Boeing 757, launched in 1983, is the largest narrow-body aircraft from the manufacturer. In this article, we would discuss some of the defining features of the aircraft and its variants that will help you identify the same in less than 5 seconds.
Note: If you wish to build strong foundations in planespotting, it is advisable to start with this article.
Jumping straight in, here are some of the features that would help you in identifying the Boeing 757 and its variants:
Long and Narrow Fuselage
The 757, as described earlier, is the largest narrow-body aircraft in Boeing’s catalogue. Therefore, the plane can be distinguished by the same – length and narrowness.
High ground clearance
The 757 has long landing gears. This gives it a ‘tall’ stature.
Combining points 1 and 2, the 757 appears as a ‘tall and lean’ aircraft.

Credits: Arpingstone
Note: The 757 is most easily confused with the 767. Check out our guide to spot a 777 in the button below:
The front landing gear
The nose landing gear of the 757 is located a little backwards as compared to other Boeing planes. You will notice that the gear is almost behind the front exit door. This is an important feature that will help you identify the 757 almost instantaneously.

Credits: Arcturus
The nose shape
757’s nose is almost flat at the bottom as compared to the more curved and bulbous ones in other Boeing planes. The 757’s nose shape is sometimes referred to as the ‘Dolphin’ nose.

Credits: Juergen Lehle
Identifying the Variants
Once you have identified the aircraft in front of you as a 757, it is time identify the variant. The two major variants of the 757 are -200 and -300.
Defining features of 757-200:
The 757-200 has 3 main fuselage doors with
- one emergency exit just behind the wings; or
- two over-wing exits

Credits: Arpingstone

Credits: Christopher T Cooper
Defining features of 757-300:
The 757-300 has 4 main fuselage doors with 2 over-wing exits.

Credits: MilborneOne
Thus if you look at a 757 and it has 4 or 5 doors, it is a 757-200 and if it has 6 doors, it is a 757-300.
If you like the article, feel free to share it with fellow aviation enthusiasts. Your support in the form of likes and shares keeps us going. Follow the blog by providing your email address at the bottom of this page.
Cover image credits: Adrian Pingstone
Penulisan artiel ini jelas memberikan informasi yang bermanfaat
gan. Terutama membuat saya menjadi termotivasi unguk mencari info seperti itu.