Travelers are feeling the effects of the Federal Aviation Administration’s grounding order for some Boeing 737 Max 9s, with hundreds of flights canceled since Saturday and more expected as aircraft inspections continue. The FAA directive responded to an explosive depressurization accident Friday night in which a section of an Alaska Airlines plane’s wall ripped off midflight, leaving a gaping hole in the side of the aircraft.
The order affects 171 planes operated by airlines such as Alaska and United. The FAA said Monday that airlines can begin inspections of the Max 9 planes. According to the FAA, inspections can last four to eight hours per airplane.
According to the tracking site FlightAware, Alaska and United had canceled more U.S. flights scheduled for Monday than any other airlines. By Monday afternoon, Alaska had canceled more than 140 flights, representing 20 percent of its schedule. United said Monday that it has canceled 200 Max 9 flights. It was able to switch some flights to other aircraft, avoiding about 30 cancellations. The airline says it expects “significant” cancellations on Tuesday as well.
Massive winter storms expected to hit much of the United States this week could lead to more delays and canceled flights. Here’s what to know about the grounding order and cancellations.
What airlines are affected by the grounding order?
Among U.S. carriers, Alaska Airlines and United Airlines operate the 737 Max 9. In addition, Aeromexico and Copa Airlines operate Max 9 planes to the United States.
Alaska’s 65 Max 9s represent about a fifth of its fleet.
United has 79 of these aircraft in service, more than any other airline, according to Cirium, an aviation data provider. In a statement Saturday, United said it has “temporarily suspended service on select Boeing 737 MAX 9” to conduct inspections. “We’ve begun steps such as removing the inner panel to access the emergency door, and begun preliminary inspections while awaiting final instructions,” the airline said Sunday.
How do I know if my upcoming flight is on a Max 9?
The specific aircraft type you are flying on can typically be found in online flight search results, such as Google Flights. If you have already booked, look at your reservation details for the exact aircraft. Seat selection maps also typically show this information.
What happens if my flight is delayed or canceled?
Alaska is offering a “systemwide flexible travel policy,” allowing travelers with flights through Jan. 9 to change their reservation with no difference in fare (as long as the journey is completed by Jan. 20). Because of the overall impact that the grounding is having on Alaska’s operation, travelers don’t need to be flying on the Max 9 to take advantage of the policy.
United said customers who were scheduled on Max 9 flights and purchased tickets on or before Jan. 6 can reschedule their trip, and the airline will waive the change fee and fare difference. Flights must depart by Jan. 18 to be eligible.
As with all flights, you are entitled to a refund if significantly delayed or canceled. The Transportation Department’s dashboard can help you navigate what else you may be owed.
Do I need to worry about other 737 Max aircraft?
The FAA directive does not affect other Boeing 737 Max operators, such as American Airlines and Southwest Airlines, both of which operate the smaller 737 Max 8. United said Saturday that flights involving the Max 8 are not affected.
Gabe Hiatt contributed to this report.
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