Designed as a stretched, longer range DC-6, the DC-7 offered  nonstop transcontinental U.S. range in both directions. Operators of the initial DC-7 was limited to U.S. domestic airlines, however, the improved DC-7B had the same dimensions as the DC-7, but carried extra fuel, allowing nonstop trans-Atlantic (New York-London) service.

While the DC-7B could fly New York-London nonstop, weather conditions often forced reverse services to make a refueling stop. This operational hurdle gave Douglas the impetus to develop the DC-7C "Seven Seas;" offering extra fuel capacity, a 10 ft. / 3.05m fuselage stretch and more powerful engines. Although sales were limited by the coming availability of jets, the DC-7C offered true bi-directional trans-Atlantic service.

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