Boeing or Airbus in Turbulence

[apomar]

I just wanted to get a feel for what aircraft most people feel comfortable in the case of turbulence. Especially between these two older models:

Boeing 757
Airbus 300-600

I guess I could refer this question to those of us that are not that fond of flying.

[Geo]

Boeing, especially if it has the wingtips...but if its an older model im not sure...

[christy]

Definitely Boeing for me too. I've never ridden in the new Airbus models, but the flights I have taken were not among my favorites. Plus, they tended to rattle a lot--has absolutely nothing to do with turbulence, but very annoying while I'm trying to read my magazine :)

[tb_neg]

I'd choose Douglas. Modern planes today feel like they are just built 'just tough enough', while the older planes are overbuilt and super sturdy. This is why you hear stories of airlines retiring their older Airbus A320 aircraft which are at most 20 years old while Northwest flies around their 40 year old DC-9 aircraft.

The A300 was involved in American Airlines Flight 587, with the rudder snapping off. Don't be concerned, flying is still very very safe.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Airlines_Flight_587

[tb_neg]

Mind you, the 757 is a very long craft (especially the 300 series), and there are reports of it flexing in flight, so if you are sitting in the back, you can see it. Try and sit up front, because that would freak out anyone.

[express-flight]

I would go with Boeing too. I like the airbus 319's but the larger Boeing's I have been on do somehow seem more stable. And yes, I was coming back from San Fran to MSP and we hit some pretty rough turbulence over the rockies (surprise). The plane did indeed have some give that made it appear as if one 1/2 of the plane was going down while the back half was still going up. Kind of like 2 separate roll coaster cars. Kinda freaky, but I figured it was necessary so to have the give so the plane wouldn't snap.

[Fearful Flyer]

I'd choose Douglas. Modern planes today feel like they are just built 'just tough enough', while the older planes are overbuilt and super sturdy. This is why you hear stories of airlines retiring their older Airbus A320 aircraft which are at most 20 years old while Northwest flies around their 40 year old DC-9 aircraft.

The A300 was involved in American Airlines Flight 587, with the rudder snapping off. Don't be concerned, flying is still very very safe.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Airlines_Flight_587

well this just scared me even more---thanks

[pinworm]

It makes no difference. Bigger is usually better, but turbulence is turbulence. The wingtips on both 737's and some airbus are for climbout efficiency.

I have been through extreme turbulence in both a regional CRJ and a 747-400..it was about the same.

I will say this though, turbulence sucks less in business or first class!

[opa-opa]

It makes no difference. Bigger is usually better, but turbulence is turbulence. The wingtips on both 737's and some airbus are for climbout efficiency.

I have been through extreme turbulence in both a regional CRJ and a 747-400..it was about the same.

I will say this though, turbulence sucks less in business or first class!

From my experience, I'd say 747s tend to feel more "stable" in turbulence.

777's on the other hand, are really bad and shake like hell. Something to do with the way the planes are balanced I guess.

[_Alex_]

In my opinion Boeing 757 is better and more stable.

[myboo270]

I am a complete turbulence-phobic flier - just returned from MSP - MCO. On the way down was on an A320 and on a 757 on the return. By far the 757 smoother and quieter - and seems to feel generally more stable - that's just my 2 cents.

[pinworm]

Or..you had different weather!