Most travellers have a favourite airline or airport, even a favourite type of aircraft. As a frequent flyer, I’ve learned the (subtle) differences that make for a comfortable flying experience. My favourite aircraft for much of the 1990’s and 00’s was the Airbus A340. I loved its sleek structure and its spacious cabin that’s incredibly quiet. The aircraft also feels very steady when there’s turbulence. In this post, I’ll explore the best planes to fly on, as well as my personal favourites.
The best planes to fly on
Airbus A350
In 2015, the Airbus A350 entered service, and since my first flight with it, this wide-body aircraft has become my new favourite!
There are many reasons why I love the A350. Aestheically, it’s gorgeous! From its magic carpet like winglets to its sleek fuselage and cockpit window that looks like the mask of a superhero, this plane is just a treat to look at.
The interior of the A350 is another big reason why this is my favourite plane. Its wide, spacious cabin with beautiful mood lighting is a joy to enter! Even in Economy, that sense of space is unmistakable. In the air, nothing beats the quietness of the A350. I vividly remember being so surprised when I removed my noise-cancelling phones during the flight to discover that there was only a marginal difference. Resting on my favourite travel pillow, I could sleep very well without my headphones on (something I can never do on other aircraft).
Boeing 787 (Dreamliner)
My other preferred wide-body plane to fly on is the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. It offers a similar flying experience to the A350 but is a tad inferior in terms of spatial feel – the A350 has a wider cabin and straighter walls which add to the sense of space. In terms of cabin noise, though both the A350 and B787 are some of the quietest planes, the A350 wins again, with noise levels around 5 decibels lower due to more advanced cabin insulation. I do love the 787’s windows – noticeably larger than those on an A350.
Airbus A380
The largest passenger plane in the sky is a favourite among most travellers, and rightfully so. The A380‘s huge frame encapsulates a famously quiet and spacious cabin. In addition, its huge size and wingspan provide for an incredibly stable flying experience – the take-off is my favourite moment on an A380, perhaps because the lift is hardly noticeable.
Read about my visit to the Airbus factory in Hamburg.
Travellers love the A380’s spacious and quiet cabin. Some airlines have utilised the space to add extra facilities. A famous example is Emirates Airline’s bar for Business and First Class passengers, and shower cabin in First Class.
Airbus A220
In terms of narrow-body aircraft, one of the best planes to fly on is the Airbus A220. Developed by Bombardier in Canada, and later taken over by Airbus, the A220 is a very comfortable plane for short to medium haul routes.
The A220 features a spacious five abreast seating in a 3-2 layout, unlike common narrow-body aircraft such as the Boeing 737 and Airbus 320/321, with their tighter nine abreast seating in a 3-3 layout. The plane is also very quiet compared to its peers, and features larger windows.
Embraer E190/E195-E2
Other narrow-body aircraft I enjoy flying on are the Embraer E190 and E195-E2. Its four abreast seating in a 2-2 layout (i.e. there are no middle seats) translates into a more comfortable flying experience. In addition, along with the A220, the Embraer E195-E2 is considered to be the quietest narrow-body aircraft in the sky.
Read about flying into London City Airport.
Hi John,
Thanks for your comment. I agree with you, the A380 is one of the most fuel-efficient and cleanest planes provided it transports the number of passengers it was built for. I had the ‘audacity’ (?) to suggest the A380 as a possibility for low-cost long-haul carriers (if that model works). See: A380: A White Elephant? https://velvetescape.com/blog/?p=518
I think those with the least production of carbon dioxide per passenger kilometer. Currently the Airbus A380 if set up more for Economy Class than Business.
You know, I really don’t mind which aircraft, providing it gets me to my destination on time, and its comfortable. The airlines make a big difference to passenger experience by providing a good customer service – something that we are seeing less of nowadays as they cut costs.
I certainly have a *least* favourite plane. Anything with engines at the back just looks wrong (and makes your ears bleed, as anyone who has hopped over to AMS at the wrong end of a Fokker will tell you).
I love the Dash 8 – elegant, quick to load, bright and airy.
Would be nice to get the chance to compare the A380 at some point.
My brother would definitely agree with you! Thanks for your comment.
Cheers,
Keith
I’d take the Boeing over Airbus. I’d agree Airbus is probably better for passengers than a Boeing. But as a pilot I’d like the controls that I can feel (Boeing), rather than a side stick/ joystick which gives no feedback (Airbus). Also, dangerous problems plagued the early Airbus 320s, where the computer would not allow the pilot what he wanted to do. There are many cases of this, but the most notable to me is the Airbus 320 crash at the Paris airshow.