Flying generally sucks. On Boeing’s new 787 Dreamliner, it’ll suck a bit less.

Boeing brought its next-generation commercial airliner to Reagan National Airport this week, showing it off as part of its worldwide 2011-2012 “Dream Tour.” Groups of VIPs and journalists were invited to tour what Boeing officials tout as the 21st century’s first new plane, a sleek and environmentally friendly vehicle that will redefine air travel for both airlines and passengers. (Or so says Boeing.)

The 787 Dreamliner is Boeing’s response to the behemoth Airbus A380. But instead of challenging its European competitor by making an even bigger airplane, Boeing adapted and refined its popular 767 and 777 models. Built out of composite materials rather than the usual aluminum, the plane is some 20,000 pounds lighter than its predecessors, making it able to go further and faster while burning less gas and producing fewer emissions. While many airports can’t handle the sheer size of the A380, Boeing says that its Dreamliner—which can travel between 8,000 and 8,500 nautical miles in one go—will allow for new connections between 450 pairs of cities.

Internally, the cabin is said to be wider, the windows bigger and overhead compartments less intrusive, providing an airy feel that is complemented by customizable LED lighting and dimmable windows. Seats in Economy—arranged either eight- or nine-abreast—have USB ports and cup holders that tilt along with plane and the cabin will be more humid than on regular planes. That being said, the Dreamliner is eminently customizable, and it can fit between 210 and 290 passengers, depending on the configuration of the classes and cabin. Given the economics of air travel these days, airlines may well use those extra inches of cabin space to fit more and more passengers.

If there is one thing that may make air travel—especially over long distances—just a little less awful, it’s the bathroom. Yes, the bathroom. I’m a tall guy—over six feet tall, sans heels—and the Dreamliner’s facilities felt downright spacious.

As dreamy as the Dreamliner may be, it’ll likely be a while before most regular passengers even get to set foot in one. United will be the first U.S.-based carrier to get one later this year; only nine of the 854 orders placed by 59 customers across the world have even been filled. And even when United takes possession of the planes, it certainly won’t be flying them to Reagan. The Dreamliner barely fit on Reagan’s runway, in fact, and on Monday it became the second-biggest plane to land there. (The first was a DC-10.)

If you’re really excited about the Dreamliner, the closest place to catch one is in Boston, where Japan Airlines provides direct service to Tokyo. (Here’s one account of that flight.)