Why Some Planes Have Winglets While Others Don’t

The Real Job of Winglets 

Winglets tame the naughty little whirlwinds at the wingtip that love stealing fuel efficiency. By calming them down, the aircraft flies smoother and burns less fuel.

Why Some Planes Need Them 

Long-haul aircraft benefit the most — their long routes mean fuel savings add up fast. Winglets turn hours of flying into a more efficient, calmer ride.

Why Some Planes Don’t Bother 

Short routes hardly feel the advantage. Winglets add weight and cost, so some airlines skip them when the benefit doesn’t “pay back.”

Some Wings Are Already Perfect 

New jets like the Airbus A350 use naturally optimized wing shapes. Their wings are so good, they don’t even need extra tips — they already do the job smoothly.

A Little Style Doesn’t Hurt 

Airlines love winglets for branding. They make aircraft look modern, sharp, and aerodynamic — almost like heels that complete the outfit