Airbus A350 vs Boeing 787: Which Is Better for Long Flights?

When booking a long-haul or transatlantic flight, the aircraft matters far more than many travellers realise. Two of the most advanced widebody jets flying today the Airbus A350 and the Boeing 787 Dreamliner — are designed specifically to improve long-distance comfort, reduce fatigue, and deliver smoother journeys.

But which one actually feels better when you’re onboard for 8–14 hours?

If you’ve read our guides on the [best aircraft for long-haul economy flights], [quietest aircraft for long flights], or [how to choose the best aircraft when booking flights], this comparison builds directly on those insights.

Aircraft Overview

Airbus A350

The Airbus A350 (-900 and -1000 variants) is purpose-built for long-haul and ultra-long-haul routes. Airlines often deploy it on flagship international services thanks to its:

• Extra-wide cabin
  
• Exceptionally low noise levels
  
• Smooth ride during cruise and turbulence
  

It regularly ranks highly in our [A380 vs A350 economy comparisons] and quiet-cabin rankings.

Boeing 787 Dreamliner

The Boeing 787 (-8, -9, and -10 variants) is slightly smaller and extremely versatile. It dominates:

• Transatlantic routes
  
• “Long-thin” routes between secondary cities
  

If you’ve flown routes like Dublin–New York, London–Boston, or Paris–Toronto, chances are you’ve been on a 787.

Tip: When searching flights on Aviasales, always check the aircraft type — the same route can feel very different depending on whether it’s operated by an A350 or a 787.

Cabin Options & Onboard Comfort

Both aircraft usually feature Business Class, Premium Economy, and Economy, but real comfort depends heavily on airline configuration.

What the A350 does better

• Wider fuselage = more shoulder and aisle space
  
• Quieter cabin, especially noticeable at night
  
• Often feels less cramped in 3-3-3 economy layouts
  

This is why it frequently tops our [most comfortable economy seats on long-haul aircraft] guide.

What the 787 does better

• Huge electronically dimmable windows
  
• Brighter, more modern cabin feel
  
• Excellent air quality and humidity
  

Window-seat travellers often prefer the 787 — a point we explore in our [A380 vs 787 economy experience] article.

Both aircraft maintain lower cabin altitude and higher humidity than older jets, meaning less dryness and fatigue after long flights.

Flight Time: Is One Faster?

In real-world flying, there’s no meaningful time difference between the A350 and the 787. Both cruise at similar speeds.

Arrival times depend far more on:

• Jet streams
  
• Route planning
  
• Airline scheduling
  

Not aircraft branding.

Typical Passenger Experience

Airbus A350

• Noticeably quieter cabin
  
• Smoother ride feel
  
• Slightly wider economy seats on many airlines
  

Boeing 787

• Excellent air quality
  
• Iconic oversized windows
  
• Tech-forward, modern atmosphere
  

For nervous flyers or light sleepers, the A350’s calm cabin is often a decisive advantage — something echoed in our [best aircraft for turbulence-sensitive travellers] guide.

Airbus A350 vs Boeing 787 – Quick Comparison

Which Should You Choose?

• Choose the Airbus A350 if comfort is your top priority — especially for overnight, ultra-long-haul flights in economy or premium economy.
  
• Choose the Boeing 787 if you value modern design, great windows, and access to more nonstop routes.
  

Before booking, use Aviasales to compare prices by aircraft type — it’s one of the easiest ways to avoid being surprised by a less comfortable plane on a long flight.

For international trips, delayed connections, or extended stays, SafetyWing offers flexible medical and travel cover designed for frequent flyers and long-haul travellers.

SkypropreAir Verdict

Both the Airbus A350 and Boeing 787 rank among the best long-haul aircraft in the sky. The real deciding factor often isn’t the plane — it’s seat layout, airline service, and how smartly you book.

Choose wisely, and even economy can feel surprisingly civilised at 35,000 feet.

Frequently Asked Questions: Airbus A350 vs Boeing 787

Is the Airbus A350 quieter than the Boeing 787?

Yes. While both aircraft are significantly quieter than older jets, the Airbus A350 is widely regarded as the quieter cabin overall, especially in economy. Its wider fuselage, improved sound insulation, and smoother airflow reduce engine and cabin noise — a noticeable benefit on overnight or ultra-long-haul flights.

This is why the A350 consistently ranks highly in our quietest aircraft for long flights comparisons.

Which aircraft is more comfortable in economy: A350 or 787?

In most airline configurations, the Airbus A350 feels more comfortable in economy. It often offers slightly wider seats and more shoulder room due to its wider cabin. The Boeing 787 can feel tighter on airlines that use denser layouts, although seat comfort ultimately depends on the airline, not just the aircraft.

Always check seat layouts when booking on Aviasales, as the same aircraft can feel very different between airlines.

Does the Boeing 787 really reduce jet lag?

The Boeing 787 — like the A350 — helps reduce fatigue thanks to higher cabin humidity, better air filtration, and lower cabin altitude compared to older aircraft. While it doesn’t eliminate jet lag, many passengers report arriving feeling less dry, less headachy, and more alert after long flights.

Which is better for nervous flyers: A350 or 787?

Nervous flyers often prefer the Airbus A350 because of its quieter cabin and smoother ride feel, especially during turbulence. The Boeing 787 is also very stable, but the A350’s calm cabin environment tends to feel more reassuring for anxious passengers.

For more guidance, see our best aircraft for travellers who hate turbulence guide.

Is there a difference in flight time between the A350 and 787?

No meaningful difference. Both aircraft cruise at similar speeds, and flight duration is determined by wind, routing, and airline scheduling, not the aircraft type itself. Choosing between an A350 and 787 is about comfort, cabin feel, and seat layout, not speed.

Which aircraft is better for ultra-long-haul flights (10+ hours)?

For very long flights, many travellers prefer the Airbus A350, as its quieter cabin and wider interior can feel less fatiguing over 10–14 hours. The Boeing 787 excels on long-thin and transatlantic routes, but on ultra-long-haul sectors, the A350 often feels more relaxing.

Should I choose aircraft type over airline when booking?

Ideally, consider both — but if comfort matters, aircraft type should be one of your top checks. A well-configured A350 or 787 can dramatically improve a long flight, especially in economy. That said, seat pitch, service quality, and cabin layout can matter even more than the aircraft itself.

Compare aircraft, airlines, and prices together on Aviasales before booking.

Do both aircraft have better air quality than older planes?

Yes. Both the Airbus A350 and Boeing 787 use advanced air systems that refresh cabin air more frequently and maintain higher humidity levels. This results in less dryness, less fatigue, and a more comfortable long-haul experience compared to older aircraft like early 777s or A330s.