Max 8 coming to Darwin route

[GDale]

Got a notification yesterday that my Darwin - Singapore flight (SQ252) in December has changed from 737-800NG to 737 Max 8. To be expected as the 737-800s are progressively being returned to lessors over the next 1.5 years, and Darwin is one of the longest routes still to be served using that aircraft type. I'm looking forward to the better J cabin but still a little hesitant about the aircraft itself...

Any recommendations re seats? As I understand it, the first row (2-2) has a fair bit more legroom, the throne seats in row 2 (1-1) have more seat width and space generally, and the third row has nothing special other than a bit more privacy than the first row.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Got a notification yesterday that my Darwin - Singapore flight (SQ252) in December has changed from 737-800NG to 737 Max 8. To be expected as the 737-800s are progressively being returned to lessors over the next 1.5 years, and Darwin is one of the longest routes still to be served using that aircraft type. I'm looking forward to the better J cabin but still a little hesitant about the aircraft itself...

Any recommendations re seats? As I understand it, the first row (2-2) has a fair bit more legroom, the throne seats in row 2 (1-1) have more seat width and space generally, and the third row has nothing special other than a bit more privacy than the first row.

I agree with your assessment, matched my conclusions from what I’ve read.

Row 1 has wider footwells… I don’t like throne seats because they often have downsides like smaller footwells, or feel quite ‘hard’ surrounded by plastic/wood materials on each side.

Row three seems to have nothing much going for it.

None of the seats are conducive to traveling as a couple. But ok for singles i guess.

I’ve booked 1DF… same side as the galley to reduce any light or visuals on the diagonal from 1AC