Boeing and Airbus each build several aircraft families, so there is no single feature shared by every model. This visual aircraft identification guide focuses on the passenger jets most spotters confuse: the Airbus A320 versus Boeing 737 and the Airbus A350 versus Boeing 787.
In short
- Start with the aircraft family. Manufacturer-level rules have exceptions.
- A320 vs 737: compare the side cockpit window, nose, nacelle edge, and wingtip device.
- A350 vs 787: look for the A350's dark cockpit mask or the 787's engine-nacelle chevrons.
- Confirm uncertain IDs with the registration, a flight tracker, or FlightCatcherPro.
How to tell Boeing from Airbus: the quick answer
- A350: black surround across the cockpit windows.
- A320neo: smooth rear edge on the engine nacelle and tall sharklets.
- A380: two full passenger decks along most of the fuselage.
- 787: serrated chevrons around the rear of the engine nacelles.
- 737 MAX: nacelle chevrons plus an Advanced Technology split-tip winglet.
- 747: a raised upper-deck hump behind the cockpit.
These are family clues, not universal manufacturer rules. A Boeing 777 does not use the same engine chevrons as a 787, and an older Airbus A320 may not have the sharklets fitted to newer aircraft.
Airbus A320 vs Boeing 737 identification
The A320 family and 737 family are the most useful comparison to learn because both are twin-engine, single-aisle jets with similar roles. Work from the nose towards the wing.
- Rounder nose profile when viewed from the side.
- Side cockpit window has a cleaner, straighter rear edge.
- A320neo engines have a smooth nacelle trailing edge.
- Current aircraft commonly use single upward-curving sharklets.
- Nose looks more pointed and sits lower to the ground.
- Side cockpit window has a distinctive angled lower rear corner.
- 737 MAX engines have serrated nacelle chevrons.
- 737 MAX uses a split-tip Advanced Technology winglet.
Winglets alone can mislead you because airlines retrofit older aircraft and several 737 generations use different designs. Boeing describes the MAX's distinctive split-tip device as its Advanced Technology winglet; Airbus documents sharklets and both engine choices on the A320 family. Check the cockpit and engines as well.
Airbus A350 vs Boeing 787 identification
Both are modern twin-engine wide-bodies with flexible wings and swept tips. The cockpit surround and engine nacelles give a faster answer than the overall silhouette.
- Dark mask-like surround connects the cockpit windows.
- Long, smooth nose profile with six cockpit windows.
- Engine nacelles have a smooth rear edge.
- Upswept, curved wingtip rather than a vertical winglet.
- No continuous black mask across the cockpit windows.
- More pronounced forehead above the cockpit windows.
- Serrated chevrons around the rear of each engine nacelle.
- Long raked wingtip with no upright winglet.
Boeing's official 787 material shows the nacelle chevrons and family design in detail on its 787 by-design page. Airbus's official A350 family page provides reference views of the cockpit mask, engines, and wingtips.
Other easy Boeing vs Airbus comparisons
A 5-step Boeing or Airbus identification check
Count the engines and decks
Four engines or a second deck can narrow the family immediately: A380, 747, or A340.
Study the cockpit windows and nose
Look for the A350 mask, the 737 side-window corner, and the different A320 and 737 nose profiles.
Check the engine nacelles
Serrated chevrons strongly suggest a 787 or 737 MAX. Smooth nacelles require the next clue.
Compare the wingtips
Separate sharklets, split-tip MAX winglets, blended winglets, and raked tips. Treat retrofits carefully.
Confirm the registration or flight
Read the tail number, check traffic at that time and place, or identify the photo with FlightCatcherPro.
For a complete workflow that works beyond Boeing and Airbus, read how to identify a plane from a photo. It explains registration checks, the WEFT method, and tracker context.
Common aircraft identification mistakes
- Using the airline as the answer: many airlines operate both Airbus and Boeing fleets.
- Trusting one winglet: older aircraft can be retrofitted, and wingtip designs vary by generation.
- Calling every chevron a 787: the 737 MAX also uses serrated nacelle edges.
- Guessing the exact variant too early: establish the family before deciding between an A320 and A321 or a 787-9 and 787-10.
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FAQ: Boeing vs Airbus identification
What is the easiest way to tell a Boeing from an Airbus?
Identify the aircraft family before the manufacturer. On common narrow-body jets, compare the cockpit windows, nose, engine nacelles, and wingtip device. On wide-bodies, an A350's dark cockpit-window surround and a 787's serrated engine nacelles are useful clues.
How can you tell an Airbus A320 from a Boeing 737?
Use several clues together. The A320 family generally has a rounder nose and a straighter rear edge on the side cockpit window. The 737 has a more pointed nose and a distinctive lower corner on the side cockpit window. A 737 MAX also has serrated engine-nacelle edges and split-tip winglets, while an A320neo has sharklets and smooth nacelle edges.
How can you tell an Airbus A350 from a Boeing 787?
The A350's black cockpit-window surround is the quickest cue. The 787 has a more conventional cockpit surround and serrated chevrons around the rear of its engine nacelles. Both have swept wings, so check the nose and engines rather than relying on wing shape alone.
Do all Boeing aircraft have serrated engine covers?
No. Nacelle chevrons are useful on the 787 and 737 MAX, but they are not a Boeing-wide feature. Older 737s, 777s, and other Boeing families need different checks.
Turn aircraft IDs into a collection with FlightCatcherPro. Continue with the beginner plane spotting guide or compare the best aircraft identification apps.