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I am looking for options to travel long distance with the family. I have the choice between an Airbus 330 or a Boeing 777. The Airbus appears to have pitch between 31-33 and the Boeing is stable at 32. This example is from Air Canada, but if you look at the options at other airlines the same difference can be seen. (eg: KLM 77W and A332) The choices I am investigating are not shown on seatguru.

When you look at the seatmaps, the Boeing 777 appears to offer a much more "cramped" experience then the Airbus 330. Can be this due to optical illusions? BTW I am flying economy class. First class seems comfortable in both models.

So my question is if the Airbus 330 is a better choice if you fly economy.

hippietrail
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2 Answers2

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This is going to vary strongly from carrier to carrier because as far as I can tell what really matters is how long it's been since the interiors were refurbished (a process airlines do one plane model at a time) and whether the route is considered important by the airline. Sure, you can make some overall opinions about narrowbody (one aisle) vs widebody (two aisles) but not much else. Power, inflight entertainment, and even just the upholstery are all going to matter as much as layout.

If I was travelling alone on AirCanada, I would go with the 330 because two of the three banks of rows have no "middle seat". If I was travelling as a family of three, that same difference would cause me to reject the 330. I guess maybe a family of four would prefer the 330 since you could get two rows of two and have two windows and a little family cluster. However I'm only 5'4" and my shortness is all in my legs, so a 31" pitch doesn't scare me. It might be more of an issue for you.

Kate Gregory
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Personally, I wouldn't base my decision based on A330 vs 777 but on the Carrier's service and reputation, and their in-flight entertainment offering.

alex
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