737 NG versus MAX. I’ve flown both plenty. Here’s the real difference.
What Changed
Bigger engines. LEAP-1B instead of CFM56. More fuel efficient. Reason for the design changes that caused the problems.
Engine placement moved forward and up. Changed handling characteristics. Required MCAS software. You know that story.
Cockpit
MAX has larger displays. Updated panel. Still recognizable as 737 but modernized.
Common type rating with NG. Pilots transition easily. That was the selling point.
Passenger Differences
Bigger overhead bins on MAX. Pivot design. Fits more bags. Less gate-checking.
Same fuselage otherwise. Seat width identical. Layout determined by airline, not aircraft generation.
Slightly different winglets. Split-tip on MAX. Blended on NG. Marginal efficiency gain.
Fuel Burn
MAX burns maybe 14% less fuel. Matters to airlines a lot. Matters to passengers not at all.
Safety Now
MAX grounding fixed the issues. MCAS redesigned. Additional training. Redundant sensors. It’s fine now.
Statistical safety record since return to service is good. Wouldn’t avoid it based on aircraft type.
Which To Choose
Doesn’t matter. Both are safe. Both are cramped. The airline configuration matters more than NG versus MAX.
Check seatguru for your specific flight. That tells you more than aircraft generation.
