Why Boeing 787's Big Windows Matter

The Boeing 787 and Airbus A350are highly competitive long-range, wide-body aircraft; both have increased cabin pressure, are entirely new designs, and incorporate a significant amount of composite materials. Many travelers might favor one over the other for different reasons, or they could see the planes as very similar. However, there is widespread agreement that the Boeing 787 Dreamliner's windows are in a league of their own.

The Dreamliner's expansive windows provide exceptionally impressive views, whereas the automatic dimming feature appears far more suitable for a contemporary airplane than inexpensive plastic shades. Theuse of a gel layer between glass panels that alters transparencyWhen an electric current is applied, passengers can adjust the window's level of transparency. Here is what you need to know about the Dreamliner's large windows.

The Boeing 787's Spacious Windows

The Boeing 787 Dreamliner features the biggest cabin windows among current commercial airplanes. These windows are 70% bigger compared to those found on similar planes. Boeing achieved this by using a different method for constructing the fuselage. The Dreamliner's fuselage consists of single-piece composite barrel sections, unlike the conventional aluminum panels and numerous fasteners used in earlier aircraft such as the Boeing 767.

These low-weight composite one-piece segments offer many advantages. In addition to making the aircraft lighter and helping to reduce fuel consumption, butit also enables the aircraft to experience higher pressurization levels. However, there is an additional advantage. Windows essentially represent openings in the fuselage and can be considered vulnerable points from an engineering standpoint. In aluminum fuselages, the size of windows is restricted to avoid jeopardizing the structural soundness of the aircraft.

However, since the Boeing 787's fuselage sections are made in one piece, the structure is less prone to wear and tear. Boeing designers managed to incorporate bigger windows into the aircraft without affecting its strength. Additionally, Dreamliners offer higher cabin humidity levels, enhancing passenger comfort.

Automatic Dimming Windows

The organization responsible for the window's automatic tinting is Gentex. Gentex is a pioneer in electrochromic (auto-tinting) technology, with its headquarters located in Zeeland, Michigan. Thecompany states, "We are the top provider of electronically adjustable windows (EDWs) in the aerospace sector, having introduced the first significant EDW initiative with the launch of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner."

The feature of adjustable window tinting enables passengers to regulate the level of natural light that enters the cabin. This allows travelers to eliminate glare while still appreciating the scenery outside as the plane travels. Unlike traditional mechanical or electromechanical systems that only offer on/off functionality, this system provides more flexibility. Passengers have the option to adjust individual windows, or the flight crew can manage groups of windows at once.

An override enables the crew to adjust the cabin to the preferred in-flight atmosphere for both daytime and nighttime portions of the journey. These systems also feature wireless control compatibility, offering a sleek appearance and straightforward design, which removes the necessity for space dedicated to switches and wired connections. They provide a sophisticated alternative to traditional pull-down shades.

The Boeing 787's Numerous Advancements

The Boeing 787's construction consists of approximately 50% composite materials by weight and an impressive 80% by volume. These composite materials are used in the fuselage, wings, tail, doors, and cabin interior. As mentioned earlier, higher cabin pressure enhances passenger comfort. The aircraft is pressurized to an altitude of about 6,000 feet above sea level, resulting in reduced swelling and tiredness for passengers. While most planes are pressurized to 8,000 feet, other modern aircraft such as the A350 also operate at a similar 6,000 feet pressure level.

In contrast to its Boeing 767 predecessor, the Dreamliner can handle some of the world's most extended routes. The 787-9 offers a range of 7,305 nautical miles, the extended 787-9 provides a range of 7,565 nautical miles, and the even longer 787-10 has a shorter range of 6,330 nautical miles. This capability allows it to rival planes such as the Airbus A380 on long and ultra-long-haul flights.

Similar to other modern planes, the Boeing 787 Dreamliner was developed to produce significantly less noise compared to its earlier counterparts. It is engineered to have a noise footprint—defined as the sound on the ground caused by the aircraft—up to 60% reduced in comparison to previous models. Additionally, the interior of the plane offers a more peaceful environment for travelers. Upon its introduction in 2011, the Dreamliner marked the height of advancements in commercial aviation technology.

The Boeing 777X's Larger Windows

The Boeing 787 Dreamliner's windows will soon be joined in the skies by the enhanced Boeing 777, known as the 777X. The Boeing 777X includes 162 square-inch windows, which are positioned higher than those on earlier models. These windows are 29% bigger than the Airbus A350's windows. For reference, the current Boeing 777 windows measure 160 square inches and are 12% larger than the A350's 125 square inch windows.

Currently, the The Boeing 787 features the biggest windows available in aviation., measuring 10.7 inches by 18.4 inches. Before the Boeing 777X becomes operational, the Boeing 777 holds the second-largest widebody windows, even though they are smaller than the narrowbody A220. The Boeing 777 features windows that are 10 inches by 15 inches, identical to those on the Boeing 767-400ER and the main cabin of the Boeing 747-8.

As a general guideline, Airbus aircraft typically have smaller windows, except for the Airbus A220 (previously known as the Bombardier CSeries). The A220 features unusually large windows for a narrowbody plane, sized at 11 inches by 16 inches. Although the A350's windows are smaller than those on the Dreamliner, they are still bigger than other Airbus models. The A350's windows measure 9.5 inches by 13.5 inches. In contrast, the A330 and A340 both have windows that are 9 inches by 12.3 inches.

Sightseeing Over Antarctica

Qantas has a fleet of 14 Boeing 787-9 aircraft. Qantas stands out as the only airline that offers flights to all seven continents (or eight if Zealandia is considered a continent).Qantas offers limited-time scenic flights over Antarctica., although these flights do not actually touch down in Antarctica. Each year, Qantas arranges unique flights over the world's frozen continent with its Boeing 787-9 aircraft. This is the perfect opportunity for travelers to fully appreciate the spacious windows of the Dreamliner.

Qantas has offered scenic flights above Antarctica since 1994. The present-day flights provide passengers with up to four hours of travel over the continent before returning to the original airport in Australia. These flights originate from Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, and Perth, and for the 2025-2026 season, Qantas will be operating a total of seven charter flights. This is an unusual situation where the expansive windows of the Dreamliner play a key role in the tourism experience.

Qantas mentions that the 787s have some of the biggest windows in the air. The price of the flights is influenced by the seat chosen, as certain seats provide better views than others because of the wings blocking the view. Ticket costs also differ depending on the class. Since these are the same planes Qantas uses for international travel, they include economy, premium economy, and business class seating. The cost varies between USD 775 and USD 5,040.

A Distinct Benefit Over Airbus

Boeing plans to capitalize on the achievements of its Dreamliner windows by introducing the new Boeing 777X. These windows will not only be spacious but also feature enhanced dimming capabilities. The Boeing 777X will be the first aircraft to incorporate Gentex's newest EDW technology. This innovation can block over 99.999% of visible light, achieving twice the darkness speed compared to earlier window models.

Some of the Boeing 787's innovations, such as its use of composite materials and improved fuel efficiency, don't capture much attention from most travelers. On the other hand, features that enhance the passenger experience, like higher cabin pressure and greater humidity levels, are frequently overlooked. Nevertheless, most passengers can't fail to notice the plane's large, self-dimming windows. These are windows without a comparable commercial counterpart.until the Boeing 777X becomes operational.

Boeing and Airbus are engaged in a fierce rivalry, with each company having its own set of strengths and weaknesses. Over the years, Airbus has steadily gained more of Boeing's market share and is now the leading manufacturer of commercial airplanes. However, when it comes to windows on widebody aircraft, Boeing appears to have a clear advantage, and it remains uncertain when Airbus will catch up. It's also possible that future air travel may feature fewer external views. This is especially likely if blended-wing-body aircraft, such as JetZero's Z4, achieve success. For now, travelers can still appreciate the great views offered by the Dreamliner.