The Boeing 737 vs Airbus A320 - How Do They Compare?

The world's two leading narrowbody jets are variations of the Boeing 737 and the Airbus A320. They might not be as mythical or glamorous a creatures as their larger and more imposing siblings, such as the 747 or the A380. However, they are trusted workhorses of most fleets all over the world when it comes to short and medium-haul services.

Indeed, for many of us, when we travel by air, we are much more likely to find ourselves on an A320 or 737 for most of our flights. Whatever your relationship is to them, these are the bread and butter planes of the industry. But how do they compare to each other?
Let’s find out in today’s video!

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[Lil-Tee]

I’m a flight attendant for a 737 operator, but I prefer the A320 family. More comfortable, and flight attendant friendly.

[riesjart]

Used to prefer Boeing and the 737, but over the years my preference has shifted to Airbus and the A320

[wearethemags]

As a passenger, I find the A320 much more comfortable to fly on - although I find the 737 a better looking plane. As I'm riding inside while it's airborne, I prefer the A320!

[MarcvanExel]

I prefer the A320. Having flown on both aircraft I find the comfort on the A320 better.

[davidkiely]

The A320 is my preference. It’s newer design and clean modern lines enhance its appearance inside and out. I always smile when I’m booked to fly on rather than an outdated 737.

[bobbytrucker]

I like the A320, especially the way the side of the plane doesn’t blow out in midflight

[ejkk]

It's devastating to see the Max fatalities when the NG is probably the safest plane ever made. Not a single fatality was due to a design flaw. It was either pilot error, mantience deficiency or pilot suicide. I do believe the Max (the most tested and scrutinized plane ever made) is most likely one of, if not the safest plane in the skies today. Such a bad reputation so early on. The A320 is incredible... it's much newer and has rarely suffered a fatality due to design flaws. They officially passed the 737 in sales even though the 737 had a 20 year head start. To be fair... the 737 was made for a completely different reason in a completely different time when small regional jets weren't popular. Boeing Frankensteined it into the modern age when it should have started over a decade ago. Airbus knew in hindsight that this type of plane is going to sell in the thousands and Boeing did not. As a life long Boeing fan, I have to give Airbus massive props for making so many safe and efficient planes in its 50 years of existence. I hope both companies compete with each other and that no one wins. Even if you hate Boeing... you don't want them to go out of business. That would mean zero competition and Airbus will just get lazy and not innovate. We need them both.

[Pro_Existance]

I have always preferred a320, really excited for the a321XLR to come out in 2024...

[MrHavk]

The Airbus is the newer more comfortable plane. This is completely ignoring the issues the MAX has had.

Boeing needs a brand new clean sheet narrowbody.

[cxb]

As a passenger, I've come to prefer the 32x over the 73x. We had a chance not too long ago to compare both on a round trip with United from KEWR to KDFW, taking the 320 down and returning on a 738. I'm usually the poor soul stuck in the middle seat while my wife takes the window, and as insane as it sounds, that extra few inches of fuselage width really does make a difference. Wharas the 738 made her feel crammed into the wall half the time, she didn't feel as confined on the 320. Plus, when you're in the center seat, that 0.7" of extra width really is noticeable.

[anthonyglee]

I’m not bothered about exterior characteristics, but I appreciate the low wing presents challenges for the 737. I do a lot of short haul flying, mostly on 737-800/Max and A320. The new interiors on the 737 are good. However the seat width and cabin space on the average A320 is so much more noticeable and appealing. It’s a shame Boeing didn’t do a clean sheet design. It would’ve been major competition to Airbus and kept both them on their toes. But here we are. Airbus can’t build the A320 quick enough whilst the Max didn’t fly for ~ 2 years.

I appreciate this is hearsay but my engineer friend who was worked on both much prefers the 737 because he says it’s closer to hands on engineering and troubleshooting whereas the Airbus can be somewhat of a mystery. Both great planes and we’re all lucky they exist. But sadly the 737MAX will always have that DC-10 stigma. Plenty of people watching global news will have the 737MAX in the back of their minds.

[mabamabam]

320 has a flat back. 737 has a spine. If the tail goes straight down it's a 320 if it goes down then forwards it's a 737.

Don't know why people talk about noses and windows. They're hard to see and difficult to tell apart. The tail is the biggest difference in appearance that is immediately visible from almost all angles

[landocalrisian]

You forgot about the very distinctive tail of a 737 which is a sure way to tell it apart from a 320.

[Tonedefy]

Ive flown both recently about a week apart and Airbus was definitely much more comfy for me as a coach passenger. Didnt think I would notice it, but Airbus definitely felt alot more spacious. Lavs mid plane and back also made a huge difference vs. just back on the Max. Finally, Airbus was noticeably quieter too! Kudos to Airbus for prioritizing passenger comfort!!!

[stez-nqhs]

I like flying both. Normally the 320 Family feels a lot comfortable as a passenger. But overall my favorite right now is the A220 (Off topic).

[chkngtjalboy]

I’ve rode on both an American 737-800 and A321, and the A321 was definitely nicer on the inside. That might have just been that specific A321 being younger, or something with American Airlines, though.

[sjvillar]

The Airbus A320 wins it for me - cabin feels more spacious. It is evident once you enter both airplanes that the A320 FEELS more spacious (I am 185cm tall so I would notice). The Airbus also seems quiter in cruise. And on landing, the Boeing has a higher approach speed than the Airbus, making it feel like the pilots are “slamming” the plane onto the runway on landing, unnerving me.

[Snorlax_]

Airbus has really widened the gap the last few years. Overall more comfortable and no MAX fiasco.

[ramyfares]

Been flying on the A321 since 1997 with Middle East Airlines, it is an amazing aircraft, the A320 brings me back to my childhood days, even flying on MEA's newer A321neos, still got that nostalgic cabin throwing you back to the 90's. The 737-800 and the 737-8 MAX is a great aircraft too, and it is even quieter than the A320, I flew on Fly Dubai's 737-800, and the 737-MAX 8, the Boeing's sky interior on both aircraft is stunning, futuristic, but again, old is gold, can't go wrong with the A320.

[bignate]

From a ramp agent perspective i perfer the A320 family, they are overall easier to work on than the 737s