Glossary
Definition: A wide-body aircraft (also called a twin-aisle aircraft) is a large passenger airplane with two passenger aisles, typically used for long-haul international flights and capable of carrying 200–850 passengers.
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Term at a glance
| Term | Wide-Body Aircraft |
|---|---|
| One-liner | A wide-body aircraft (also called a twin-aisle aircraft) is a large passenger airplane with two passenger aisles, typically used for long-haul international flights and capable of… |
| Where it matters | Premium-cabin booking decisions, fare-rules interpretation, airline-product comparison. |
| Related concepts | Narrow-Body Aircraft · Twin-Aisle · Boeing 787 Dreamliner · Airbus A350 · Airbus A380 |
| Last verified | 2026-05-07 |
Wide-body aircraft are the workhorses of international air travel. Their wider fuselage allows for two aisles and typically 7–10 seats per row in economy, giving them significantly more capacity than narrow-body (single-aisle) aircraft. Common wide-body types include the Boeing 777, Boeing 787 Dreamliner, Airbus A350, Airbus A380, and Boeing 747.
For business class travellers, wide-body aircraft are important because they’re where the best premium products are found. The extra fuselage width allows for spacious 1-2-1 configurations with lie-flat beds, suites with doors, and generous personal space. Narrow-body business class, by contrast, is typically a recliner seat with extra legroom.
When booking business class for long-haul flights, always check that your flight uses a wide-body aircraft. Aircraft type information is available at booking and can significantly impact your experience. BookMyBusinessClass agents always verify the aircraft type and can advise on the best seat options for each wide-body configuration.
In booking practice
At a Glance
| Term | Quick definition | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Wet Lease (ACMI) | A wet lease is when one airline (the lessor) provides an aircraft, complete crew, maintenance, and insurance… | Read |
| Yield Management | Yield management is the revenue optimisation strategy airlines use to dynamically adjust ticket prices based… | Read |
| US Preclearance | A program where US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) operates immigration and customs facilities at foreign… | Read |
| Twin-Aisle | Twin-aisle is another term for wide-body aircraft, referring to the two passenger aisles that run the length… | Read |
| Turn-Down Service | Turn-down service in airline business and first class is when cabin crew convert your seat into a bed, laying… | Read |
| TSA PreCheck | TSA PreCheck is a US Transportation Security Administration trusted-traveler program providing expedited… | Read |
Related Terms
A wet lease is when one airline (the lessor) provides an aircraft, complete crew, maintenance, and insurance (ACMI) to another airline (the lessee) that operates the flight under its own brand. Common for capacity expansion, seasonal demand, or covering aircraft maintenance.
Yield management is the revenue optimisation strategy airlines use to dynamically adjust ticket prices based on demand, booking pace, competition, and time to departure, maximising revenue per flight.
A program where US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) operates immigration and customs facilities at foreign airports, allowing passengers to clear US entry before boarding. Available at 15 airports including Dublin, Shannon, Aruba, Bermuda, Bahamas, Abu Dhabi, and several Canadian cities.
Twin-aisle is another term for wide-body aircraft, referring to the two passenger aisles that run the length of the cabin, allowing wider seating configurations and more spacious premium cabins.
Turn-down service in airline business and first class is when cabin crew convert your seat into a bed, laying out a mattress pad, sheets, duvet, and pillows to create a comfortable sleeping environment.
TSA PreCheck is a US Transportation Security Administration trusted-traveler program providing expedited security screening at over 200 US airports for pre-approved travelers. Members keep shoes, belts, and light jackets on, leave laptops and TSA-compliant liquids in their bags, and use dedicated faster lanes.
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