If you’ve ever looked up at the sky and wondered whether the plane above is a Boeing or an Airbus, you’re not alone. While most commercial aircraft look similar to the untrained eye, aviation enthusiasts and frequent flyers know that each manufacturer has distinct features. Spotting the difference between Boeing and Airbus planes is easier than you might think — once you know what to look for.
1. Cockpit Windows: The Tell-Tale “Eyebrows”
One of the easiest ways to distinguish a Boeing from an Airbus is by looking at the cockpit windows.
- Boeing aircraft often have angular cockpit windows with sharp corners and sometimes feature additional “eyebrow” windows above the main set (especially in older models like the 737).
- Airbus cockpit windows are more rounded and have a distinctive “smile” — a slanted window line that angles downward toward the fuselage.
This design difference is consistent across most models, making cockpit windows a reliable identifier.
2. Nose Shape: Pointy vs. Rounded
The nose of the aircraft is another useful clue.
- Boeing aircraft generally have a sharper, more pointed nose.
- Airbus aircraft tend to have a more bulbous, rounded nose.
This difference is particularly noticeable on narrow-body jets like the Boeing 737 and the Airbus A320.
3. Engine Mounting and Shape
Look closely at the engines under the wings.
- On the Boeing 737, the engines are flatter at the bottom due to ground clearance restrictions and are mounted slightly ahead of the wing.
- On the Airbus A320, the engines are rounder and mounted directly under the wing, often appearing more symmetrical.
In newer models like the A320neo or 737 MAX, engine size has increased, but the mounting differences remain visible.
4. Wingtips: Winglets vs. Sharklets
Wingtips are another great visual clue.
- Boeing uses “winglets” that vary by model — they can be blended, split, or raked.
- Airbus uses “sharklets,” which are more elegantly curved and typically point slightly upward.
Comparing the wingtip design can often give you a quick clue about the aircraft’s manufacturer.
5. Landing Gear Doors
If you have a view of the aircraft’s underside while it’s landing or taking off:
- Airbus A320 family aircraft have small landing gear doors that only cover part of the wheel when it’s retracted.
- Boeing 737 gear doors completely enclose the wheels when retracted.
This is a more advanced spotting tip, but helpful if you’re near the runway or viewing from an airport observation deck.
Final Thoughts
Spotting the difference between a Boeing and an Airbus is a fun skill that anyone can develop with a little practice. Focus on a few key visual markers — cockpit windows, nose shape, engine mounting, and wingtip design — and you’ll quickly start identifying aircraft like a seasoned aviation enthusiast. Next time you’re at the airport or plane-watching in your backyard, put your new knowledge to the test and see how many aircraft you can correctly identify!