The grounding of a portion of Alaska Airlines’ Boeing 737 Max 9 jetliner after a fuselage-related incident, followed by the Federal Aviation Administration’s decision to ground approximately 170 Max 9 planes, has led to the cancellation of numerous flights, inconveniencing passengers relying on these aircraft. However, with the recent approval of inspection and maintenance procedures by the F.A.A., airlines are preparing to resume Max 9 operations, allowing passengers to make informed choices concerning their travel plans.
Which Airlines Operate the Max 9?
Out of the 215 Boeing Max 9 airplanes in service globally, United Airlines operates 79, the highest among airlines. Alaska Airlines follows closely with 65 aircraft, constituting approximately 70% of the Max 9 jets in operation. Additionally, other operators such as Copa Airlines, Aeromexico, Turkish Airlines, FlyDubai, and Icelandair also utilize the Max 9 for their operations, details of which are usually available on the airlines’ websites.
Resumption of Max 9 Operations by Airlines
Airlines, including Alaska Airlines and United, have initiated the final inspection process for their Max 9 fleet, with Alaska Airlines planning to reintroduce the aircraft for scheduled flights, followed by United Airlines preparing for the return of service, and Copa Airlines gradually reinstating previously canceled flights.
Identifying Your Max 9 Scheduled Flight
Passengers can typically ascertain their aircraft type during the booking process, usually available during seat selection or on the airline’s website. Additionally, details can be found in the airline’s mobile app or through flight tracking websites like FlightAware, albeit subject to last-minute changes determined by various operational factors.
Options for Passengers Unwilling to Fly on a Max 9
Both United and Alaska Airlines have issued flight waivers allowing passengers to cancel or change their flights without incurring fees due to Max 9 inspections. However, after the waiver expiration, different policies covering cancellations and refunds apply, depending on the booking timing, cancellation timeline, and fare type. To facilitate future bookings, Kayak has introduced a filter to exclude Max 9 flights, allowing passengers the possibility of selecting alternative carriers not operating the Max 9. Nonetheless, experts advocate for the safety of the Max 9, which has undergone rigorous inspections.
Conclusion
Understanding the status of
Boeing 737 Max 9 flight schedules and available choices is crucial for passengers aiming to make informed decisions about their travel plans. With airlines resuming Max 9 operations and offering flexibility through flight waivers, passengers can navigate their options while prioritizing safety and convenience.
