767's
 

Well, I admit that for some reason I'm a little more nervous about my flight across the Atlantic this time. I've usually flown on 777's, but now I'm booked on a 763 (which I understand is the same as a 767-300) for my trip later this month. I booked it through British Airways, not knowing that it's actually an American Airlines plane. Isn't this a lot smaller - and is it okay for crossing the Atlantic? Experienced flyers, would you fly on this aircraft? Thanks for any help in easing my unusual anxiety.

The 767 is an older plane than the 777. But it has an excellent safety record.

Prior to the 767, most aircraft that flew transatlantic were four engined. The 767 revolutionized long range twin engine operation, paving the way for later aircraft such as the A330, 777, 787. The 767-300ER has enough range to do west coast of the US to Europe, so flying it across the Atlantic isn't an issue.

Obviously, things vary based on how airlines decide on how to outfit the cabin, but I think that generally 767 is the comfiest airplane in economy class, which is a 2-3-2 seat arrangement - 85% of the seats are either aisle or window.

It's smaller, but not a small plane. I would personally not hesitate to fly it across the Atlantic. More importantly than size, it is a proven model - not ancient, so that you become concerned with maintenance, but not brand new, so it won't have "teething pains".

You might notice the turbulence a little more and the air handling system isn't as advanced - so you might land with dry sinuses. Otherwise, it's essentially the same.

What, in particular, is of concern to you?

No need to be concerned, the 767, while a smaller aircraft, is more than capable of making a routine TATL crossing. I've flown between the US and Europe many times on 767s of all types and have never had an issue. Seated in economy it offers the 2-3-2 seating as was stated above which IMO is preferable to 3-3-3 on the 777. In J or F it's a bit of a different story.

With that said, flying the AA 767 in regular economy is not a very pleasant experience. If you're in economy, I would highly suggest purchasing a Main Cabin Extra (economy+) seat. That will definitely improve your experience, just avoid row 20. Also, AA 767s do not have personal IFE, only overhead screens.

If you're seated in J, expect angle/flat seats. Only a few AA 767s have been refurbished with flat beds in J. These are flying typically JFK-ZRH/MXP and soon JFK-MAD/BCN.

Welcome to FlyerTalk!

The 767 is a perfectly fine, safe aircraft. It most definitely is well suited for the trip - otherwise the airline wouldn't use it...and the pilots wouldn't fly it (after all, they're inside the plane too!):)

It is smaller than a 777 but that's a relative thing. It's still a "large airliner", if that's a concern to you. Smaller aircraft than the 767 are used for transatlantic airline flights, in fact.

A google search will show you plenty of pictures of the 767 inside and out, maybe you'll feel better seeing for yourself.

Bottom line, relax and enjoy your trip!:)

Thanks, everyone! I think my three main worries were that it only has two engines (but you let me know that newer planes, including ones I've flown on, also only have two engines), that it's small for crossing the Atlantic (but you told me that even smaller planes go across), and that it's "old" (but you said that it's not TOO old). The most important thing is that you assured me that you've flown on 767's and survived! I feel much better about my trip now and really appreciate all your comments.

Welcome to Flyertalk!

I've probably spent more time on 767s than any other aircraft (well, possibly except the 747 and A320s). I have crossed the Atlantic hundreds of times in them, in all classes. For economy seating (as others have said) it is preferable to most others as it is 2-3-2, so you won't be more than one seat away from the aisle no matter where you are.

It is safe and reliable. A real workhorse. AC used to (probably still does) use them for the Vancouver to Sydney run (that's a lot of time over the Pacific.)

If you're heading over from the east coast, it's a fairly short flight - usually on the order of 7 hours. Some of the airlines are doing it in 757's, two engines and one less aisle! There's a whole thread about how unpleasant that experience is.

It's a twin-aisle plan so it feels much roomier inside than a single-aisle 757.

What might be helpful is if some of the more knowledgeable people on FT chime in with the usual trans-atlantic routing. Isn't it fairly close to land and diversion spots for much of the journey?

Welcome! Lots of 767s cross the Atlantic (and the Pacific) every day. Absolutely nothing to worry about.

There are smaller planes used for transatlantic service as well - AC flies Airbus A319s on its YYT-LHR route. Despite crossing an ocean, that flight is shorter in time and distance than LAX-JFK for example. BA operates A318s on LCY-JFK. And then you have a lot of small, private jets that cross as well

Not anymore. AC used to fly them YVR-HNL-SYD, but it went non-stop once they acquired 777s.

That just shows you how long it has been since I've set foot on an AC plane!

You'll be just fine. As already mentioned there are smaller commercial aircraft used. My personal favourite is BA's A318, affectionately known as the 'baby bus'. If it can get across safe and sound a 767 is a doddle.

H

If you want small, cross in an A318 (BA) or a B737 (AC)!

A large number of 763s and 752s make it across the pond every single day. 763ERs have a very long range and can make it across the pacific too.

Having said that, if I have a choice between a 763 and a 772, I'd rather take a 772, as it is much more comfortable in various respects (depends on the airline of course)

American's 767-300s have been crossing the Atlantic for about 25 years now without one single accident so far. So yes, no need to be worried at all.
The disadvantage to this is that they are showing their age. Don't expect the newest and greatest.
The "main cabin extra" economy seating on American's 763s is one of the best options out there for crossing the Atlantic as far as space and seat comfort is concerned (there's no seatback entertainment, though - so bring your own) and I actually prefer flying in them over the 777 when in economy.
Check out this thread and this one for more info about the seating than you ever wanted to know :D

You have nothing to worry about.

The majority of my transatlantic flights have been on 767's and I actually prefer them to the "bigger" planes due to the 2-3-2 seating layout. They have been around a long time but have an excellent safety record and there are thousands of them in the air every day.

Not sure if anybody has mentioned this, but the American Airlines 767's can look slightly dated on the inside. Don't let this fool you, they are very well maintained and perfectly safe.

Enjoy your flight and appreciate that you're not on a single aisle 757. I've done that a number of times and it really isn't pleasant! :p