This TUI 787 Dreamliner economy review covers the full experience from Gatwick to Barbados, including seat comfort, entertainment, meals, and overall value for money.
TUI Economy London Gatwick to Barbados Flight Overview February 2026
• Flight duration: 9 hours
• Departure time: 10:10 from London Gatwick North Terminal
• Arrival time: 15:10 local time in Barbados
• Aircraft type: Boeing 787 Dreamliner
• Flight number: BY12
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Booking and Value For Money TUI 787 Dreamliner economy review
TUI often price these long haul flights at a similar level to British Airways economy and Virgin Atlantic economy, even when you are booking as part of a TUI holiday package. That makes the value for money feel a bit questionable, because while the experience is perfectly fine, the overall service and polish is not on the same level as BA or Virgin on comparable routes.
It is also worth noting that you do not earn any frequent flyer miles on TUI, which removes another chunk of value for anyone who normally prioritises loyalty points or tier status when flying long haul.
London Hotel Options
If you are flying early, arriving late, or connecting through Gatwick, staying nearby keeps things simple. If you are heading into the city, Central London is best for sightseeing. See below for excellent hotel deals on Booking.com, filtered based on our top picks.
*This section contains affiliate links. If you book through them, I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Book Your Lounge Access
After you click Priority Pass, simply scroll down to the ‘Your Journey Starts Here’ section to purchase a lounge membership that suits you. A ‘Standard’ membership is best for more infrequent travellers which allows access to all lounges for a discounted fee (£24 or currency equivalent). ‘Standard Plus’ membership will provide 9 free visits per year, and then at the discounted rate after that. The ‘Prestige’ membership is for the frequent flier, which grants unlimited lounge access for the year!
*Please note, all guests would enter at the discounted entry fee.
Check-In and Baggage Allowance TUI 787 Dreamliner economy review
Check-in at the bag drop area was smooth, simple, and efficient. There were no issues with queues as the check-in area was empty, and the whole process felt well organised for what is a busy leisure route.
TUI includes a free cabin bag up to 10kg, with maximum dimensions of 55 x 40 x 20 cm. For a long haul economy ticket, that is a solid allowance and enough for most people if you pack smart. You can pay extra for checked baggage.
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Boarding Process and Timing
Boarding was a breeze, helped massively by the flight not being too busy. Premium passengers boarded first, and then we followed shortly after.
On the walk through the cabin, we passed the premium economy section. TUI do not offer business class, and while those premium economy seats looked genuinely spacious, our journey continued back to economy.
Pushback was on time, which is always a good start for a long day flight.
Seat Comfort and Cabin Experience TUI 787 Dreamliner Economy Review
On this aircraft, economy has 253 seats with a fairly generous 32 inch seat pitch and a standard 17 inch seat width. There are 47 premium economy seats with a 37 inch seat pitch.
The aircraft is from 2019, so it is not old, but the cabin did look a little worn in places. Nothing dramatic, but it did not feel particularly fresh or polished either.
The economy seat itself was comfortable enough, finished in dark blue leather with an adjustable headrest. We had a window seat, and I will never get bored of the Dreamliner windows, which make the cabin feel brighter and more open.
One disappointment was that there was no pillow or blanket at the seat. I get that this is a day flight, but on a 9 hour sector it felt cheap.
In-Flight Entertainment TUI Economy London Gatwick to Barbados
The entertainment screen was a good size, and it was responsive throughout the flight. The movie selection was decent, with enough choice to get you through a long haul journey without scrolling endlessly.
I was also relieved to see a USB charging port next to the screen. That one small feature makes a big difference, especially on a daytime flight where you are more likely to be watching something for hours.
Food and Beverage Service TUI 787 Dreamliner Economy Review
For a charter style airline, I was impressed that there was a free food and drinks service included. The service itself was basic and not on the level of British Airways or Virgin Atlantic long haul economy, but it did the job.
Before the main meal, I ordered a Gordon’s gin and tonic. It was served in a plastic cup, but it was more than sufficient and a perfectly decent start to the flight.
The first meal arrived on one tray and included:
• Couscous salad starter
• Chicken curry main course
• Bread roll
• Cheese and crackers
• Chocolate pudding
Overall, this was pretty good for economy. The chicken curry was tasty, and the tray felt like a proper meal service rather than a token effort.
Later in the flight, the second meal was a small egg sandwich served with tea or coffee. This was the weak point. It looked a bit sad and felt basic, but at least there was a second meal, which is more than some airlines manage on similar flight times.
Cleanliness and Facilities
The toilets were clean and reasonably well maintained throughout the flight. Nothing fancy, but they stayed in good condition, and that is what matters most on a long sector.
Staff
The cabin crew were polite, attentive, and efficient for an economy class flight. Drink and meal services were prompt, and the crew moved through the cabin regularly without it feeling rushed.
Final Verdict TUI Economy London Gatwick to Barbados
This was an ok flight overall. The seat was comfortable, the Dreamliner windows are a big plus, and the first meal was genuinely tasty for economy. The entertainment was responsive, and having USB charging was a welcome touch.
That said, the plane felt a little tired, the service was fairly basic compared to BA or Virgin, and the lack of a pillow or blanket on a 9 hour flight did not help. The dry egg sandwich for the second meal also felt a bit disappointing. The fact that the prices are often in line with BA and Virgin economy on the same route, yet you get a slightly tired plane and no frequent flier points, slightly lets down the overall flight rating. However, for a package holiday long-haul economy service, the product is sufficient.
Judging Parameters
• Value for money 5/10
• Staff 8/10
• Punctuality 9/10
• Food and drink 5/10
• Entertainment 7/10
• Seat comfort 5/10
The Airport Lounge Bro Flight Rating: 6.5/10
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TUI 787 Dreamliner Economy Review FAQs
How comfortable are the seats in TUI 787 Dreamliner economy?
Economy has a 32 inch seat pitch and a 17 inch seat width, which feels reasonably comfortable for a 9 hour daytime flight.
Does TUI 787 Dreamliner economy have in flight entertainment and charging?
Yes, there is a responsive screen with a decent movie selection, plus a USB charging port.
Is food included on TUI 787 Dreamliner economy to Barbados?
Yes. You get a full meal service with drinks, plus a second lighter meal later in the flight.
Do you earn frequent flyer miles on TUI economy flights?
No, you do not earn frequent flyer miles on TUI, which reduces the overall value if you normally collect points.
Book Lounge Access
After you click Priority Pass, simply scroll down to the ‘Your Journey Starts Here’ section to purchase a lounge membership that suits you. A ‘Standard’ membership is best for more infrequent travellers which allows access to all lounges for a discounted fee (£24 or currency equivalent). ‘Standard Plus’ membership will provide 9 free visits per year, and then at the discounted rate after that. The ‘Prestige’ membership is for the frequent flier, which grants unlimited lounge access for the year!
*Please note, all guests would enter at the discounted entry fee.
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