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What Makes Aeromexico’s Business Class on the Boeing 737 MAX 8 Worth It? [Review]

Ryan Smith's image
Ryan Smith
Edited by: Jessica Merritt
& Keri Stooksbury
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Without intending to, I’ve become well-acquainted with Aeromexico’s business class across its multiple plane types.

While I’ve previously flown the airline’s 2 versions of lie-flat business class seats, I recently flew business class on an Aeromexico Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft for the first time. On this 4-hour flight from Mexico City (MEX) to Las Vegas (LAS), I knew I wouldn’t get a lie-flat seat, and I wasn’t worried about getting a lot of perks on this medium-distance flight.

However, the experience had multiple positive aspects that are worth highlighting. From great meal service to a clean cabin and good seats, I got more than I expected with Mexico’s flag carrier.

My Experience in Business Class on Aeromexico’s 737 MAX 8

Aeromexico has 42 Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft. This plane model uses a similar layout to all of the airline’s 737 aircraft variants: a 2-2 layout across 4 rows for 16 seats in business class.

Aeromexico seat map B737MAX8 business class
The seat map for our flight at the time of booking. Image Credit: Aeromexico

Unfortunately, getting into the plane wasn’t great. It started with the confusion at the gate that I’ve come to expect with Aeromexico, starting our boarding late and not enforcing boarding groups.

Aeromexico boarding at MEX
If only these boarding groups had been enforced.

We got stuck in the jet bridge for a few minutes because the crew wasn’t ready for us to board the plane yet.

Aeromexico boarding jet bridge at MEX
We waited on the jet bridge for boarding.

However, once we were inside the plane, the experience was very positive.

Hot Tip:

To see what business class is like with lie-flat seats, check out my review of Aeromexico’s Boeing 787-8 business class and Aeromexico’s Boeing 787-9 business class.

1. Comfortable Seats

Aeromexico’s Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft has comfortable, modern seats. The seats are modified Collins Aerospace MiQ seats, similar to those on many other airlines for single-aisle aircraft with a business class section.

Aeromexico B737MAX8 business class window seat
The window seat in my row.

The seats are 21 inches wide. Given that these are among the airline’s newest planes, the material on my flight wasn’t worn or torn.

Seats have a standard seatbelt, and guests should find a plastic bag on the seat at boarding containing a blanket and a small pillow inside.

Aeromexico B737MAX8 business class seat
Blanket and pillow on my seat.

Passengers will find the tray table by lifting the top of the armrest on the aisle- or window-side armrest (not the armrest shared with the other passenger) and then pulling out the table from inside.

2. Great Seat Pitch

Pitch is the space between your seat and the seat in front of you, and the 38 inches of pitch here felt very roomy. Knees pressed into the seat in front of you? Not here.

Aeromexico B737MAX8 business class seat pitch
That’s some good space at the knees.

Plus, thanks to the roomy setup, when the passenger in front of me reclined during part of the trip, I didn’t feel smothered.

3. Quality Meal Service

On a 4-hour flight, there’s little consistency in what you might get for food, depending on what airline you’re flying with. It could range from a cup of water and a “thanks for flying with us” to a full meal. Aeromexico went for the latter, and it was very well done.

I requested a vegan meal in advance, which Aeromexico honored. It wasn’t simply a light snack but a full meal with salad, bread, main dish, and dessert. It was served with real silverware and ceramic salt and pepper shakers — the whole deal.

Aeromexico B737MAX8 business class dinner
This was much more (and more delicious) than I expected.

Aside from the mushy greens, this bowl was incredible. It was fresh and filling yet felt light, and I wasn’t uncomfortably full after eating all of it.

Flight attendants came through the cabin with a basket of snacks later on, offering items like nuts and cookies.

4. Clean Cabin and Lavatory

You rarely visit the bathroom hours into a flight and find it looking fresh. The crew kept it impeccably clean.

Aeromexico B737MAX8 business class toilet
Inside the lavatory mid-way through the flight.

To be clear, other passengers had used the lavatory before I went in, roughly 2 hours into the flight, but the only evidence of use was the frayed end of the paper towel. The normal experience of a wet countertop and overflowing trash bin wasn’t part of this flight.

Aeromexico B737MAX8 business class sink
That’s pretty clean for 2 hours into a flight.

Near the end of the flight, everything looked the way it had at the beginning. The lavatory was still clean (I checked), and the aisle was clean as well. Staff kept the cabin and bathroom area extremely tidy, which elevated the experience.

Aeromexico B737MAX8 business class view up aisle
View up the aisle from my seat.

5. Modern Technology

Newer planes bring newer gadgets, and Aeromexico’s 737 MAX 8 planes have them. The 13-inch screens weren’t impressively large, but the picture quality was good.

Aeromexico B737MAX8 business class entertainment screen
Entertainment screen at my seat.

The airline distributed headsets (which were found at the seat when passengers boarded), but wireless headphones could also be connected via Bluetooth.

Aeromexico B737MAX8 business class headphones
My headphones for the flight.

Wi-Fi was also available for $8 for the whole flight or $5 for an hour. After watching an ad, you could send free messages. Each seat also had a 3-prong Type B plug and a USB-A outlet in the space between seats. These were easily accessed by lifting up the armrest, where the entertainment system remote was.

Aeromexico B737MAX8 business class remote
The remote at my seat.

How To Book Aeromexico Business Class

You can pay for Aeromexico flights with cash, and it’s also possible to book using Aeromexico Rewards Points. If you need to boost your balance, you can transfer to Aeromexico from Amex Membership Rewards, Brex Rewards, Capital One Miles, Citi ThankYou Rewards, Mesa Points, Rove Miles, and Marriott Bonvoy. Amex offers the best transfers at a 1:1.6 ratio.

Aeromexico plane view jet bridge
View from the jet bridge.

However, since Aeromexico is in the SkyTeam alliance, you have additional options for booking seats with points and miles. For example, you can use Delta SkyMiles to book seats on Aeromexico flights. The same holds true for using the Air France-KLM Flying Blue program, Virgin Atlantic Flying Club, Korean Air SKYPASS, and others. For many of these, the price will depend on the distance, whether you’re crossing a border, and what cabin you’re flying in, and they won’t all charge the same number of miles. Comparison shopping is important.

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Final Thoughts

I wasn’t expecting much from a 4-hour flight in business class with a 2-2 configuration in recliner seats. However, my Aeromexico Boeing 737 MAX 8 experience exceeded expectations.

The meal was fantastic, the crew kept the cabin and lavatory spotless, and my seat had great comfort combined with solid features.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Aeromexico business class called, and what’s included?

Aeroméxico’s premium cabin is branded as Clase Premier (or Premier One on 787s). It comes with priority check‑in, priority boarding, lounge access, 2 free checked bags (up to 32 kilograms or 70 pounds each), a plated meal (depending on route), seat assignment, and Sky Priority perks.

How is the Clase Premier experience on the Boeing 737 MAX 8?

On the Boeing 737 MAX 8 and MAX 9, Aeromexico offers a clean, modern cabin with a 2‑2 layout, 38 inches of pitch, footrests, AC and USB‑C power, and 13-inch seat‑back screens with Bluetooth audio. Meals are surprisingly tasty, Wi‑Fi (Viasat) is fast and reasonably priced (there’s also an option for free messaging). Overall, it’s a step above narrow‑body business class from U.S. airlines.

Do any Aeroméxico routes offer lie‑flat business seats?

Yes, but only on wide‑body aircraft that typically fly longer routes. The Boeing 787‑8 and 787‑9 feature true lie‑flat seats. The 787‑8 has a 2‑2‑2 layout. The 787‑9 Premium One uses a 1‑2‑1 configuration and has the Sky Bar lounge. Domestic or Boeing 737 flights only get recliner seats.

What’s the difference between Clase Premier and Clase Premier Light?

Clase Premier Light is a downgraded version offered on some domestic routes (think Mexico City to Puerto Vallarta) with Aeromexico. There’s no dedicated business class cabin, and it features economy‑style 3‑3 seating with middle seats blocked. There’s no screen or power outlet at your seat, either. You’ll still have lounge access and earn extra miles, but you won’t get most of the amenities.

How safe is flying Aeroméxico, especially on the 737 MAX 8?

Aeroméxico holds the FAA Category  1 safety rating and is IOSA registered. The 737 MAX returned to service in late 2020 after FAA-mandated MCAS redesigns and updated pilot training, and the fleet has since logged millions of flight hours.

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About Ryan Smith

Ryan completed his goal of visiting every country in the world in December of 2023 and is letting his wife choose their destinations, including revisiting some favorites. Over the years, he’s written about award travel and credit cards for publications like AwardWallet, The Points Guy, USA Today Blueprint, CNBC Select, Tripadvisor, Point.me, and Forbes Advisor.

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