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It doesn't happen on something like an A380 (especially since there isn't exactly any other plane type to switch to from an A380 without huge issues), but it's

It doesn't happen on something like an A380 (especially since there isn't exactly any other plane type to switch to from an A380 without huge issues), but it's pretty common on smaller jets, especially in the A320 family or 737 family where they are nearly-identically-sized jets that can be swapped out easily. If you're scheduled to fly on a 737-800 but there's a problem with the jet, they might swap it out for a 737-400 (which is pretty much just an older generation of the -800, similar to how the -800 is an older generation of the MAX 8) and it would go completely unnoticed by almost every passenger. That happens less often nowadays that most (all?) of the -400s are retired, but I would expect it to start happening again once the MAXs return to service and they are being deployed side-by-side with the NGs.

kiwijamo 6y ago
Yep. I've booked several flights originally scheduled to be operated by a 737-300 or a 737-400 and had it swapped out for the other on the day (as the airline operated a mixed fleet with both types regularly swapped around to better match demand and/or respond to maintenance issues). Also had a 757 swapped out for a 320 a few weeks prior to the flight. Or a 777-300 swapped out for a 777-200 several days before the flight. Even a 787 was swapped out for a 330. I suspect some of the changes are demand driven e.g. swapping to a smaller or bigger aircraft. I have observed this cross multiple airlines: Qantas, Air NZ, British Airways, China Southernm etc. Quite common especially for mixed fleet airlines.