Originally Posted by ivor toolbox
And finally, don't believe Flight Radar, they are not infallible, they get 737-800NG and 737-8Max mixed up, as do a lot of spotters.)
Erm, FR24 and other trackers don't squint up at the overflying aircraft and try to guess the variant; they look the ADS-B or Mode-S emitted ICAOhex up against a database of aircraft. It's not possible to mix a 737-8 and a 737-800 up unless the FAA, CAA etc has already done so in their national registry.
As for spotters, well it's easy to tell a Max from the others; it has crinkly nacelles. Even a 12yo by the fence at Gatters will tell you that.