AC has not had 737s for decades! I think you mean the St John's to LHR service that uses an A319.

Most of my trans-Atlantic trips have been on the 767. While it's a little smaller than other wide bodies, this is probably the most under-appreciated airplane Boeing has ever built. Aside from tiny overhead compartments, this is one airplane where Boeing got it right. Before the 767, trans-Atlantic flights were operated with three or four engine airplanes. The 767 proved ETOPS (extended twin engine operations) to be safe and successful.

Your over water time on most crossings is actually fairly short. The time spent on the North Atlantic tracks is only about 3.5 hours. Often trans Atlantic flights spend more time over Canada then they do over the ocean. ETOPS flights are designed so they stay a certain distance from diversion airports at all times. For example, most 767 flights are 180 minute ETOPS meaning they have to be no more than three hours from a diversion airport. You've got plenty of divert points along the Atlantic including a return to Ireland, Iceland, Greenland, and Canada. Maintenace checks are required on the engines prior to each crossing.

As far as the comfort of the 767, many prefer the 2-3-2 in economy. Premium cabins are a little tighter than the bigger 777 but not uncomfortable. Some of the airplanes are a little worn, but not un-safe. Delta did a major renovation on the 767 interiors where it looks like a brand new airplane. Many of the newer 767s have the 777 interior.

Most 767 pilots love the airplane. Many comment that it flies like a Cadillac. It has the largest cockpit of anything built by Boeing or Airbus. One thing to remember, no professional pilot will take an airplane if he or she feels it's un-safe or not fit for the flight. The 767 is still the most popular plane crossing the Atlantic.

There are plenty of much smaller aircraft flying across the Atlantic, 757s, A318s, some 737s. Of course, there are plenty of even smaller corporate Jets that make the trip.

Yeah, unlike the squeeze on 777 and A380, I don't think anyone has tried to cram an eighth seat into Y on the 767.

Yes, 763 is a shorthand way to write 767-300.

The 767 was the first twin engine commercial jet airliner to be granted ETOPS across the Atlantic so there is some history to the 767 crossing.

The only issue is that you're going to be sorely disappointed flying American if you expecting a BA experience.

As everyone has already mostly mentioned, the 767 was designed to be used on transatlantic and transpacific flights. In fact, I believe the 767 was the first airliner with less than three engines to be allowed to fly extended periods overwater (ETOPS) way back in 1985. (FYI: ETOPS means Extended range Twin engine OPerationS... or my favourite Engines Turn Or People Swim).

Over 1000 have been delivered and most of them operate transatlantic or transpacific. Many flights are over 11 hours.

Also as mentioned, you will probably more notice the difference between AA & BA than the 777 versus the 767.

I stand corrected! Of course, it's the A319! Thanks!

I've flown Japan Airlines' 767-300ER's across the Pacific many times, and I like the aircraft very much! It's not as new as a 777, or 787, but I prefer the 2-3-2 configuration of the 767 vs the 2-4-2 or 3-3-3 configuration of the newer planes.

Perfectly safe aircraft!

And of course, this guy did it with only one engine



(sorry I couldn't resist)

Thomas Cook and Thomson both have 763s in a 2-4-2 configuration. It's unusual, but not unheard of.

I've flown on AA's 767s a handful of times, all domestic. It's a novelty to fly an international jet on domestic midcons, especially if you can score the row 17 seats!

I've flown probably 50 TATL crossings on an AA 767 and we only turned back once for an engine failure, Chicago - London, turned round over Greenland and went back to New York. Search ETOPS and the be rest assured, they will fly well on one engine. Oh and there are some airlines flying 757's.
My main gripe with AA's 763' are they are old, they don't have individual airvents, the IFE is pure junk and they are one of the slowest widebodies in the fleet. But they will get you there, as long as you are not scoring points for style....

THIS (A318) is "a lot smaller..."



Both of these planes make it across the Atlantic just fine.

I hadn't seen this photo before, but I love it!

And to the OP, the 767 in its various variants have been traversing the Atlantic for 25+ years. The 2-3-2 is quite nice if you fly steerage like I do, because you are always going to be one seat from the aisle.