Why don't aircraft manufacturers and airlines list the style of the aircraft on the outside of the plane?

For example 767, 737, 1011 ect... I do not fly excessively but always have to look in the seat pocket or back of the in flight magazine(CO) to compare planes out the window.

It would be great if decals were placed on the outside of the plane. Maybe they are and I have never looked in the right place.

It's up to the airline, as some (AA for one) do place the designation on the AC.

Some airlines do display it on the outside, but it is often very small and hard to see from any distance.

Here are some examples from the Qantas fleet:

A Boeing 767-300
A Boeing 767-300 noted behind the emergency exit doors.
A Boeing 737-800 just rear of the emergency exit.
A Boeing 747-400 noted just rear of the wing.
A Boeing 737-300 noted just behind the wing.
A Boeing 747-400 noted above the wing between the exit doors.
Another 747-400 this time the flying F1 car!

[Edited to fix url formatting]

[This message has been edited by NM (edited 08-14-2002).]

In fact they do! Boeing write, say, "Boeing 777" in their distinctive sloping typeface (they have used it for years), while Airbus do similarly, prefixed by their world-shaped logo. It usually appears by the rear door, down where the registration number is.

However, it's down to the owner of the plane how they actually want it painted. Not all airline liveries allow it even on new aircraft painted by the manufacturer, while at periodic repaints it more often gets omitted.

Also now that we usually board by jetways rather than up open steps from the ramp you don't really get to see this part of the aircraft at all, even from the gate windows overlooking the aircraft.

Boeing at least must have a TM on their name style because although it doesn't always appear, when it does it is always in "their" lettering.

On AA it's right on the front of the plane with two exceptions: their now-retired DC-10 fleet and the newest 777's.