Larger Airplane or Smaller Airplane Which is more comfortable?

Question

I am going to fly and I have a choice of a 26 seater or like about an 80 seater or so What I want to know is which is less taxing on your body specifically your ears popping I know that happens because of chance in altitude and I've learned to help it somewhat prevent it but does it make a difference the size of the plane the altitude at which they fly

Answer 1

Generally people begin feeling some effects of alitutde at around 5000'. Most people have terrible headaches at 13000' (the height of the highest ski resorts in the US.

  Commercial airplanes (big and small) fly higher than that altitude. The small airplane may only fly 13-15 thousand feet, while the larger airplane may fly at 30 thousand feet. Either way the air is way to thin. In both cases air is pumped into the cabin to make it feel like you are at about 8000 feet.

  The advantage of flying at higher altitudes is that you are less prone to run into weather. That's why turborprops are not as popular for commercial airlines because people don't like the bumpy rides. I assume that your 26 seater is a turboprop because I am not aware of any commercial jets that are that small.

  The 80 seat is more than likely a regional jet. They have stopped flying most turboprops that big. It will probably be a much more comfortable flight since it will be faster and fly higher (above most rough weather).

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If you were rich, you would travel around in a Gulfstream G550 ($60 milllion for 14-19 passengers). The cabin could be pressurized to the equivalent to 6000 feet so you would be comfortable. The ceiling height is 51,000 feet so you could fly well above the weather.

Answer 2

When it comes to ear popping they both will do that it doesnt matter how big the plane is, i would say the bigger plane (80 Seater) would be more comfortable just bc you will have flight attendents and snacks ect, also on larger planes you have more room to store things in the above storage, howeverthe smaller planes the faster you get on and off but personally i would go with the bigger plane!!!

Hope you enjoy your trip!

Answer 3

It really all depends on the specific aircraft.  Cabins are pressurized, so you shouldn't have that as an issue.  Sometimes the smaller aircraft will have a lower cruising altitude, but unless they are flying below 10,000 feet that shouldn't be a factor with cabin pressure.  

From a comfort standpoint, I generally tend to prefer Embraer aircraft on regional aircraft because I find they are a bit more comfortable.

From a turbulence standpoint, the smaller aircraft is going to have a bit more reaction to turbulence, but the difference is pretty negligible.  

Safe travels!