Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 135; Flight Crew Type 7273
Training / Qualification; Situational Awareness
Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Landing Without Clearance
General None Reported / Taken
Human Factors
We were cleared to contact Tower over [FIX]; [but I forgot] to switch to Tower. Changing aircraft configuration for landing put us behind the 8-ball due to this being first day in a MAX since its grounding. MAX training conducted in Month. Original aircraft had been -800. Was expecting a MAX at some point in time; but would have been more prepared for differences in flight deck layout had I been aware of short notice change.
We landed without clearance. It was VMC; but windy; approaching at VRef +11. I should have left the automation on a little longer; as I had my hands full with gusty winds and updrafts. The FO didn't contact the Tower as instructed. I was so busy flying the aircraft; I didn't notice until clearing the runway.  In gusty winds; perhaps keeping the autopilot on longer may be a good idea. That way I can monitor the Monitor.
B737 MAX series flight crew reported landing without Tower clearance.  The FO cited MAX series differences as contributing.