Best Seats on a Boeing 737 MAX 8: Your Ultimate Guide to a Comfortable Flight

Choosing the right seat on a Boeing 737 MAX 8 can transform your flying experience from merely tolerable to genuinely enjoyable. As airlines continue to add this modern aircraft to their fleets, understanding its unique cabin layout and identifying the premium spots becomes increasingly valuable.

This comprehensive guide will help you navigate the seating options, highlighting the best choices for legroom, quick deplaning, noise reduction, and overall comfort.

Boeing 737 MAX 8 Cabin Layout and Configuration

The Boeing 737 MAX 8 typically features a three-class configuration with First Class, Economy Plus (or Premium Economy), and Standard Economy. The aircraft accommodates between 166-175 passengers depending on the airline’s specific configuration. With a single aisle design, the cabin is arranged in a 3-3 seating pattern in economy and a 2-2 layout in first class.

Most airlines configure their 737 MAX 8 aircraft with 16 first class seats, 48-54 premium economy seats, and 96-102 standard economy seats. The cabin features modern amenities including larger overhead bins, improved lighting, and in many cases, seat-back entertainment screens throughout all classes.

Breakdown of Seating Classes

First Class

First Class on the 737 MAX 8 offers the premium experience with:

• 16 seats in a 2-2 configuration
• 37-38 inches of pitch (legroom)
• 20-21 inches of seat width
• 5-6 inches of recline
• Enhanced meal service
• Priority boarding and deplaning
• Dedicated overhead bin space

Economy Plus

Economy Plus (or Premium Economy) provides enhanced comfort with:

• 48-54 seats in a 3-3 configuration
• 33-34 inches of pitch
• 17.8 inches of seat width
• 3-4 inches of recline
• Additional legroom
• Often located at exit rows
• Earlier boarding than standard economy

Standard Economy

Standard Economy offers basic comfort with:

• 96-102 seats in a 3-3 configuration
• 30-31 inches of pitch
• 16.6-17.8 inches of seat width
• 2-3 inches of recline
• Access to entertainment systems
• Standard boarding process
• Shared overhead bin space

Best Seats for Legroom and Comfort

If legroom is your top priority, these seats offer the most space to stretch out:

Exit Row Seats (Rows 16-21)

Exit row seats, particularly 16A and 16F, are the crown jewels for legroom enthusiasts. These window seats have no seat directly in front, providing an extraordinary amount of space to stretch your legs. The remaining seats in row 16 also offer substantial extra legroom compared to standard economy.

Bulkhead Seats (Row 1 in First Class, Row 7 in Economy)

Bulkhead seats provide extra legroom since there’s a wall rather than seats in front of you. In first class, row 1 offers excellent legroom, though the fixed screens in the bulkhead wall may require some neck adjustment. In economy, row 7 provides additional space, though armrests are typically immovable and tray tables are stored in the armrests.

Row 2-3 in First Class

While row 1 in first class offers good legroom, many frequent flyers prefer rows 2-3. These rows provide the perfect balance of legroom, comfortable screen viewing angles, and a bit more distance from the galley and lavatories.

Best Seats for Quick Deplaning

If you’re tight on time or have a connecting flight, these seats will help you exit the aircraft quickly:

First Class (Rows 1-4)

Sitting in first class automatically puts you at the front of the plane, allowing you to be among the first passengers to deplane. Row 1 is particularly advantageous as you’ll be closest to the door.

Economy Aisle Seats (Rows 5-10)

If first class isn’t an option, aim for an aisle seat in the first few rows of economy. These positions allow you to stand up and exit quickly without waiting for other passengers to gather their belongings and clear the aisle.

Best Seats for Families with Children

Traveling with children requires strategic seat selection to ensure a comfortable journey for everyone:

Middle of the Aircraft (Rows 15-20)

The middle section of the aircraft offers a good balance of convenience. You’re not too far from the lavatories, yet not so close that noise and foot traffic become disruptive. This area also tends to experience less turbulence than the rear of the plane.

Consider Booking a Full Row

For families with 3-6 members, booking an entire row or adjacent rows provides privacy and prevents your children from disturbing other passengers. The 3-3 configuration of the 737 MAX 8 works well for families of three or multiples of three.

Avoid Bulkhead for Infants

While bulkhead seats offer extra legroom, they’re not ideal for families with infants. The fixed armrests can’t be raised, making it difficult to lay a child across multiple seats. Additionally, all your essentials must be stored in overhead bins during takeoff and landing.

Best Seats for Working During Flight

For business travelers needing to stay productive in the air, these seats offer the best environment:

First Class (Rows 2-3)

First class provides the most space and comfort for working, with wider seats, more legroom, and dedicated power outlets. Rows 2-3 are preferable to row 1 as they have traditional tray tables that provide more stable surfaces for laptops.

Economy Plus Window Seats

If first class isn’t available, window seats in Economy Plus offer a good alternative. You’ll have a wall to lean against, won’t be disturbed by passengers needing to access the aisle, and still have enough legroom to work comfortably. Look for seats with power outlets, which are typically available throughout the 737 MAX 8.

Avoid Middle Seats and Last Rows

Middle seats provide limited elbow room, making typing difficult. The last rows (near rows 30-38 depending on configuration) should also be avoided as they’re close to lavatories and galleys, creating distracting noise and foot traffic.

Best Seats for Avoiding Engine Noise

Engine noise can significantly impact your flight experience. Here’s where to sit for a quieter journey:

Forward of the Wings (Rows 1-10)

Seats located ahead of the wings experience noticeably less engine noise. The further forward you sit, the quieter your flight will be. First class and the first few rows of economy provide the most peaceful environment.

Avoid Wing-Adjacent Seats (Rows 11-20)

The Boeing 737 MAX 8’s engines are mounted under the wings, making seats directly adjacent to the wings the loudest on the aircraft. While the MAX 8’s engines are designed to be quieter than previous generations, you’ll still experience more noise in these sections.

Best Seats for Window Views

For aviation enthusiasts and photographers, certain window seats offer superior viewing experiences:

Forward Window Seats (Rows 5-9)

These seats provide unobstructed views without the wing in your frame. They’re ideal for takeoff and landing photography and for enjoying cityscape or landscape views during the flight.

Wing View Seats (Rows 16-20)

Some travelers prefer seeing the wing in their photos as it provides scale and context. Window seats in rows 16-20 offer excellent wing views, including the opportunity to observe the flaps and control surfaces in action during takeoff and landing.

Avoid Misaligned Windows

On the Boeing 737 MAX 8, certain seats have misaligned or missing windows. Specifically avoid seats 9A, 10F, and row 11 if window views are important to you. These seats may require you to lean forward or backward to see out properly, or may have no window at all.

Seats to Avoid on the Boeing 737 MAX 8

While the 737 MAX 8 offers many great seating options, certain seats should be avoided if possible:

Last Row (Row 30-38 depending on configuration)

The last row of the aircraft suffers from multiple disadvantages: no recline, proximity to lavatories and galleys creating noise and odors, and being last for meal service. You’ll also be the last to deplane, potentially adding significant time to your journey.

Seats in Front of Exit Rows (Row 15)

These seats typically have limited or no recline to ensure the exit path remains clear in emergencies. While you might enjoy not having someone recline into your space if you’re in the exit row, being in row 15 means you’ll be stuck in an upright position for the entire flight.

Middle Seats in Standard Economy

With a width of only 16.6-17.8 inches, middle seats in standard economy can feel particularly cramped. You’ll have passengers on both sides and no direct access to the aisle, creating a potentially uncomfortable experience, especially on longer flights.

Airline Configuration Comparison

Different airlines configure their Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft to suit their business models and customer bases:

United Airlines

United’s 737 MAX 8 features 16 first class seats, 54 Economy Plus seats, and 96 standard economy seats. All seats come with power outlets and USB ports. United’s configuration is notable for its generous Economy Plus section, comprising nearly a third of all seats.

American Airlines

American configures their 737 MAX 8 with 16 first class seats, 30 Main Cabin Extra seats (their version of Economy Plus), and 126 standard economy seats. Their first class offers 37-inch pitch, while Main Cabin Extra provides 33 inches.

Southwest Airlines

Southwest operates an all-economy configuration with 175 seats. While they don’t offer a separate premium cabin, their seats provide a consistent 32-33 inches of pitch throughout the aircraft, which is more generous than the standard economy sections of many other airlines.

Tips for Selecting and Securing the Best Seats

Follow these strategies to increase your chances of securing your preferred seats:

Book Early

The most desirable seats are often claimed quickly. Booking your flight early and selecting seats immediately during the reservation process gives you the best options, particularly for exit rows and bulkhead seats.

Join Loyalty Programs

Airlines typically offer preferred or complimentary seat selection to their frequent flyers. Even basic membership in an airline’s loyalty program can provide earlier access to seat selection than non-members receive.

Check In Exactly 24 Hours Before Departure

If you haven’t pre-selected seats or want to change your selection, checking in precisely when the check-in window opens (typically 24 hours before departure) can give you access to seats that were previously blocked or reserved.

Use SeatGuru or Similar Tools

Before selecting your seat, consult specialized tools like SeatGuru that provide detailed information about specific seats on your exact aircraft, including potential issues like limited recline or misaligned windows.

Consider Paying for Premium Seats

If comfort is a priority, especially on longer flights, the additional cost for Economy Plus or exit row seats can be well worth the investment. These seats typically cost $30-$100 extra depending on the route length.

Final Recommendations

After thoroughly analyzing the Boeing 737 MAX 8 seating options, here are our top recommendations:

Best Overall Seats

First Class Rows 2-3: These seats offer the perfect balance of comfort, service, and convenience without the drawbacks of bulkhead seats.

Best Economy Seats

Exit Row Seats 16A and 16F: These window seats provide extraordinary legroom with no seat in front, making them comparable to premium cabins in terms of space.

Best Value Seats

Economy Plus Rows 8-10: These seats offer enhanced comfort at a lower price point than first class, while still being far enough forward for quick deplaning.

Remember that your ideal seat depends on your personal priorities—whether that’s legroom, window views, minimal noise, or quick deplaning. By applying the insights from this guide to your specific needs, you can significantly enhance your flying experience on the Boeing 737 MAX 8.