727
Midrange commercial jet
Entered service: 1964
Number of engines: 3
Floor space: 1,000 square feet
Cruising speed: 570 mph
Range: 3,100 miles
Cabin width: 11.5 feet
Fuel burned per hour: 1,800 gallons

737*
Short-range, small-capacity jet
Entered service: 1968
Number of engines: 2
Floor space: 885 square feet
Cruising speed: 570 mph
Range: 2,000 miles
Cabin width: 11.5 feet
Fuel burned per hour: 800 gallons

747
Long-range, wide-body, double-decker jet
Entered service: 1970
Number of engines: 4
Floor space: 4,240 square feet
Cruising speed: 555 mph
Range: 7,670 miles
Cabin width: 20 feet
Fuel burned per hour: 2,860 gallons

757
Relatively quiet, fuel-efficient, twin-engine jet
Entered service: 1982
Number of engines: 2
Floor space: 1,000 square feet
Cruising speed: 475 mph
Range: 4,500 miles
Cabin width: 11.5 feet
Fuel burned per hour: 1,050 gallons

767
Relatively quiet, fuel-efficient, twin-engine jet
Entered service: 1982
Number of engines: 2
Floor space: 2,080 square feet
Cruising speed: 530 mph
Range: 5,650 miles
Cabin width: 15.5 feet
Fuel burned per hour: 1,450 gallons

777
Wide-body; smaller than the 747
Entered service: 1995
Number of engines: 2
Floor space: 2,900 square feet
Cruising speed: 550 mph
Range: 5,210 to 9,420 miles
Cabin width: 19 feet
Fuel burned per hour: 2,100 gallons

* The Boeing Business Jet (BBJ) is a converted 737 with a larger wing that allows more agility for getting in and out of smaller airports. Note: Specifications are approximate, based on attributes at time of entry into service. Fuel burn varies depending on weight, altitude, mission length and speed. 

Michelle Seaton is a pilot and a regular contributor to Worth.

Additional Information
 Soaring Expenses
 Does Size Matter?