TUI Airways operates a fleet of 30 Boeing 737-800 aircraft, each configured with 189 economy seats in a single-class layout. This particular variant, often referred to as the 738-189, serves leisure routes from the UK to destinations across Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East. Understanding the seating plan and cabin configuration can help passengers make informed choices when booking their flights.
The aircraft features a high-density economy-only setup optimized for short to medium-haul holiday travel. With no business or first-class cabins, the entire Boeing 737-800 is designed to maximize passenger capacity while maintaining reasonable comfort standards for leisure travelers. The fleet is powered by CFM56-7B engines, chosen for their efficiency on typical charter routes.
This guide provides a detailed look at the Boeing 738-189 TUI configuration, including the seating layout, best seat recommendations, passenger experiences, and clarifications about common misconceptions regarding this aircraft type.
What is the Seating Plan for Boeing 738-189 TUI?
The Boeing 737-800 operated by TUI Airways features a standard layout of 29-30 rows in a 3-3 abreast configuration, designated as ABC-DEF on each side of the aisle. All 189 seats are economy class with a slimline design specifically engineered for leisure travel efficiency. Each seat offers approximately 28-30 inches (71-76 cm) of pitch, 17 inches (43 cm) of width, and 2-3 inches (5 cm) of recline.
The identical 738-189 configuration is shared across TUI Airways and sister carriers including TUI fly Belgium, Germany, and the Netherlands, according to fleet data from AeroLOPA and SeatMaps.
Key Seat Insights for Passengers
- Rows 1-5 and 17-18 (DEF positions) offer extra legroom at a premium fee
- Front rows provide quicker disembarkation and window views
- Avoid seats near galleys and lavatories where noise and foot traffic increase
- Seat maps use color-coded ratings: green indicates good, yellow signals caution, red advises avoidance
- Tall passengers (6’5″+) report adequate space even in standard seats
- Window seats in row 1 (A, D, F positions) receive consistent praise from travelers
- Row 18 offers comfort despite the wing view, with access to lavatories fore and aft
Boeing 738-189 TUI Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Seats | 189 Economy |
| Cabin Configuration | Single class, 3-3 abreast |
| Seat Pitch | 28-30 inches (71-76 cm) |
| Seat Width | 17 inches (43 cm) |
| Seat Recline | 2-3 inches (5 cm) |
| Engine Type | CFM56-7B |
| Maximum Range | 3,060 miles (4,926 km) |
| Row Layout | 29-30 rows |
What Does the Boeing 738-189 TUI Cabin Look Like Inside?
The interior of the Boeing 737-800 TUI presents a modern, practical cabin designed for leisure travel efficiency. The slimline seats maintain passenger comfort while maximizing the available space for the high-density 189-seat configuration. According to fleet information and passenger accounts, the cabin features in-flight entertainment and a clean, functional aesthetic suited to short and medium-haul routes.
The aircraft is equipped with galley and lavatory facilities positioned throughout the cabin. These amenities are necessary for passenger service but create varying experiences depending on seat location. The seat maps provided by SeatMaps and AeroLOPA clearly indicate proximity to these facilities using color-coded systems to help passengers identify potentially less desirable positions.
Best Seats on the Boeing 738-189 TUI
Passengers seeking enhanced comfort should consider the premium extra-legroom options available on this aircraft. Rows 1-5 in the DEF positions offer approximately 2 inches additional pitch compared to standard seats, along with the advantage of being among the first to disembark upon arrival.
Rows 17-18 provide another extra-legroom option situated behind the emergency exits. While these seats offer generous space, passengers should note that the view may be partially obstructed by the wing. Seatmaestro’s analysis rates these positions highly for legroom despite the trade-off in scenery.
Seats to Approach with Caution
Seats near galleys and lavatories experience higher foot traffic, noise from crew activity, and occasional odors. The color-coded seat maps designate these areas in yellow or red, advising passengers who prioritize a quieter journey to book alternative positions. Rear cabin rows frequently fall into this category.
| Seat Category | Example Rows | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|---|
| Extra Legroom | 1-5 DEF, 17-18 DEF | Additional pitch, quick exit | Premium fee; wing view (rows 17-18) |
| Good Standard | Front rows (1A/D/F) | Quick service, window views | Minimal drawbacks |
| Areas to Avoid | Near galleys/lavatories | None significant | Noise, queues, reduced comfort |
What Are Boeing 738-189 TUI Reviews Like?
Passenger reviews of the Boeing 737-800 TUI consistently highlight several key aspects of the experience. The aircraft receives positive marks for its modern cabin environment and practical seating arrangement. Travelers appreciate the in-flight entertainment options and the professionalism of the crew in ensuring a smooth journey.
Tall passengers, including those standing at 6’5″, have reported adequate space even in standard seats, according to reviews documented on SeatMaestro. This suggests that while the seat pitch is modest, the overall cabin comfort meets the needs of most travelers on short-haul routes.
Specific seat recommendations from passengers include the window positions in row 1, where reviews describe the seating as “decent, near front, good window.” Row 18 also earns praise for its recline capability and convenient access to lavatory facilities positioned both forward and aft of the row.
The Boeing 738-189 TUI delivers a comfortable experience for leisure travelers on flights lasting several hours. The cabin atmosphere is generally regarded as pleasant, though passengers should prepare entertainment for the journey as amenities beyond seating and basic service are limited during short-haul operations.
Common Feedback Themes
- Modern cabin appearance with practical, functional design
- Extra-legroom seats in rows 1-5 and 17-18 provide meaningful comfort upgrades
- Standard seats adequate for most passengers including taller travelers
- Window seats in front rows offer good views and convenient access
- Rows near service areas experience increased noise and foot traffic
- Crew service rated positively across multiple reviews
Is the Boeing 738-189 TUI a Dreamliner or Involved in Crashes?
Confusion sometimes arises regarding the aircraft type operated by TUI Airways. The Boeing 738-189 refers specifically to the Boeing 737-800 variant configured with 189 seats—a twin-engine narrow-body aircraft designed for short to medium-haul routes. This is distinctly different from the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, which is a wide-body aircraft with entirely different capabilities and passenger configurations.
TUI Airways operates exclusively Boeing 737-800 aircraft in this 189-seat configuration. The Dreamliner fleet, if present in the broader TUI Group, operates under different subsidiaries or is designated for entirely separate routes requiring extended range capabilities. The 737-800 maximum range of approximately 3,060 miles (4,926 km) serves the airline’s core European, North African, and Middle Eastern destinations effectively.
Available records and search results show no mention of crashes involving TUI Airways Boeing 737-800 aircraft. The Boeing 737-800 has an extensive operational history across multiple carriers worldwide. Travelers seeking the most current safety information should consult official aviation safety databases.
Fact vs. Misconception
| Claim | Status | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Boeing 738-189 is a Dreamliner | False | This aircraft is a Boeing 737-800 narrow-body, not the wide-body 787 Dreamliner |
| TUI 738-189 involved in crashes | Not supported by available data | No crash records found for TUI Airways Boeing 737-800 aircraft in current search results |
| Boeing 737-800 seats 189 passengers | Confirmed | TUI Airways fleet officially lists 30 aircraft in this specific 7M8 configuration |
| Sister TUI airlines share same config | Confirmed | TUI fly Belgium, Germany, and Netherlands operate identical layouts |
Understanding the TUI Fleet Structure
The TUI Group manages multiple airlines across Europe, each operating specific aircraft types suited to their route networks. TUI Airways, based in the United Kingdom, specializes in charter flights to leisure destinations. The Boeing 737-800 fleet, as documented on TUI’s official fleet page, represents the backbone of these short-haul operations.
This narrow-body aircraft differs significantly from wide-body alternatives in terms of cabin width, seat configuration, and range capabilities. Passengers booking flights with TUI Airways can expect the Boeing 737-800 as the standard equipment for their European and Mediterranean routes.
How Does the Boeing 738-189 Compare to Other Aircraft?
Within the context of TUI Airways’ operations, the Boeing 737-800 serves a specific purpose as the primary narrow-body workhorse for short-haul leisure routes. The aircraft’s 189-seat capacity strikes a balance between passenger volume and route efficiency, making it economically viable for high-frequency holiday flights.
When compared to newer Boeing 737 MAX variants, the 737-800 represents proven, mature technology with extensive operational track records. The CFM56-7B engines powering these aircraft deliver reliable performance for the types of routes TUI Airways operates—typically two to six hours in duration.
Position in the TUI Fleet
- Part of a 150+ aircraft fleet serving holiday destinations
- Primary aircraft for UK departure points across Europe, North Africa, and Middle East
- Complements wider-body aircraft for longer transatlantic routes
- Shares identical configurations across multiple European TUI subsidiaries
What Should Passengers Know Before Flying the Boeing 738-189 TUI?
Travelers should approach the Boeing 737-800 TUI with realistic expectations appropriate for a short-haul leisure aircraft. The 189-seat single-class configuration prioritizes efficiency and passenger volume over premium amenities. Passengers accustomed to long-haul comfort may need to adjust their expectations regarding seat pitch and recline.
Since this is a short-haul aircraft with limited in-flight amenities, passengers are advised to prepare their own entertainment for the journey. Charging cables and personal devices enhance the experience considerably. Booking extra-legroom seats in advance is recommended for those prioritizing comfort, as these options fill quickly.
Checking seat maps before booking allows passengers to identify preferred positions based on their priorities—whether extra legroom, window views, or proximity to exits. The color-coded systems available through SeatMaps and AeroLOPA provide valuable guidance for making informed seat selections.
Those traveling through major UK airports may find useful information in our guide to Heathrow Drop Off Payment – Charges, How to Pay & Exemptions when planning ground transportation to their departure terminal.
Summary
The Boeing 738-189 TUI represents TUI Airways’ core narrow-body aircraft for leisure travel, offering 189 economy seats across a single-class cabin. The aircraft’s 3-3 configuration with approximately 28-30 inches of seat pitch serves short to medium-haul routes effectively. Extra legroom options in rows 1-5 and 17-18 provide meaningful comfort upgrades for passengers willing to pay a premium. The configuration is shared across sister TUI airlines in Belgium, Germany, and the Netherlands, confirming the standardized approach to fleet management.
Passenger reviews indicate adequate comfort for the intended flight durations, with tall travelers particularly appreciating the available space in standard seats. The Boeing 737-800 is not a Dreamliner, and available records show no crash incidents involving TUI Airways’ 737-800 fleet. For travelers planning beach holidays to destinations like those covered in our Beatriz Playa & Spa – Lanzarote Beachfront All-Inclusive Guide, this aircraft type represents the standard transport option from UK departure points.
Frequently Asked Questions
Boeing 738 189 TUI seating plan?
The Boeing 738-189 TUI features 29-30 rows in a 3-3 configuration (ABC-DEF), totaling 189 economy seats. All seats are standard economy with no business or first-class options. The layout includes extra-legroom positions in rows 1-5 and 17-18 DEF.
Boeing 738 189 TUI best seats?
The best seats are rows 1-5 and 17-18 in the DEF positions, offering extra legroom at a premium fee. Window seats in row 1 (A, D, F) receive positive reviews for views and proximity to the front. Avoid seats near galleys and lavatories due to increased noise and foot traffic.
Boeing 738 189 tui crash history?
No crash records involving TUI Airways Boeing 737-800 aircraft appear in available search results. The 737-800 has an extensive safety record across the global aviation industry.
Is the Boeing 738-189 TUI a Dreamliner?
No. The Boeing 738-189 refers to the Boeing 737-800 variant with 189 seats—a narrow-body aircraft. The Dreamliner is the Boeing 787, a wide-body aircraft with different capabilities and configurations that TUI does not operate in this specific variant.
What is the seat pitch on Boeing 738-189 TUI?
Standard seats offer 28-30 inches (71-76 cm) of pitch. Extra-legroom seats in rows 1-5 and 17-18 provide approximately 2 inches additional pitch beyond the standard configuration.
How many passengers does the Boeing 738-189 TUI carry?
The Boeing 737-800 TUI is configured for 189 passengers in a single economy-class cabin, making it one of the higher-density narrow-body configurations in commercial service.
Does TUI fly Belgium use the same 738-189 configuration?
Yes. According to fleet data from multiple sources including SeatMaps, TUI fly Belgium operates an identical 737-800 configuration. The same applies to TUI fly Germany and TUI fly Netherlands.
What engines power the Boeing 738-189 TUI?
The aircraft is powered by CFM56-7B engines, a proven turbofan chosen for its efficiency and reliability on typical charter routes to leisure destinations.
Rebecca Wallace is Managing Editor at MarketUK.uk, running the daily news list, the publishing schedule and article commissioning.