flying on the same plane

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "flying on the same plane" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used metaphorically to indicate that two or more people share the same understanding or perspective on a topic. Example: "During the meeting, it was clear that we were all flying on the same plane regarding the project's goals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Fancy flying on the same plane as 839 other people?

The Guardian - Travel

I usually assume that when I check in, my suitcases and I are flying on the same plane.

The New York Times

He rarely conducts small talk or engages in conversations with the journalists covering his campaign, and only this week started flying on the same plane as reporters.

The New York Times

Not coincidentally though, the invitation was extended the same day Hillary Clinton started flying on the same plane as her press corps, something presidential candidates have traditionally done for six months before the election.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

(Windsor-style, the members of this clandestine lodge are apparently forbidden to fly on the same plane). The main product, No. 1 Cup, is based on gin and includes quinine, citrus and spices – the rest is sugary darkness.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The government and rebel delegations flew on the same plane from Colombo, the Sri Lankan capital, to the peace talks, and Mr. Prabhakaran's chief negotiator, Anton Balasingham, told reporters en route that Mr. Prabhakaran was "determined" to pursue peace, Sri Lanka's Daily News reported.

The New York Times

Coca-Cola is so secretive about their drink's formula that only two living executives know the recipe, and they never fly on the same plane.

HuffPost

(A quick google search has revealed stories of passengers on direct flights who missed the second segment of their "direct" flight because the first segment was delayed, presenting a situation where two planes flying on the same flight number were in the air simultaneously).

Huffington Post

A school district in Northeast Ohio closed a middle school and an elementary school because an employee had flown on the same Frontier Airlines plane on which Ebola-stricken health-care worker Amber Vinson had flown.

The Washington Post

Mr. Yevloyev happened to fly into Nazran on the same plane as the former president, Murat Zyazikov.

The New York Times

Nowak flew into Harare on the same plane as the ministers, but while they were given an official welcome, he and his team were taken to one side and informed that despite having visas their entry had not been cleared by the minister of foreign affairs.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure that the context makes it clear you're using the phrase metaphorically, rather than literally discussing air travel, for maximum impact.

Common error

Avoid using "flying on the same plane" in contexts where it could be misinterpreted as a literal statement about air travel. Clarify your intention through context or rephrase to prevent confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "flying on the same plane" functions as an idiomatic expression, often used metaphorically. Ludwig shows it primarily serves to indicate a shared understanding, perspective, or experience between individuals or groups.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "flying on the same plane" is a grammatically sound and commonly used idiom that primarily signifies a shared understanding or experience. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms its suitability for various contexts, particularly in News & Media. When using this phrase, consider the potential for misinterpretation and ensure the context clarifies its metaphorical intent. Alternative phrases like "on the same wavelength" or "in agreement" can be used for greater formality or clarity. Overall, it's a valuable tool for conveying alignment and shared perspectives in writing and speech.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on the same wavelength

Indicates a shared understanding or agreement, focusing on mental alignment rather than physical proximity.

in agreement

Directly expresses consensus or accord on a specific matter.

sharing the same perspective

Highlights the commonality in viewpoints or opinions.

thinking alike

Emphasizes the similarity in thought processes or reasoning.

having a common understanding

Focuses on a shared grasp of a particular subject or situation.

being in sync

Suggests a harmonious or coordinated state of mind.

seeing eye to eye

Indicates complete agreement or alignment on a specific issue.

operating in parallel

Describes situations where actions or processes occur simultaneously and similarly.

experiencing the same thing

Highlights a shared occurrence or event.

traveling together

Focuses on the shared journey or progress towards a common goal.

FAQs

What does it mean to say people are "flying on the same plane"?

It means they share a common understanding, perspective, or experience. It's a metaphor for being in agreement or on the same wavelength.

Which is a more formal alternative to "flying on the same plane"?

More formal alternatives include phrases like "in agreement" or "having a common understanding".

How can I use "flying on the same plane" in a sentence?

Example: "It was clear during the negotiations that both parties were "flying on the same plane" regarding the key objectives."

Is "flying on the same plane" an idiom?

Yes, it functions as an idiom when used metaphorically to describe a shared understanding or agreement, rather than literal air travel.