BCAInfoSys From , joined Dec 1969, posts, RR: Posted (9 years 4 months 5 days ago) and read 2146 times:
Alright guys.. here goes: on March 5th, I'm flying a DL MD-90 from SLC to SEA. Then the next day, I'm turning around and flying an AA MD-80 (Super 80) from SEA to ORD on my way to LHR.
I thought that since I'm flying the 2 aircraft on consecutive days, it would give me a chance to compare the 2 and find their differences. What should I be looking for? What external differences? Internal (Cabin) differences?
Once I get back from the UK in March, I'll be sure to give you a trip report. It should be an interesting one as it involves FOUR airlines and at least that many aircraft types!
(DL MD-90: SLC-SEA, AA MD-80: SEA-ORD, AA 777-200: ORD-LHR, RyanAir 737: STN-SXF, EasyJet 737: LGW-Belfast.)
(Note: assume the same airlines and aircraft types in reverse for the return, except for the return on DL SEA-SLC, which will be a 738.)
InnocuousFox From United States of America, joined Dec 2003, 2805 posts, RR: 16 Reply 1, posted (9 years 4 months 4 days 23 hours ago) and read 2104 times:
"What should I be looking for?"
Uh... one is longer than the other.
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InnocuousFox From United States of America, joined Dec 2003, 2805 posts, RR: 16 Reply 3, posted (9 years 4 months 4 days 23 hours ago) and read 2064 times:
Yeah... one of them has more seats than the other. I can't remember which.
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Leskova From Germany, joined Oct 2003, 6075 posts, RR: 73 Reply 4, posted (9 years 4 months 4 days 23 hours ago) and read 2040 times:
A strange difference, at least on SK, was that one has a 2-3 config, while the other has a 3-2 config - and, being the newer one of both, the MD90 has more modern (and quieter) engines.
Other than that, I couldn't tell any difference...
AAR90 From United States of America, joined Jan 2000, 3410 posts, RR: 50 Reply 7, posted (9 years 4 months 4 days 23 hours ago) and read 1968 times:
Internally there is very little difference except what the individual airline(s) chose to install. Externally MD90 differences are: (a) 50% larger engine size, (b) vertical tail extension, (c) two air scoops on fuselage right side [nose gear and wing root] for electrical system cooling. Other than being quieter you probably won't notice much difference.
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FoxBravo From United States of America, joined Nov 2003, 2801 posts, RR: 5 Reply 9, posted (9 years 4 months 4 days 23 hours ago) and read 1942 times:
Some differences you are likely to notice as a passenger: quieter engines, slightly longer, and newer cabin, with drop-down LCD screens.
I had a similar comparison opportunity a few years ago when I flew FUK-KIX on a JAS MD-90, then back on an MD-81 a couple of days later. The -81 sure seemed old and tired!
Learjet25 From United States of America, joined Dec 2003, 79 posts, RR: 1 Reply 11, posted (9 years 4 months 4 days 21 hours ago) and read 1850 times:
Performance wise, keep in mind that you will be on the MD-90 from and elevation of 4,000+ feet and the MD-80 will be departing near sea level. The 90 will probably do just as well from the higher elevation as the -80 from sea level. Keep that in mind when you think about your takeoff run and initial climb.
Deltaffindfw From United States of America, joined Sep 2003, 1383 posts, RR: 1 Reply 12, posted (9 years 4 months 4 days 21 hours ago) and read 1815 times:
The best thing about the DL MD-90 is the IFE - not found on the 80s.
BUFJets From United States of America, joined Jan 2001, 231 posts, RR: 0 Reply 13, posted (9 years 4 months 4 days 20 hours ago) and read 1752 times:
Make note of the leg room difference between the DL MD-90 and the AA MD-80. With AA's MRTC, I expect the leg room to be better. Also, AA has newer seats with adjustable headrests. AA MD-80's are my favorite domestic US aircraft.
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