Boeing 738-189 TUI – Complete Seating Guide and Passenger Tips
What Is the Seating Plan for the TUI Boeing 738-189?
Travellers flying with TUI Airways often encounter the aircraft code “738-189” when booking their flights. This designation refers to a specific configuration of the Boeing 737-800 – a workhorse of the airline’s short- and medium-haul network. Understanding the seating layout, available amenities, and safety record of this aircraft can help passengers prepare better, whether they are travelling with family or alone.
The “738-189” is not an official TUI cabin name but is best interpreted as a Boeing 737-800 configured with 189 seats in a single-class economy layout. TUI operates 30 such aircraft, according to the airline’s official fleet page.
Boeing 738-189 TUI at a Glance
| Aircraft Type | Boeing 737-800 | Configuration | Single-class economy, 189 seats |
|---|---|---|---|
| Operator | TUI Airways | Seat Pitch | Typically 28-30 inches (check specific aircraft) |
| Inflight Entertainment | Streaming to personal devices (on select 738-189 aircraft); no seatback screens | Power Outlets | USB power on most newer retrofits |
| Safety Record | No fatal accidents attributed to TUI’s 738-189 fleet as of 2025; standard 737-800 safety history | Common Routes | Short/medium-haul European leisure destinations |
Key Insights for Passengers
- The TUI Boeing 738-189 is a high-density (189 seats) variant of the 737-800 used primarily for European package holidays.
- Seat selection is critical: some rows offer more legroom (exit rows, bulkhead), while others have limited recline or missing windows.
- Passengers often report that blankets and pillows are not provided unless requested (or available for purchase); BYO for children is recommended.
- In-flight entertainment relies on personal device streaming via the TUI app; older 738-189 frames may lack this feature.
- Despite the phrase “738-189 crash” being a frequent query, no fatal accidents have been recorded for TUI’s specific 738-189 fleet. The aircraft type (737-800) is one of the safest in commercial aviation.
Snapshot Facts
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Aircraft family | Boeing 737-800 |
| Operator | TUI Airways (UK) |
| Total seats | 189 – all economy class |
| Seat width | Approx. 17 inches (standard 737-800) |
| Seat pitch | 28-30 inches (varies by row) |
| Wing span | 117 ft 5 in (35.8 m) |
| Year introduced to TUI fleet | 1998 onward (multiple frames) |
| Next-generation variant | Boeing 737-8 (MAX) also operated by TUI, but not designated 738-189 |
What Onboard Amenities Does the TUI 738-189 Offer?
Does It Have Seatback Screens and WiFi?
Most TUI 738-189 aircraft do not have built-in seatback screens. On select newer frames, streaming to personal devices is available via the TUI app. TUI’s own inflight entertainment page refers to “streaming and connectivity-ready Boeing 737-8 aircraft” – the 737-8 is the MAX variant, not the older 738-189. Therefore, travellers should not assume streaming will work on every flight.
Are Pillows and Blankets Provided?
Generally not provided unless offered on longer flights. For children, bringing your own is recommended, as confirmed by passenger discussions on social media and review sites.
What Is the Inflight Entertainment Like?
Third-party seat data for TUI 737-800s emphasises a basic leisure configuration. TUI’s official page does not confirm built-in seatback entertainment for the 737-800 specifically. The best preparation is to load your own entertainment on personal devices before boarding.
What Do Passengers Say in Reviews?
Reviews on platforms like SeatMaps.com highlight that legroom is average and that exit rows offer extra space. Some travellers complain about inconsistent power availability. The overall feedback points to an aircraft designed for short hauls rather than luxury.
Bring your own tablets, headphones, and snacks. Since streaming and power are not guaranteed on every 738-189 frame, being self-sufficient ensures a smoother flight, especially with children.
Has the TUI Boeing 738-189 Ever Been in a Crash?
Is It a 737-800 or a 737 MAX?
The 738-189 is a Boeing 737-800 (Next Generation), not a 737 MAX. This is an important distinction. The 737-800 has an excellent safety record worldwide, with a fatal accident rate of 0.12 per million flights according to the Aviation Safety Network. TUI also operates the 737 MAX, but that is a different aircraft with a different designation.
How Many Seats Does It Have?
189 seats, all in a single economy cabin. TUI’s official fleet page confirms that its 30 Boeing 737-800s seat up to 189 passengers.
What About Specific Incidents?
No fatal accidents have been recorded for TUI’s own 738-189 fleet. The only safety-related note in passenger reviews concerns exit-row suitability – some seats near exit rows may require passengers to assist in an emergency. This is a standard regulation, not a defect. AirlineRatings.com gives TUI a strong safety assessment.
Many passengers search “Boeing 738-189 crash” due to general aviation anxiety after high-profile MAX incidents. The 738-189 is a 737-800 – a different, proven airframe with no fatal accidents in TUI’s operation.
Which TUI Routes and How to Identify the 738-189?
Which Routes Use the 738-189?
TUI does not publish a static list of routes served by the 738-189. However, these aircraft are used on many short- and medium-haul European leisure routes from UK airports – popular destinations include Spain, Greece, Turkey, and Portugal. The 738-189 is also occasionally deployed on longer flights within Europe.
How to Know You Are on a 738-189
During the booking process on TUI’s website, the aircraft type is often displayed as “Boeing 737-800” or “738”. You can also check your booking confirmation email for the aircraft code. The TUI Airways Fleet Overview confirms the seat count and configuration.
Amenities such as USB power and streaming vary by aircraft. Even within the 738-189 fleet, older frames may lack these features. Contact TUI or check your booking for the specific tail number if exact amenities matter to you.
Key Events in the History of the TUI 738-189
- 1998-2005 – TUI (formerly Thomson Airways) begins taking delivery of Boeing 737-800 aircraft in 189-seat configuration.
- 2008 – TUI rebrands as Thomson Airways; fleet includes 738-189 for high-density charter routes.
- 2017 – TUI Airways begins introducing Boeing 737-8 (MAX) aircraft, but continues to operate 738-189 frames.
- 2020 – TUI retrofits some 738-189 with new interior and streaming entertainment; plan to phase out older frames by 2028.
- 2024 – TUI operates 30 Boeing 737-800s (many in 189-seat config) as of fleet update.
What Is Known and What Remains Unclear About the TUI 738-189?
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear or Variable |
|---|---|
| The designation refers to a Boeing 737-800 with 189 seats in all-economy layout, operated by TUI Airways. | Whether a specific 738-189 frame has seatback screens or only streaming entertainment – TUI’s own page is ambiguous. |
| TUI operates 30 such aircraft (official fleet page). | Exact seat pitch and legroom vary by row and retrofitting status; not officially published per tail number. |
| Seat maps from third-party sources show the standard 189-seat layout (e.g., SeatMaps.com). | Availability of pillows and blankets is not guaranteed; depends on flight duration and crew discretion. |
| No fatal accidents involving TUI’s 738-189 fleet. | Which exact routes are served by the 738-189 vs. 787 or 737 MAX is not publicly listed by TUI. |
How Does the TUI 738-189 Fit Into the Airline’s Fleet?
The Boeing 738-189 is a workhorse for short- and medium-haul leisure flights from UK airports to European holiday destinations. It is a standard 737-800 packed with 189 seats – a high-density variant. The aircraft is used extensively on package holiday routes where filling capacity matters more than onboard luxury.
TUI’s fleet also includes larger Boeing 787 Dreamliners for long-haul flights and newer 737-8 (MAX) aircraft for efficiency. The older 738-189 frames are gradually being phased out, with TUI planning to retire them by 2028. Boeing’s official technical data confirms the 737-800’s capabilities and global safety record.
Passengers searching for seating plans or “crash” history often confuse the 738-189 with the 737 MAX, but the two are distinct. The 738-189 has a proven track record and remains a core part of TUI’s short-haul operation.
What Do Official Sources Say?
“A total of 30 Boeing 737-800s feature in the TUI Airways fleet. These smaller aircraft are made up of a single economy cabin and can seat up to 189 passengers.”
TUI Airways – Our Fleet (tui.co.uk)
“On the Boeing 737-800 family, TUI Airways’s economy class offers a blend of comfort and efficiency. With 189 seats, passengers are treated to a modern cabin.”
SeatMaps.com – TUI Airways Boeing 737-800
“If you’re lucky enough to travel onboard one of our streaming and connectivity-ready Boeing 737-8 aircrafts, then most devices will connect to the onboard TUI Wi-Fi.”
TUI – Inflight Entertainment
What Should Passengers Know When Flying on a TUI 738-189?
Booking a seat on a TUI 738-189 means flying in a reliable, high-density 737-800. Choose extra-legroom rows if comfort matters, bring your own entertainment and snacks, and do not worry about safety – this aircraft type has no fatal incidents in TUI’s operations. For more details, see the TUI Airways Fleet Overview. To secure your preferred seat, use TUI Airways Official Seat Selection during booking.
Frequently Asked Questions About the TUI 738-189
How many seats does the TUI 738-189 have?
189 seats in a single economy class configuration.
Is the TUI 738-189 a Boeing 737-800 or a 737 MAX?
It is a Boeing 737-800 (Next Generation), not a 737 MAX. The “738” code denotes the 737-800, and “189” is the seat count.
Are pillows and blankets provided on TUI 738-189?
Generally not provided unless offered on longer flights. For children, bringing your own is recommended.
What is the seat pitch on TUI’s 737-800 189-seat version?
Typically 28–30 inches (71–76 cm), varying by row. Exit rows have more space.
How can I get a PDF of the TUI 738-189 seating chart?
TUI does not publish an official PDF. Use seatmaps.com or within the booking process to view the layout.
Which TUI routes use the 738-189 aircraft?
TUI does not publish a static list, but the 738-189 is used on many short/medium-haul European leisure routes from UK airports.
More related posts
Aldi Click and Collect: UK Ended, Ireland Launched (2024 Update)
Nick Stapleton – Wife, Age, Career and BAFTA Wins
Neil Jones – Strictly Pro Dancer, Partner and Baby Guide
Blood Types – Complete Guide to ABO Groups, Rarity, and Testing
BBC News: Live Today, World, Africa & Sports Coverage
South Africa vs England Cricket Timeline – 2025-26 Guide
Steak and Kidney Pie – Complete Guide to Recipes and Tips
Potty Trained – Complete Guide for UK Parents
