passengers. But the real showstopper is United Airlines’ exclusive 787-10, which boasts an impressive capacity of 318 passengers.
When it comes to premium travel, United Airlines and American Airlines’ configurations set them apart. United Airlines’ B787-9 United Polaris business class provides an impressive 48 seats designed for ultimate comfort and luxury. In contrast, American Airlines opts for a more exclusive experience in its Flagship business class, accommodating just 30 passengers.
American Airlines
|
Active |
Planned |
Total Aircraft |
Average Age |
4 Cabin Configuration (Flagship Business/Premium Economy/Main Cabin Extra/Main Cabin) |
Total Seats |
|
|
Boeing 787-8 |
37 |
1 |
38 |
6 years |
20/28/48/138 |
234 |
|
Boeing 787-9 |
22 |
31 |
53 |
7 years |
30/21/34/200 |
285 |
Data from ATDB.aero
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United Airlines
|
Active |
Average Age |
4 Cabin Configuration (United Polaris Business/United Premium Plus/Economy Plus/Economy) |
Total Seats |
|
|
Boeing 787-8 |
12 |
11 years |
28/21/36/158 |
243 |
|
Boeing 787-9 |
39 |
9 years |
48/21/39/149 |
257 |
|
Boeing 787-10 |
21 |
4 years |
44/21/54/199 |
318 |
Data from Planespotters
Popular routes served using the B787
Experience the cutting-edge Dreamliner. While the aircraft is made for long-haul flights, passengers can get the full B787 experience on both domestic and international routes with American Airlines and United Airlines.
Whether flying across the country or across the globe, passengers can appreciate the improved air quality and reduced turbulence, ensuring a smoother ride.
American Airlines
Domestic routes:
- Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) – Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
- Philadelphia International Airport – Miami International Airport (MIA)
- Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)- Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
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International routes:
- Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) – Tokyo Haneda (HND)
- Philadelphia (PHL) – Doha (DOH)
- Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) – Incheon (ICN)
- Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) – London Heathrow (LHR)
- Chicago O’Hare (ORD) – London Heathrow (LHR)
United Airlines
Domestic routes
- Washington Dulles (IAD) – Los Angeles (LAX)
- Denver (DEN) – San Francisco (SFO)
- Denver (DEN) – Los Angeles (LAX)
International routes
- Denver (DEN) – London Heathrow (LHR)
- Los Angeles (LAX) – London Heathrow (LHR)
- San Francisco (SFO) – Singapore (SIN)
- Denver (DEN) – Frankfurt (FRA)
- Denver (DEN) – Munich (MUC)
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The airlines’ premier cabins on their Dreamliners
American Airlines
American Airlines Flagship Business and Flagship Business Plus give passengers an elevated experience with exceptional amenities and services on both domestic and international flights.
American Airlines shares, “Flagship Suite seats give customers a private premium experience with a private door, a chaise lounge seating option and more personal storage space. Customers will enjoy tailored luxury in their private retreat in the sky in in American’s premium cabin.”
Photo: American Airlines
United Airlines
United Polaris offers excellent service and comfort onboard. Passengers can enjoy private seats and easy access to the aisle, noise-canceling headphones, and bigger screens for entertainment. Every seat offers storage for passenger belongings. In United Polaris, passengers can enjoy a comfortable seat that converts into a lie-flat bed, and the airline offers mattress cushions for extra comfort.
On board, passengers can enjoy an entrée from the United Polaris menu featuring dishes from around the globe. The main meal is served after takeoff, and the final course is a made-to-order ice cream sundae for dessert.
Before booking, United allows passengers to take a virtual tour of its United Polaris Class.
Lack of the Boeing 787 in Delta Air Lines fleet
Delta had intentions of adding the Boeing 787 to its fleet, but Northwest Airlines ordered the aircraft in 2005 before the merger. After Northwest was merged with Delta, questions arose about Delta’s plans for the 787s. Delta delayed the aircraft deliveries to have more time to decide whether they wanted the aircraft.
During this period, Delta shifted its focus to Airbus, instead placing its order for Airbus planes. This change indicated a shift in priorities, as Delta believed Airbus offered better options for future needs, with greater efficiency and customer satisfaction.
1:49
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Background on the Boeing 787
Boeing created and marketed the Dreamliner with airlines, crews and passengers in mind. The aircraft manufacturer prioritized:
- Lower cabin altitude
- Cleaner air
- Higher humidity
- Smoother ride technology
- Improved temperature control
- Quieter experience
Boeing states, “The industry-leading technology of the 787 Dreamliner creates remarkable opportunities for airlines around the world and dramatically improves the air travel experience. The airplane’s lighter and robust composite structure enables airlines to reduce fuel use and emissions by 25 percent while range flexibility allows carriers to profitably open new routes. Innovative interiors provide spacious cabins, better views with the largest windows available on any commercial jet today, and cabin enhancements that allow passengers to arrive to their destinations feeling more refreshed. “
Photo: Boeing