The Boeing 737 MAX 8 is TUI Airways' workhorse for European and leisure routes. With a standard 3-3 economy layout, seat selection is critical for comfort on longer flights. Know which seats offer extra legroom and which ones to avoid.
TUI's 737 MAX 8 features economy-only seating in a 3-3 configuration. The best seats are the exit rows (17A/F, 18A/F) for extra legroom, or forward cabin rows 3-5 for proximity to the galley. Avoid rows 11-12 with obstructed windows and rows 31-32 near the galley with no recline.
TUI Airways configures the 737 MAX 8 with all-economy seating in a standard 3-3 layout. The cabin stretches across multiple rows with consistent pitch throughout most of the aircraft. The forward cabin offers proximity to the galley and lavatories, while mid-cabin seats provide a balance between convenience and galley noise. Rear cabin rows are typically quieter but farther from facilities.
Seat | Cabin | Why |
|---|---|---|
17A, 17F, 18A, 18F | Economy | Exit row seats with significantly increased legroom for long-haul comfort |
3D, 3E, 3F | Economy | Forward cabin positioning with extra space and quick access to galley |
4D, 4E, 4F | Economy | Ideal balance of legroom and cabin position without exit row premium |
5D, 5E, 5F | Economy | Forward section with good legroom and minimal galley disruption |
Seat | Cabin | Why |
|---|---|---|
11A, 12A | Economy | Missing or partially obstructed windows affecting natural light and views |
31-32 (all seats) | Economy | Located near galley with no recline capability and increased foot traffic noise |
TUI Airways charges £15 - £25 for standard seat selection (rows 10 - 26), rising to £25 - £40 for extra-legroom exit rows, and £30 - £50 for premium front rows closest to the galley. Given the 737 MAX 8's modest pitch, exit-row seats are genuinely worth the premium if you're over 6 feet tall or flying longer routes; front rows appeal mainly to status-conscious passengers rather than comfort-seekers. Total all-in fares on TUI remain 20 - 30% cheaper than equivalent Ryanair or easyJet bookings even after seat fees, though legacy carriers like British Airways and Lufthansa offer superior pitch and included seat selection on comparable economy fares.
The 737 MAX 8 in TUI's configuration offers 31 inches of pitch in standard rows and 32 - 34 inches in exit rows - borderline adequate for a 5 - 6 hour flight but noticeably tighter than the 32 - 33 inches Ryanair guarantees on similar aircraft. Seat width is a standard 17.2 inches, making the 3-3 cabin feel moderately snug, and the fixed tray table is genuinely shallow: a 13-inch laptop fits only if you angle it slightly or fold the table partially. Slimline seats are absent here, which is a relief, though the padding is notably firmer than on Airbus narrowbodies, and anyone with a wide frame will feel the armrests by hour three.
The TUI 737 MAX 8 has no seatback USB ports or power outlets; you'll find charging only at airport gates and lounges, making a full battery pack essential for flights over four hours. WiFi is available but requires a paid plan (typically £5 for two hours or £15 for a full-day pass) and delivers inconsistent speeds of 2 - 5 Mbps - adequate for messaging but unusable for video or large downloads. Given these limitations, seasoned TUI passengers carry two fully charged power banks and accept that inflight work is best done offline; streaming or video calls should not be attempted.
TUI uses a standard six-tier boarding system prioritizing families with children, then back-to-front zone boarding; rows 1 - 9 deplane fastest as ground crews open the forward door immediately upon arrival. Both forward and rear doors are deployed on longer routes, so rear-cabin passengers gain a two-minute advantage despite boarding last. For tight onward connections, request rows 1 - 5 (front door) when checking in online, as middle and rear seats create bottlenecks; avoid rows 18 - 26 unless you have a 90+ minute layover.
No, TUI Airways operates this aircraft with an all-economy configuration, so all passengers receive the same service level.
While specific measurements aren't detailed, standard 737 MAX 8 economy pitch typically ranges from 31-32 inches, which is average for leisure carriers.
Yes, rows 17-18 are exit rows with significantly more legroom, though they may have restrictions on who can sit there (no infants or reduced mobility passengers).
No, TUI Airways does not offer premium economy on the 737 MAX 8, only standard economy seating.
For westbound European flights, the left side (A/B/C seats) offers sunset views. For eastbound flights, the right side (D/E/F seats) is preferable. Center seats (D/E) offer the best cabin dynamics for sleep.
