Originally Posted by
fusionblue
I have to ask, how are they quiet exactly? I've been on a VS A340 in Premium Economy (in the middle next to 4 engines) which is quieter than an MD in seat 2D. As the plane ascends the AC powers up and it gets louder and louder until i can't even hear myself talk at a normal volume.
I haven't been on an A340 since Sabena Airlines was in business, but, I'd guess that A340s are substantially newer, thus have newer insulation technology. Yes, the AC does get somewhat louder, and the MD-90s (IMO) are definitely quieter than the MD-88s, but, to me, you really don't hear engine noise - just AC noise, which is different, particularly compared to, say, A320s.