Caribbean Airlines connects people from Trinidad and Tobago to the world.
As the airline continues to grow, one significant upgrade was its move to using the Boeing 737 Max 8.
The Max 8 is technically advanced and is built for maximum fuel efficiency. More importantly, it improves the experience for Caribbean’s passengers.
This guide showcases how Caribbean’s Boeing 737 Max 8 product ranks against U.S carriers in the region.
Let’s dive into the details of Caribbean Airlines Boeing Max 8.
When Did Caribbean Airlines Get The Boeing 737 Max 8?
Caribbean Airlines started in 2006. It became the flag carrier for the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.
For nearly 20 years, Caribbean Airlines has committed to the Boeing 737.
In January 2007, it completed its first operational flight using the Boeing 737-800. Many of these first initial aircraft were leased from the ashes of BWIA West Indies Airways.
The Boeing 737-800 was part of the “Next Generation” line of Boeing 737 aircraft. Caribbean Airlines decided to phase out these aging aircraft types during the turn of the 2020’s.
In November 2021, Caribbean Airlines took delivery of its first Boeing 737 Max 8. Since then, they added 8 more Max 8’s to their fleet.
What is the difference between the Max 8 and -800 version of the 737?
Besides the difference in age, there are subtle differences between each variant.
Max-8 Can Fly Farther Thanks to its Fuel Efficient Engines
The Max 8 has larger, more fuel efficient engines than the -800. These engines allow Caribbean Airlines to travel to destinations much further away. They also help the airline save on fuel.
The Boeing 737-Max 8 Has Better Designed Wingtips
The Max-8 has wingtips designed to reduce drag. The reduction in drag means the plane works less to fly faster, improving fuel efficiency. The Boeing 737-800 either has inferior winglets or no winglets at all.
What Flights Does Caribbean Airlines Use The Boeing 737 Max 8 on?
The Boeing 737 Max 8 is Caribbean’s only option for longer flights to destinations much further away.
The only other plane in its fleet is the propeller driven ATR 42/72. The ATR 42/72 flies on flights to the various islands around Port of Spain.
Caribbean Airlines Flies Their Boeing 737 Max 8 to Popular Destinations Around North America
Caribbean uses their Boeing 737 Max 8 on flights between Port of Spain and destinations in the U.S like Florida and New York.
They also provide service to Canada and a route between Nassau in the Bahamas and Kingston, Jamaica.
Also, Caribbean connects Georgetown, Guyana to both New York City and Toronto using their Boeing 737 Max 8’s.
The Boeing 737 Max 8 holds more passengers than the ATR 72/42, the airline uses them on routes that need more seats. Like the ones including the United States and Canada.
See below for a table containing all the flights Caribbean Airlines is using their Boeing 737 Max 8 on.
| Flights | Airport 1 | Airport 2 |
| Port of Spain – Toronto | Piarco International Airport | Toronto-Pearson International Airport |
| Port of Spain – New York City | Piarco International Airport | John F Kennedy International Airport |
| Port of Spain – Orlando | Piarco International Airport | Orlando International Airport |
| Port of Spain – Fort Lauderdale | Piarco International Airport | Fort Lauderdale International Airport |
| Port of Spain – Miami | Piarco International Airport | Miami International Airport |
| Port of Spain – Havana | Piarco International Airport | José Martí International Airport |
| Nassau – Kingston | Lynden Pindling International Airport | Norman Manley International Airport |
| Georgetown – Toronto | Cheddi Jagan International Airport | Toronto-Pearson International Airport |
| Georgetown – New York City | Cheddi Jagan International Airport | John F Kennedy International Airport |
Many of the flights to the U.S are to cities with large Caribbean populations like Toronto, New York City and Miami. These populations of people are often underserved by major U.S airlines.
Caribbean is doing their part providing airline coverage to these underserved nations.
Here’s What to Expect When Flying on Caribbean Airlines Boeing 737 Max 8.
Caribbean Airlines Boeing 737 Max 8 Seating Configuration
Caribbean Airlines configures their Boeing 737 Max 8’s with 160 seats spread across in 3 passenger classes.
The airline offers business class, Caribbean Plus class, and a standard economy class.
The business class features 16 seats that have the most amount of legroom on the entire airplane.
Passengers with a business class fare have 45 inches of legroom. They also have the most seat width coming in at 21 inches.
The business class is set up in a 4 seat row, with 2 seats on both sides of the aircraft separated by a middle aisle.
Caribbean Plus is the airline’s premium economy product. It features 36 total seats, in rows of 6. Each side of the aircraft has 3 seats separated by the aisle. Caribbean Plus has 35 inches of legroom but has the same seat width as you would find in economy, 16.5 inches.
Other Amenities Included on Carribean Boeing 737 Max 8 Flights
Ambient Mood Lighting
Each 737 Max 8 in Caribbean’s fleet features ambient mood lighting. This mood lighting helps make the longer flights more relaxing. They also help passengers feel more refreshed and ready to take on the day once you land.
Charging Ports
Business class and Caribbean Plus seats have AC power outlets and USB charging ports. The economy class is equipped with USB charging ports. When flying with Caribbean’s 737s, you can expect all your personal devices to be charged and ready for use.
Caribbean View Flight Entertainment
There is free inflight entertainment on all Caribbean Airlines Boeing 737 Max 8 flights. Business class seats are equipped with a seatback screen on the back of the seat in front of you. Economy and Caribbean Plus seats can access Caribbean View via their personal devices.
How does Caribbean Airlines Boeing 737 Max 8 Compare to Other American Air Carriers Using the Boeing 737 Max 8?
Caribbean Airlines Beats American Airlines
American Airlines is the only other airline with a Boeing 737 Max 8 product competing with Caribbean Airlines. They compete with Caribbean on the Port of Spain – Miami route.
It appears that Caribbean’s Boeing 737 Max 8 product is superior to that of American Airlines. First of all, the Caribbean only accommodates upwards of 160 passengers per flight. American Airlines fit 172 passengers on their planes leading towards a cramped cabin.
American’s first class, Caribbean’s business class equal, has less legroom. American First Class only have 37 inches of legroom while Caribbean offers 45 inches.
The premium economy class for Americans offers less amount of legroom as well. The American has only 33 inches of legroom versus the Caribbean’s 35 inches.
Both airline’s economy product offer the same amount of legroom and seat width,
Another difference between Caribbean and Americans’ products is American’s lack of seat back inflight entertainment.
Caribbean’s Business Class has an inflight entertainment system that passengers can use to watch movies and shows. American relies on the passengers using their portable devices for entertainment.
Although there aren’t many differences between these two products, for those who enjoy creature comforts flights, Caribbean might be the better option than American.
JetBlue Airways Edges Out Caribbean Airlines
JetBlue is another airline that competes with Caribbean although they do not fly a Boeing 737 Max 8. JetBlue competes for the market share on the Port of Spain – New York City and Georgetown – New York City flights. JetBlue uses their Airbus A321 on these routes.
The Airbus A321 is a larger plane than the Boeing 737 Max 8. That means JetBlue can accommodate more passengers than Caribbean.
But, JetBlue’s Airbus A321 classic cabin configuration does not have a business class. JetBlue only offers a premium economy and standard economy product.
While not having a business class, JetBlue’s product is better than Caribbean’s Boeing 737 Max 8 product.
JetBlue has more legroom and seat width than Caribbean in both comparable passenger classes.
JetBlue also has seatback inflight entertainment for all passengers, something that Caribbean Airlines lacks.
Our Final Take About Caribbean Airlines Boeing 737 Max 8 Experience
Caribbean Airlines provides a necessary service connecting the Islands of Trinidad and Tobago.
The addition of the Boeing 737 Max 8 has helped improve the experience for passengers. It is comparable to some of the top major airlines who also operate flights to the Caribbean.
Caribbeans Boeing 737 Max 8 is a much better option to American’s Boeing 737 Max 8 product. But it falls behind JetBlue and their Caribbean offerings with their Airbus A321.
If you’re looking for a flight between the Caribbean and North America, Caribbean Airlines is definitely a worthwhile airline that you should research and consider.
Sources
https://www.seatmaestro.com/airlines-seating-maps/caribbean-airlines/history
https://www.caribbean-airlines.com/#/our-fleet/boeing-737-8
https://www.aa.com/i18n/travel-info/experience/planes/planes.jsp
https://www.jetblue.com/flying-with-us/our-planes
https://www.flightconnections.com/route-map-caribbean-airlines-bw
