Glossary
Definition: A narrow-body aircraft (also called a single-aisle aircraft) is a smaller passenger airplane with one central aisle, typically used for short-haul and domestic flights, seating 100–240 passengers.
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Term at a glance
| Term | Narrow-Body Aircraft |
|---|---|
| One-liner | A narrow-body aircraft (also called a single-aisle aircraft) is a smaller passenger airplane with one central aisle, typically used for short-haul and domestic flights, seating… |
| Where it matters | Premium-cabin booking decisions, fare-rules interpretation, airline-product comparison. |
| Related concepts | Wide-Body Aircraft · Lie-Flat Seat · Recliner Seat · Boeing 737 · Airbus A320 |
| Last verified | 2026-05-07 |
Narrow-body aircraft like the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320 family are the most common commercial aircraft worldwide. They feature a single aisle with typically 3+3 seating in economy. Business class on narrow-body aircraft is usually a 2+2 configuration with recliner seats rather than lie-flat beds.
For business class travellers, narrow-body aircraft represent a significant product downgrade compared to wide-body equivalents. While you’ll still receive premium meals, priority services, and extra space, the seat will not lie flat. On flights under 3–4 hours, this is perfectly acceptable. On longer sectors, it can be disappointing.
Some routes can be operated by either narrow-body or wide-body aircraft depending on the airline and schedule. For example, transatlantic routes may use a Boeing 757 (narrow-body) or Boeing 787 (wide-body). Always check the equipment type before booking business class. BookMyBusinessClass agents can identify routes where wide-body aircraft operate to ensure you get a lie-flat seat.
In booking practice
At a Glance
| Term | Quick definition | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Multi-City Itinerary | A multi-city itinerary is a flight booking that includes segments to multiple destinations in a single… | Read |
| NDC (New Distribution Capability) | NDC (New Distribution Capability) is an IATA-driven technology standard that allows airlines to distribute… | Read |
| Montreal Convention | The Montreal Convention is an international treaty governing airline liability for passenger injury, death,… | Read |
| Noise-Cancelling Headphones | Noise-cancelling headphones are premium audio devices provided to business and first class passengers that… | Read |
| Minimum Connection Time | Minimum connection time (MCT) is the shortest legally permitted time between connecting flights at an… | Read |
| Oneworld Alliance | Oneworld is one of the three major global airline alliances, comprising 13 member airlines including British… | Read |
Related Terms
A multi-city itinerary is a flight booking that includes segments to multiple destinations in a single ticket, allowing travellers to visit several cities without backtracking or purchasing separate tickets.
NDC (New Distribution Capability) is an IATA-driven technology standard that allows airlines to distribute personalised offers, ancillary products, and dynamic pricing directly to travel agents and booking channels.
The Montreal Convention is an international treaty governing airline liability for passenger injury, death, baggage damage or loss, and flight delays on international air travel, setting maximum compensation limits.
Noise-cancelling headphones are premium audio devices provided to business and first class passengers that use active technology to reduce ambient engine and cabin noise, enhancing the in-flight entertainment and rest experience.
Minimum connection time (MCT) is the shortest legally permitted time between connecting flights at an airport, set by aviation authorities based on the airport’s layout, terminal configuration, and security requirements.
Oneworld is one of the three major global airline alliances, comprising 13 member airlines including British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Qantas, American Airlines, and Japan Airlines.
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