Us avgeeks can often have pretty strong aircraft preferences. Sometimes our picks are rational (like based on a plane’s capabilities, passenger comfort, etc.), while other times we just like the way a plane looks or sounds. In this post, I’d like to share my favorite aircraft, and then I’d love to hear what planes OMAAT readers like most.
In this post:
The best airplanes to fly on (in my opinion)
In this post, I want to share my six favorite types of commercial aircraft. Before I do so, a few things to note:
- I’m not listing my six favorite planes in absolute terms, but rather I want to list my plane preferences across the spectrum, from jumbo jets to regional jets; in other words, what’s my favorite regional jet, what’s my favorite mainline narrow body jet, etc.?
- I’ll only be mentioning entire aircraft “families,” so I’m not differentiating the A320neo from the A321neo, for example
- As you’ll see, some planes I love purely for avgeek reasons, some planes I love for onboard comfort, and most I love for a combination of both
Below are my favorites, roughly in order (starting with my favorite)…
Boeing 747 — forever the queen of the skies
I feel like I’d be betraying my inner avgeek if I didn’t put the Boeing 747 first on the list. While the plane is slowly disappearing from commercial service, and while it’s not the most modern jet, there’s something so special about the plane, and I can’t help but get giddy every time I see it.
Surely we can all agree the plane is gorgeous and iconic from the outside… look at those curves!
But it’s not just the outside that’s a treat — the inside is awesome as well, especially if you can sit in the nose, where you’re literally seated under the cockpit.
The upper deck is pretty nifty as well, and if you use your imagination, you can just pretend that it’s an all-business class jet, and that there’s nothing downstairs. And while the 747 has steep stairs you have to climb to get to the upper deck, I almost prefer that to just boarding directly to the upper deck of the A380. There’s something so special about climbing up those stairs.
While we’re taking a trip down memory lane, anyone else remember Lufthansa’s old 747-400 first class, which consisted of both a seat and a separate bed? Ahhh, those were the days…
Airbus A380 — a comfortable whale
With its two full decks, the Airbus A380 lacks the sleek curves of the Boeing 747. Quite to the contrary, it kind of looks like a swollen Airbus A319 that had an allergic reaction to something.
Fortunately the A380 delivers when it comes to the experience onboard — the plane is incredibly quiet, the cabin is wide, there are typically tail cameras passengers can watch, and the plane has incredible range.
Thanks to the cabin’s width, economy is generally much more comfortable than on planes like the Boeing 777. On top of that, thanks to the design of the A380, airlines have often installed special amenities on the planes, like Emirates’ A380 first class shower and business class bar.
While the Boeing 747 is my favorite plane to look at, the Airbus A380 is hands down my favorite plane to fly on.
Airbus A350 — the plane of the future
Double decker planes with four engines will eventually be a thing of the past, as airlines instead focus on planes with two engines that still have incredible range. That includes the Airbus A350 and Boeing 787, and personally I have a preference for the A350.
Not only is the A350 a sleek plane from the outside (I love the cockpit windows, the winglets, etc.), but it features a great passenger experience. In many ways it reminds me of the A380 — the plane is quiet and smooth, there’s typically a tail camera passengers can watch, and economy is even quite comfortable.
I also prefer the A350 to the 787 because the plane is simply more capable in terms of payload and range. For example, just compare the A350-1000 to the 787-10.
By the way, I should also mention that the Boeing 777 is a phenomenal plane, especially when you consider it debuted 30 years ago. It’s still in service today with incredible range and solid economics, though obviously it lacks some of the modern features of the newer generation aircraft. I’m very much looking forward to the new Boeing 777X hopefully entering service soon.
Airbus A220 — the most comfortable economy
The Airbus A220 is a unique plane, and is arguably the most comfortable narrow body jet out there. The plane is gorgeous on the outside, from the curves, to the cockpit windows, to the winglets.
Even inside, the plane is exceptionally comfortable. The cabin is only in a 2-3 configuration (rather than a 3-3 configuration), and features the widest economy seats in the industry. On top of that, thanks to the layout, 80% of passengers have either an aisle or window seat.
Add in absolutely incredible range and economics, and this plane is a winner that I look forward to flying more and more.
Airbus A320neo family — better than Boeing
The Airbus A320 and Boeing 737 are the backbone of short and medium haul global commercial aviation. Between those two planes, I have a strong preference for the A320.
For one, the A320-family product offering is much more diverse. Not only does it stretch all the way from the A318 to the A321 (in terms of size), but Airbus has also done an incredible job with improving fuel efficiency and range on these planes. For example, we recently saw Airbus launch the A321XLR, which is the longest range narrow body plane in the world. Boeing hasn’t even announced a competitor to that.
But even beyond that, it’s awesome to see what airlines have done with the Airbus A320-family. For example, it’s what JetBlue uses for its transatlantic flights, and the Mint product is gorgeous.
In economy I also find the Airbus A320 to be more comfortable than the Boeing 737. The cabin on the A320 is several inches wider than on the 737, and that translates into wider seats, even in economy. Every inch (or portion of an inch) counts!
Embraer E175 — the king of regionals
The Embraer E175 (and E170) is in a league of its own among regional jets. Unlike planes like the CRJ-700, the Embraer E175 really feels like a big jet, in terms of the cabin, overhead bins, etc.
Once onboard, I like the 1-2 layout in first class, as it’s always nice to be able to sit alone if you’re not traveling with anyone.
Even in economy the 2-2 layout is pleasant, since there are no middle seats.
While I’d usually try to avoid regional jets, the Embraer E175 is one plane I don’t mind flying, even on longer flights. Admittedly the E190-E2 and E195-E2 are even better planes that are incredibly capable. The issue is that due to airline scope clauses, we don’t actually see these flying much in the United States, and I’d put them more in the range of being A220 competitors.
Bottom line
The truth is that I’m happy flying just about any plane, because I love flying. Even so, there’s no denying that not all planes are created equal, and we all have our favorites.
Personally I love the 747 and A380, and refuse to decide between them, because they’re different beasts to me. Aside from that, for me it’s Airbus ahead of Boeing for all mainline jets — I prefer the A350 to the 787, the A320 to the 737, and I love the A220. Then if you’re going to be flying a regional jet, the Embraer E175 is the way to go.
What are your airplane preferences? Are you also #TeamAirbus for the most part?
I was fortunate in getting to fly on a 747. I flew one of KLM's on the upper deck in January 2020 coming back home from Europe. The hard product was a bit dated but that wasn't a big deal to me, everything else was great and I was still on the upper deck of a 747. It's amazed how fast these aircraft got pulled from service in the months and years afterward.
No love for the CRJ-200? LOL.
757 has a special place as the sports car of the skies. Aging, but it's an impressive aircraft.
Agree with the ERJ-17x family. 1+2 in first, flies like a bigger jet. And A/C so good it drops ice out of the vents.
Love the article! Tail camera is my favorite feature especially on the AF (I think a350) where you can have it minimized on the screen while watching something else!
A220 yes yes yes! Lol
As a passenger, and having flown many aircraft over the past 40 years short and long haul, one has to separate the individual airlines and how they each choose to configure their aircraft. Neither Airbus nor Boeing select the seats and internal configurations. The airlines do. So, I take posts like this with a HUGE grain of salt. Indeed, it would be more relevant if there were no configuration and fit-out and you simply sat...
As a passenger, and having flown many aircraft over the past 40 years short and long haul, one has to separate the individual airlines and how they each choose to configure their aircraft. Neither Airbus nor Boeing select the seats and internal configurations. The airlines do. So, I take posts like this with a HUGE grain of salt. Indeed, it would be more relevant if there were no configuration and fit-out and you simply sat a seat in the middle of one - or piloted one - to really get the sense of which is the better commercial airliner.
Part of that is because the crew's experience of working the aircraft translates into a better - or worse - experience for the passenger. For example, as a miracle of modern aviation many seem to make of the A350, I'm underwhelmed and partly so because airlines I've flown that configure it heavily for business class also configure it poorly for galleys for both prep and the crews hate it for that reason. That translates into a poorer experience when business is full and all you see are crews rushing into a cramped galley to somehow serve the larger numbers of biz passengers. Conversations with crews on many airlines reveal this.
That said:
Forever 747. I love it and crews overwhelmingly tell me they miss it - terribly. Interestingly, I haven't yet found a crew that prefers any airbus long haul aircraft to Boeing, but there are still pros/cons there.
Boeing 787. Lower altitude cabin pressurization makes all the difference in the world and I handily select this aircraft over the 777 and certainly over the A80 any day.
B737. A320s are wider, but not noticeably so, and Ben's comment about wider seats are ONLY IF the airline chooses them - not Airbus, so that's a comment to strike. A320 family is also the noisiest aircraft next to turbo props with the fuel transfer pumps making it sound like there is an electric motor struggling to survive. They aren't attractive at all, aesthetically.
E175/190 Family. Love them as my favorite regional. Superb.
Boeing 757 (especially the -300).
Left turn.
I agree on everything, but the A 380. I flew it once on AF, in 2017. Premium economy, and I had chosen an exit row upstairs, because it had something like 10' of legroom. But the seat might have doubled up as an ironing board, the food was 'meh', departure was two hours delayed, CDG to LAX, and it took around 45 minutes for my carry-on to appear, because they had forced me to check...
I agree on everything, but the A 380. I flew it once on AF, in 2017. Premium economy, and I had chosen an exit row upstairs, because it had something like 10' of legroom. But the seat might have doubled up as an ironing board, the food was 'meh', departure was two hours delayed, CDG to LAX, and it took around 45 minutes for my carry-on to appear, because they had forced me to check my carry-on, which had served me on at least 20 flights just OK. Like 1/2" too wide, and 2 pounds too heavy, even though I had wrapped up myself in layers of clothing. My last flight in anything Eco.
Ok but that’s more about the airline experience than about the plane itself…
@mauipeter
That is Air France to blame not the A380. After all Air France had one of the worst interiors on the A380s along with Lufthansa's original A380 configuration. Both Air France and Lufthansa were dumb that they introduced their A380s with old and outdated business class seats.
Ben, any chance you could include some comments about the window sizes on the various planes? As much as I love the A380, I find the windows seem relatively small.
If it was ever possible to carry something that could measure pressure/altitude or cabin noise. I feel like people say lots of things about how much better one plane type is than another, but there is very little 3rd party data.
I find the A380 windows to be abysmally small. Worst windows on any airliner, and one of the reasons I dread the A380.
If memory serves, Virgin was the first airline in modern times with a bar. I remember flying its B747-200s back in the mid 90s to and from the UK and there was a bar and a manicurist/masseuse onboard.
Virgin never flew the A380 so to claim flying this plane resulted in such amenities is just plane wrong.
L1011
And that delightful double-landlocked 2-5-2 seating in economy. Not.
Boeing 727 every day of the week, especially in LH First Class. What a beautiful beautiful aircraft.
I like the Airbus A350-900 and Boeing 777-300.
Totally agree ! personally I loved working the 747. Compared to other aircraft in the fleet at the time the 747 was a dream. The L1011 TriStar was another beautiful ride.
The E195 is a great aircraft and the A200 is just about perfect !
My favorite airplanes:
Regional: Embraer 175 - feels more like a mainline jet; no middle seats; solo seat in first/business class
Narrowbody: A220 - bigger windows; 2-3 seating
Workhorse Narrowbody: A320 family - quieter at cruise than the B737
Widebody: Boeing 767 - best economy class config of any wide body (2-3-2) and best premium economy config (2-2-2)
Modern Widebody: Boeing 787 - better humidity and I actually like the...
My favorite airplanes:
Regional: Embraer 175 - feels more like a mainline jet; no middle seats; solo seat in first/business class
Narrowbody: A220 - bigger windows; 2-3 seating
Workhorse Narrowbody: A320 family - quieter at cruise than the B737
Widebody: Boeing 767 - best economy class config of any wide body (2-3-2) and best premium economy config (2-2-2)
Modern Widebody: Boeing 787 - better humidity and I actually like the electronic dimmable windows since I can still see outside even when fully dimmed
Jumbo Jet: A380 - there is something special about flying on an airplane many airlines have used to implement luxury features
I wish the E2 was hitting the US. I flew LGA-YYZ on Porter a couple weeks ago, and it was a really nice flight.
I will never understand all the love for A220, considering the plane often replaces E190s--which is my favorite narrowbody.
The E190 has wide 2x2 seats, spacious bathrooms & usually great legroom. The planes typically only have 90-110 passengers, so they're also quick to board & deplane.
The only downside to E190 was limited overhead luggage storage, but that was fixed in E195.
A220 has a middle seat and tiny bathrooms. Who wants that?
Further to your point, the A220 is overwhelmingly used in North America and Europe, and is very rare in the Global South, with only a few scattered airlines like Qantas, Korean Air and some African operators using it. In contrast, the E190 is used in almost every country out there, and is naturally much easier to encounter.
Neither Australia nor the Republic of Korea are members of the "global south".
While not technically a jet class unto itself, but rather a reconfigured CRJ-700, I am in love with the CRJ-550. United has done a great job with these jets. Never mind stepping on to one.
Interesting that you're not mentioning any turboprops. I always enjoy my ATR flights, much prefer them over the CRJs.
I have to add the British Airways Concorde.
The 747 is amazing, but Lufthansa’s is the worst that ever flew. Why do you promote this airline so much?
Have flown LH since ages and not one bad word to mention. LH & LX are for me the best Airliners we have in Europe. And remember, Ben is also German. But he is right!
LX on of worst airlines been flown
Lufthansa's economy in 747-8 has the worst seats in the world. First and business are also obsolete and only premium economy is more or less up to date. The best way to hate 747 is to fly LH. Korean and Chinese 747-8 are ten times better than LH.
One would be hard pressed to top Ben’s choice of commercial passenger aircraft. However, for sheer pleasure my little AOP.6 never fails to put a smile on my face. Furthermore, she might be a year older than I am, all dressed up in a drab frock and slower than an Iranian drone, but she’s my little AOP.6.
This article is kind of geeky because of the criteria used but it is also non-specific, such as not covering a specific airline's configuration or use on routes. That said, my favorite are:
Airbus A340, particularly the -600, but not if it's flown by an airline that might have to get around sanctions to get parts.
Airbus A330-900neo
Boeing 787
Boeing 757
Boeing 747-8i
Embraer 175
If we're talking about historical picks, then the Lockheed...
This article is kind of geeky because of the criteria used but it is also non-specific, such as not covering a specific airline's configuration or use on routes. That said, my favorite are:
Airbus A340, particularly the -600, but not if it's flown by an airline that might have to get around sanctions to get parts.
Airbus A330-900neo
Boeing 787
Boeing 757
Boeing 747-8i
Embraer 175
If we're talking about historical picks, then the Lockheed L-1011 and BAe 146 and, likely, the Concorde, though I have no passenger experience in it.
Additions and Honorable Mentions:
ATR 42/72 – Arguably the best commercial turboprop, reliable and perfectly suited for short regional hops (French Polynesia)
Boeing 757 Jetliner – A true classic; fun to fly and still a favorite among us aviation fans.
Airbus A321neo/XLR – My pick for the best modern narrow-body aircraft, combining comfort, efficiency and range.
Boeing 777-200/300 family – Remarkable longevity and performance; still a fantastic aircraft even as it ages.
I would include...
Additions and Honorable Mentions:
ATR 42/72 – Arguably the best commercial turboprop, reliable and perfectly suited for short regional hops (French Polynesia)
Boeing 757 Jetliner – A true classic; fun to fly and still a favorite among us aviation fans.
Airbus A321neo/XLR – My pick for the best modern narrow-body aircraft, combining comfort, efficiency and range.
Boeing 777-200/300 family – Remarkable longevity and performance; still a fantastic aircraft even as it ages.
I would include the 787 Dreamliner here as well, but the flight attendant override of the electrochromic dimmable windows has tainted a few flights for me.
And finally, nothing beats the simple joy of flying in a small Cessna at local regional fly-ins. Think African safaris.
Airbus A350-1000 for me. The Boeing 777X might top it though if it ever gets approved.
My favourite is the Tristar. Beautiful plane inside out
“[The A380] kind of looks like a swollen Airbus A319 that had an allergic reaction to something.”
LOLOL, I’ve never thought about it in those terms, but that’s hilarious. Fully agree that what it lacks in aesthetics it makes up for in every other way. I remember when the A380 was doing its pre-debut world tour and airport testing; I went with my boyfriend at the time to SFO to watch it depart. IIRC it...
“[The A380] kind of looks like a swollen Airbus A319 that had an allergic reaction to something.”
LOLOL, I’ve never thought about it in those terms, but that’s hilarious. Fully agree that what it lacks in aesthetics it makes up for in every other way. I remember when the A380 was doing its pre-debut world tour and airport testing; I went with my boyfriend at the time to SFO to watch it depart. IIRC it was immediately preceded by an AA MD80 and the difference in noise was really striking. Even aside from the MD80, the whale was by far the quietest jet we saw that day. Later when I got to fly on it I remember thinking we couldn’t possibly be taking off since it was so quiet inside.
As far my preferences, E170 family for RJ, A32Xneo for NB, and A350/B787/B777 in that order. Even the 737 MAX feels like it has much higher cabin noise levels than the 320neo series.
I recognize I probably put a much higher value on cabin noise levels than most, though.
Great article!
My prefered one still by far the A346, albeit they will also disappear in a while. I guess only LH still have some in commercial service...
My only flight on the A346 was with CX about 20 years ago. I wish I had more opportunities to fly on one.
Mike, you have but with LH. But I think they are mostly used on the Routes to the US. I never experienced those of CX.
CX only had 3 frames primarily used to JFK along with LHR, SYD, YYZ. And while I still can with LH (the lavatory downstairs is a pretty unique feature which I'm curious to try), it just wouldn't be the same. Aside from LH, you had IB, SA, EY who were notable A346 operators. Now you only have LH and Mahan Air.
Just like the 747, you still have LH, KE, and CA. But it's just...
CX only had 3 frames primarily used to JFK along with LHR, SYD, YYZ. And while I still can with LH (the lavatory downstairs is a pretty unique feature which I'm curious to try), it just wouldn't be the same. Aside from LH, you had IB, SA, EY who were notable A346 operators. Now you only have LH and Mahan Air.
Just like the 747, you still have LH, KE, and CA. But it's just not the same. All the airlines we grew up with such as CX, AF, NW/DL, UA, BA, etc. have gotten rid of their 747s. So it's just a memory now.
Long live the DC-10. Loved the AA transcon service.
+1. Or should I say +10?
Loved the JAL and NW liveries on the -10
“Thanks to the cabin’s width, economy is generally much more comfortable than on planes like the Boeing 777.“
If an airline like AA were to operate the A380, they would squeeze as many seats as possible regardless of aircraft width. Just look what they did with the 777. Used to be 9 across (2-5-2) but now 10 across.
“thanks to the design of the A380, airlines have often installed special amenities on the planes, like Emirates’ A380 first class shower and business class bar”
I’m not sure if “often” is the right word, since only 2 airlines ever had showers on the A380 and only 4 had onboard bars…given that there have been over a dozen airlines that have used this plane, those are low ratios.