When booking your next long flight to Asia, look for features like a roomy cabin, comfortable seating configuration, ample legroom, larger windows, quiet engines, and comprehensive in-flight entertainment. While airlines customize their aircraft to offer unique seating configurations and amenities, core features such as spaciousness, noise reduction, and air quality remain consistent and depend solely on the aircraft type.

This article highlights six wide-body, long-haul aircraft from two leading manufacturers, Airbus and Boeing. According to passengers and aviation industry experts, these are the best choices. We’ve also listed popular airlines that use these aircraft for routes to and within Asia.

Airbus A350

Best choice. The Airbus A350 is a modern marvel designed with passenger comfort in mind. It excels in both economy and premium classes.

The A350 is one of the fastest commercial aircraft in service, capable of cruising at speeds over Mach 0.85 (around 645 mph or 1,038 km/h). At the same time, it is also quieter than other aircraft—the Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines are designed to be less noisy.

Its wider fuselage allows for more spacious seating arrangements, typically in a 3-3-3 configuration, which provides a more comfortable experience (wider seats) even in economy class. It also has larger than standard windows.

The A350’s advanced air filtration system and quieter cabin contribute to a more pleasant journey. The cabin is pressurized to a lower altitude, reducing jet lag and fatigue. Interestingly, the A350 has cameras installed on the tail and under the aircraft, which can be accessed via the Inflight Entertainment System.

In premium economy and business class, the A350 truly shines. Airlines often configure these cabins with lie-flat seats, more personal space, and enhanced in-flight entertainment systems. The advanced mood lighting system enhances the overall travel experience.

How to spot A350

Look for the distinctive curved nose, larger windows, and sharklet wingtips that curve upwards at the tips of the wings. Note the landing gear: the A350 has a distinctive six-wheel bogie on each main landing gear (while other models may have four or eight wheels). Another characteristic feature is darker paint surrounding the cockpit windows (which aids in temperature management).

Operated by

The A350 is operated on routes to Asia and the Pacific by full-service airlines such as Singapore Airlines, Qatar Airways, Cathay Pacific, Air China, Lufthansa, Thai Airways, and Japan Airlines.

Learn more

A350 on the Airbus website.

Airbus A380

The A380, famed for being the world’s biggest passenger jet, typically carries more than 500 people. Despite its production ending, the Superjumbo remains a favorite among passengers for its spacious cabin and quiet ride. The double-deck design helps distribute passengers more evenly, reducing the feeling of crowding.

Its large size allows for wider seats and more legroom in economy class, typically in a 3-4-3 configuration.

The A380 is exceptional in premium economy and business class. Airlines often provide luxurious, lie-flat seats, private suites, and even onboard lounges on the upper deck. The aircraft’s quieter cabin and advanced lighting systems create a relaxing atmosphere.

How to spot A380

Look for the distinctive two-deck design, with the upper deck running along most of the fuselage. Note the four engines, which are larger and more widely spaced compared to other aircraft. The A380 also has a slightly bulbous nose and a vertical tail fin that is taller than on most other aircraft. Finally, its sheer size makes it easy to recognize both on the ground and in the sky.

Operated by

A380s are used by non-US airlines, such as British Airways, Emirates, Qantas, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, and Korean Air.

Learn more

A380 on the Airbus website.

 

Airbus A330neo

The Airbus A330neo, an updated version of the popular A330, offers a quieter cabin, larger overhead bins, and improved air quality.

In economy class, the seats are typically arranged in a 2-4-2 configuration, which is less crowded than some other long-haul aircraft.

Business class passengers may have access to lie-flat beds and enhanced in-flight entertainment systems. The aircraft’s quieter engines additionally contribute to a more pleasant journey.

How to spot A330neo

Look for the distinctive curved winglets at the tips of the wings. Note the quieter and more efficient engines, typically featuring a chevron pattern on the nacelles. The A330neo also has a sleek, elongated fuselage and larger, more modern windows compared to older models. Additionally, like the A350, it has a darker paint surrounding the cockpit windows.

Operated by

You can travel to and within Asia on the A330neo with airlines such as Garuda Indonesia, Cebu Pacific, Virgin Atlantic, Thai Air Asia X, Lion Air, and Delta Air Lines.

Learn more

A330neo on the Airbus website.

Boeing 777-300ER

The Boeing 777, particularly the newer variants like the 777-300ER, is Boeing’s most successful widebody aircraft and is widely regarded as one of the most comfortable aircraft for long-haul flights. The 777 is known for its spacious cabin with wider seats, larger windows, and improved air quality.

Economy class cabins with 3-4-3 seating configurations may feel a bit tight for some passengers. However, some airlines provide a more comfortable 3-3-3 configuration.

Premium classes often feature lie-flat seats, spacious cabins and advanced in-flight entertainment options, especially in the newer models.

How to spot 777-300ER

Look for the distinctive long fuselage (one of the longest in commercial aviation). Note the two large engines mounted well forward on the wings. The 777-300ER also features a raked wingtips design for better aerodynamics. Additionally, its tall, slender tail fin and the signature blade-shaped tail cone make it easy to recognize.

Operated by

You can fly to APAC on the 777 with top carriers including Emirates, Cathay Pacific, Korean Air, Air New Zealand, Turkish Airlines, and Japan Airlines.

Learn more

777 on the Boeing website.

 

Boeing 787 Dreamliner

Celebrated for its larger windows and dynamic lighting, the Boeing 787 Dreamliner seems designed to help regulate passengers’ circadian rhythms and reduce jet lag.

It is an excellent choice for long-haul flights.

Economy class passengers can enjoy its larger windows with electronic dimming and a smoother ride. Better humidity and higher cabin pressure help reduce jet lag and enhance overall comfort. However, some configurations may feel cramped as certain airlines opt for a 3-3-3 seating layout.

In premium economy and business class, the 787 offers superior comfort with advanced seating options, including lie-flat beds.

How to spot 787 Dreamliner

Look for the distinctive raked wingtips, that curve back and up, making the plane more aerodynamic. Note the two large, quiet engines with zigzag edges, which help reduce noise. The 787 Dreamliner also has larger, more rounded windows than most other planes. Plus, its smooth body with a gentle upward curve towards the tail makes it easy to spot.

Operated by

Airlines using 787 Dreamliner on routes to and within Asia Pacific: Air Canada, ANA, EVA Air, Air India, KLM, Etihad Airways, and American Airlines.

Learn more

787 Dreamliner on the Boeing website.

 

Boeing 767

While newer aircraft models like the Airbus A350 and Boeing 787 Dreamliner offer more advanced features and higher comfort levels, the Boeing 767 remains a solid choice for long-haul travel. It has a long history of reliable service, making it a trusted choice for airlines and passengers.

It remains popular for its spacious 2-3-2 seating configuration in economy class, with fewer middle seats and more aisle access.

Business class cabins on 767 still offer comfortable seating and decent amenities on many airlines.

How to spot 767

Look for the shorter, slightly wider body compared to newer planes, with two large engines mounted under the wings. The Boeing 767 has a more straightforward, less curved design than some other modern aircraft. Additionally, its winglets are smaller and less pronounced.

Operated by

Among carriers using 767 in Asia Pacific are: Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, Japan Airlines, ANA, and Air Astana.

Learn more

767 on the Boeing website.