take or catch a plane?

[AquaMarine]

Dear Alan,

Is there any differences between 'catch a plane' and 'take a plane' in meaning or grammar?

Thanks in advance,
AquaMarine

[Tofu]

- catch a plane
- take a plane
The first implies a specific plane (American Flight 1061) or a specific hour (Flight #10 at 6:30 pm to O'Hare), but the second is much more wide open or unspecified.

[AquaMarine]

Tofu you are really into English ;)
Thankssssssss

[Mordant]

I don't agree with the presented distinction. In most cases, they are interchangeable.

The only difference I can think of is that you're less likely to say you're "catching" a flight once you're on board.

Passenger A: I love this plane. It's so spacious.
Passenger B: I am glad I am taking it. (Although "caught" would sound fine.)

[Tofu]

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http://www.oxfordadvancedlearnersdictionary.com/dictionary/catch
catch something
to be in time for a bus, train, plane, etc. and get on it
- We caught the 12.15 from Oxford.
- I must go—I have a train to catch.
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Isn't the red part an important point?

[Mordant]

"To be in time for" is a bit narrow.

This is extremely common and acceptable:

Person A: How are you getting back to Detroit?
Person B: I don't know. I might catch a plane.

Inserting "be in time for" doesn't capture that use well. Further, it's clear no specific plane is in mind.

[Tofu]

Thank you, Mordant.