TRANSPORT
Which airlines use Boeing 737 Max 9 and what happens with the cancelled flights?
The recent emergency landing in Oregon has forced the recall of dozens of aircraft in the latest problem for a plane struck with technical issues.
The fallout from the extraordinary fuslage failure on the Boeing 737 Max 9 is causing disruption in the US airline sector.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) ordered the Max 9 aircraft to undergo inspections to prevent a repeat of the events which put 177 passengers’ lives at risk. After “all applicable corrective actions have been performed,” the plans are cleared to fly, but it may be a while before passengers trust the aircraft again. Searches for the Boeing are at their highest level since the fatal crashes of other 737 Max aircraft back in 2019.
Only two US airlines use this particular model: Alaska Airlines and United Airlines. Outside of the US, Aeromexico, Air Canada, Copa Airlines and Icelandair use the plane when flying to the US.
In terms of cancellations caused by this disruption, Alaska Airlines said it had canceled about 160 flights, with United cancelling more than 100. More than 30,000 passengers are affected
What happens to cancelled flights?
Airlines set their own policy for cancelled flights as there are no regulations and standards set by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Alaska Airlines has a new “Systemwide flexible travel policy” that allows customers to change or cancel any flight booked for 6, 7, and 8 January, 2024 until 20 January. No additional costs will be applied.
United has no plans similar to that offered by Alaska. As with all flights, you are entitled to a refund if significantly delayed or canceled.