Airlines That Don’t Fly the Boeing 737 MAX
Your guide to flying with confidence. Explore which airlines have opted out of the 737 MAX fleet.
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Edited by Adiatma Sukwirahmanta
Edited by 
TL;DR: Lists carriers with MAX-free fleets (Emirates, Qatar Airways, Qantas, easyJet, etc.) and explains the MAX's 2018–19 grounding and 2021 re-certification. Suggests checking aircraft type at booking to avoid it.
🛬 Why Some Travelers Avoid the Boeing 737 MAX
Since its reintroduction, the Boeing 737 MAX has undergone intense scrutiny following two tragic crashes in 2018 and 2019. While global aviation authorities have cleared the aircraft for service after software and training updates, some passengers still prefer to avoid flying on the 737 MAX due to lingering safety concerns or personal peace of mind.
If you’re one of those travelers, you're not alone—and the good news is, you have options.
🛫 Airlines That Do Not Operate the Boeing 737 MAX
✈️ Full-Service Airlines (No 737 MAX in Operation)
- Emirates – Operates Airbus A380, Boeing 777 (no 737s of any kind)
- Qatar Airways – Operates A350, A380, A320; no 737 MAX
- Qantas – Uses Boeing 737-800 (Next Gen), but not the 737 MAX
- Air France – Airbus-only short- and medium-haul fleet (A320 family)
- Lufthansa – Operates Airbus and Boeing widebodies, no MAX in current fleet
- Japan Airlines (JAL) – Boeing 737 NGs and Airbus A350; no 737 MAX orders in service
- Hawaiian Airlines – Airbus A330 and A321neo; no 737 MAX
🧳 Regional and Low-Cost Carriers (MAX-Free Fleets)
- easyJet – Entire fleet based on Airbus A319, A320, A321neo
- Vueling – All-Airbus fleet across Europe
- Peach Aviation – Japanese LCC using Airbus A320neo
- HK Express – Airbus-only narrow-body fleet
- Scoot – Mix of Airbus A320s and Boeing 787s, but no MAX
🧠 Note: Airlines continuously update their fleets. For real-time confirmation, check the aircraft type when booking through platforms like laters.com, which display aircraft model before checkout.
🧠 How to Avoid the Boeing 737 MAX When Booking Flights
Avoiding the 737 MAX is simple if you know where to look:
- Check the aircraft model during booking. Look for "Aircraft Type" in the flight details.
- Use booking platforms that show aircraft info upfront, like Laters.com.
- Choose MAX-free airlines like Emirates, Air France, or easyJet.
- Join airline loyalty programs with carriers you trust.
💡 On Laters.com, you can see aircraft type before paying and even select routes flown by specific aircraft (e.g., Airbus A320, A350, Boeing 777) by clicking "Details".
🛫 What Makes the 737 MAX Controversial?
The Boeing 737 MAX was grounded globally in 2019 following two accidents linked to a flight control system known as MCAS (Maneuvering Characteristics Augmentation System). After extensive software upgrades, pilot training updates, and re-certification by aviation authorities (FAA, EASA, etc.), the aircraft was reintroduced in 2021.
Still, many travelers continue to monitor which airlines are flying the MAX—and which aren’t.
✈️ Book MAX-Free Flights With Confidence
Whether you're booking a quick getaway or a long-haul trip, Laters gives you control over your journey—from payment options to plane preferences.
✅ 650+ global airlines
✅ View aircraft type before checkout
✅ 100+ flexible ways to pay (BNPL, crypto, e-wallets & more)
✅ Transparent pricing with no hidden surcharges
🚫 Want to skip the 737 MAX? We’ve got you covered.
What Travellers Say
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I tell if my flight is on a 737 MAX before booking?
Yes. On Laters, the aircraft type is listed before payment. Look for “737 MAX 8” or “MAX 9” in the flight details.
What’s the safest alternative to the 737 MAX?
Many travelers prefer Airbus aircraft like the A320neo, A350, or A321 for narrow-body routes.
Do all airlines fly the 737 MAX now?
No. Several global and regional carriers have chosen not to operate the MAX at all, either by preference or fleet strategy.
Has the 737 MAX been re-certified as safe?
Yes. After upgrades and testing, aviation regulators worldwide have approved its return. However, it’s still a personal choice whether to fly on it.
Which platform lets me avoid the MAX when booking?
Laters lets you view aircraft model upfront, so you can make informed decisions based on your preferences.
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