On an airplane vs In an airplane

Both "on an airplane" and "in an airplane" are correct, but they are used in different contexts. "On an airplane" is used when referring to being physically on the airplane, such as sitting in a seat or walking in the aisle. "In an airplane" is used when referring to being inside the airplane, such as inside the cabin or a specific area of the plane.

Last updated: March 23, 2024 • 1671 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English when referring to being physically on the airplane.

"On an airplane"

Use "on an airplane" when referring to being physically on the airplane, such as sitting in a seat or walking in the aisle.

Examples:

I always get nervous when I'm on an airplane during takeoff.
The flight attendant served drinks to the passengers on the airplane.
There is limited space for luggage on an airplane.

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Have you ever wondered what it would be like talk to Parker Posey? On an airplane, with Parker as your seat companion, perhaps? Parker's irreverent, hilarious, ...

Alternatives:

aboard an airplane
inside an airplane

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English when referring to being inside the airplane.

"In an airplane"

Use "in an airplane" when referring to being inside the airplane, such as inside the cabin or a specific area of the plane.

Examples:

The passengers were all seated in the airplane waiting for takeoff.
There is a restroom in the airplane for passengers to use.
The pilot is trained to handle emergencies in an airplane.

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I'm flying around in an airplane.
You always said you'd never set foot in an airplane.
I swear you can get better food in an airplane.
There are no international rules for using a car seat in an airplane.
Not all have been in an airplane.
He got to Europe in an airplane based on principles designed by Daniel Bernoulli in 1738.
Yes, the Bébé Confort Pebble can be used in an airplane.
Sleeping in an airplane, birdhouse or gypsy wagon?
This is my favorite game on airplanes: where you're in an airplane and you look out the window, you see the horizon.
True, but it's hard to comment on what it's like to fly in an airplane if you've never been off the ground.
And if you're like me, you're in an airplane a good portion of your time traveling some place.
You know how when those little yellow masks drop in an airplane, they tell you put on yours first.
First, you're in an airplane, which is scary to begin with... and then it's all filled with snakes.
I'll tell you what, you get me up in an airplane, then we'll talk about forward thrust.
You have your meeting in an airplane hangar?
Like Ray Bradbury, who refuses even to fly in an airplane, and yet writes about travel to Mars, I limit my technophilia to the printed page.
What are the rules for using a car seat in an airplane?
I remember thinking that one day... I would take my mother and my my sisters in an airplane.
The placement of the wings, makes all the difference in an airplane...
Can you imagine yourself back in an airplane flying a mission after what happened?

Alternatives:

inside an airplane
within an airplane

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On an airplane vs In an airplane

"On an airplane"

"In an airplane"

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