onboard the plane

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'onboard the plane' is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it when describing someone boarding a plane, or when describing an action that takes place on a plane. Example sentence: We conducted research onboard the plane while in flight.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

The system onboard the plane that can communicate with the satellite is called ACARS, for Aircraft Communications Addressing and Reporting System.

The Washington Post

Most of the time, passengers make it onboard the plane, take their seats and fortunately realize they're on the wrong flight before it ever takes off.

Huffington Post

Here's hoping all airlines eventually offer flights similar to JetBlue's "FlyBabies" promotion, in which passengers were awarded discounted airfares the more babies cried onboard the plane.

HuffPost

Officials did not say what type of cargo was onboard the plane.

The New York Times

Two apparently showed signs of charring, raising the possibility there was a fire onboard the plane before it crashed.

The Guardian

And you can buy liquids such as drinks and perfumes at an airport shop beyond security, which must be carried unopened onboard the plane in a sealed bag.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

Russia has denied that weapons were onboard, saying the plane was instead carrying electronic components for a radar station and did not violate any international agreements.

The New York Times

No one on the ground was hurt, but people near the crash site, in Shirley, N.Y., rushed to help those trapped onboard as the plane burned, the police said.

The New York Times

Whatever onboard systems the plane may have automatically reported on after losing contact with ground control, the plane did not transmit data on the status of its engines after contact with ground control was lost, the Associated Press quotes an unnamed "US official" as saying.

The Guardian

When an American Airlines jet set to leave Chicago sat on the runway for almost three hours, a Wall Street analyst onboard demanded the plane return to the gate to let him off.

Forbes

All but two onboard the planes perished, as did a woman on the ground.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing activities or conditions during a flight, use "onboard the plane" to clearly indicate the location. For example, "Passengers are required to remain seated while onboard the plane during takeoff and landing."

Common error

Avoid using "aboard the plane" interchangeably with "onboard the plane" in all contexts. While similar, "onboard" often refers to systems or features within the plane, whereas "aboard" typically describes people or cargo. For example, it's more appropriate to say "the plane's onboard Wi-Fi" rather than "the plane's aboard Wi-Fi".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "onboard the plane" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a noun or verb by indicating a location or state of being within an aircraft. It is frequently used to describe where actions occur or where systems/personnel are situated. This usage is supported by the numerous examples in Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "onboard the plane" is a common and grammatically correct prepositional phrase used to specify the location of people, objects, or systems within an aircraft. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used in various contexts, particularly in news and media. While similar phrases exist, like "aboard the aircraft", "onboard the plane" provides a clear and straightforward way to convey information about the location or operation of something within an airplane. Remember to use "onboard" for systems, personnel, features that are inside the plane, while "aboard" indicates people and cargo that are inside the plane.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

aboard the aircraft

Replaces "onboard" with "aboard" and "plane" with "aircraft", slightly more formal.

within the plane

Focuses on the interior location of the plane.

inside the plane

Emphasizes the physical interior of the plane.

within the aircraft

A more formal way to refer to being inside a plane.

inside the aircraft

A more formal way to refer to being in a plane.

on the aircraft

Uses "aircraft" instead of "plane" for a more formal tone.

in the airplane

Uses "airplane" instead of "plane", a slight variation in terminology.

traveling by plane

Shifts focus to the act of traveling via plane rather than the specific location.

during the flight

Changes the context to the duration of the flight rather than the location.

inside the cabin

Specifies the passenger area within the plane.

FAQs

How can I use "onboard the plane" in a sentence?

You can use "onboard the plane" to describe activities, systems, or personnel located within an aircraft. For example, "The flight attendants provided excellent service onboard the plane." or "The entertainment system onboard the plane was state of the art."

Is there a difference between "onboard the plane" and "aboard the plane"?

While similar, "onboard" often refers to systems or features within the plane, whereas "aboard" typically refers to people or cargo. Both are generally acceptable, but "onboard" might be more precise when discussing internal systems. For example, “the plane’s onboard computer” versus “passengers are aboard the plane”.

What phrases are similar to "onboard the plane"?

Alternatives include "within the plane", "inside the plane", or "on the aircraft". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is "onboard the plane" formal or informal?

"Onboard the plane" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more formal alternatives like "on the aircraft" exist for highly professional communications.