How can I tell an Airbus from a Boeing plane just by looking at them at the gate?

Here are three tell-tale signs that will help you know an Airbus from a Boeing. First, look at the wing tips. If they have a “shark” – a distinctive cross-piece that goes both above and below the wing – you are looking at an Airbus. Second, look at the nose. An Airbus nose is more rounded than a Boeing nose. Lastly, look at the pilot’s side window. On a Boeing the bottom edge angles up giving the side windows a distinctive angled shape that is noticeably different from Airbus’ squared off window.