"in the plane" vs "on plane"

Question

"in the plane" vs "on plane"

Both "in the plane" and "on the plane" are correct, but they are used in different contexts. "In the plane" is used when referring to being inside the aircraft, while "on the plane" is used when talking about being on the surface of the aircraft.

Last Updated: March 31, 2024

Use "in the plane" when you want to indicate that someone or something is inside the aircraft.

Examples:

The passengers were all in the plane waiting for takeoff.
There is limited space in the plane for carry-on luggage.
The children were excited to be in the plane for the first time.
She felt a bit claustrophobic in the plane during the long flight.
The flight attendants served drinks and snacks to the passengers in the plane.

Alternatives:

inside the plane
within the plane
onboard the plane
aboard the plane
inside the aircraft

Use "on plane" when you want to indicate that someone or something is on the surface of the aircraft.

Examples:

The mechanic was working on the plane's engine.
There was a strange noise coming from the wing on the plane.
The pilot did a walk-around inspection on the plane before takeoff.
The luggage was loaded on the plane before the passengers boarded.
The crew members were standing on the plane's stairs to greet the passengers.

Alternatives:

on the aircraft
on the airplane
on the jet
on the flying machine
on the flying vehicle

Answer 1

in the plane

This phrase is correct and commonly used when referring to being inside the aircraft.

Answer 2

on plane

This phrase is correct and commonly used when referring to being on the surface of the aircraft.

"in the plane" vs "on plane"

in the plane

on plane

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