Alaska and United began to return some of their Boeing 737 Max 9 aircraft to service on January 26 and 27, respectively, following an extensive Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)-approved inspection and maintenance process.
The move comes after the FAA grounded Max 9s following a January 5 incident in which a plug door on a Max 9 detached on an Alaska flight.
An Alaska spokesperson told Kiplinger in an email that inspections are expected to be completed today (February 2) with nearly all of its Max 9 fleet back in service soon after. But, the spokesperson added, “this is a dynamic situation — could take through the weekend.”
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
At United, a spokesperson told Kiplinger that the airline has no date to share at this point on when its entire fleet will be back in service.
Both representatives said their respective airlines will allow customers who do not want to fly on a Max 9 to change flights at no charge. Customers can also see which type of aircraft they are scheduled to fly on by checking the flight details section of their airline’s website or app.
In addition, a spokesperson at travel booking site Kayak told Kiplinger that its existing airline filter has been enhanced since the January 5 incident to give users the ability to include or exclude certain aircraft models — including Max 8 and Max 9 — from their flights.
On January 24, the FAA prohibited Boeing from expanding production of the 737-Max line until the agency is satisfied with the company's quality-control process.
About 171 Max 9s were grounded within hours after the January 6 incident, which resulted in the cancellation of hundreds of flights by Alaska and United Airlines and contributed to travel disruptions.
In its inspection, the FAA moved to increase oversight of Boeing's production lines. On January 21, the agency recommended that, as an added layer of safety, airlines should visually inspect the 737-900ER mid-exit door plugs to ensure the door is properly secured. The 737-900ER is not part of the newer Max fleet but has the same door plug design, the agency said.
An exhaustive, enhanced review
“We grounded the Boeing 737-9 MAX within hours of the incident over Portland and made clear this aircraft would not go back into service until it was safe,” FAA administrator Mike Whitaker said in making the January 24 announcement. “The exhaustive, enhanced review our team completed after several weeks of information gathering gives me and the FAA confidence to proceed to the inspection and maintenance phase.”
The maintenance process requires an inspection of specific bolts, guide tracks and fittings, detailed visual inspections of mid-cabin exit door plugs, retorquing fasteners and correcting any damage or abnormal conditions, the FAA said. Upon completion, the aircraft can return to service.
“The quality-assurance issues we have seen are unacceptable,” Whitaker said. “That is why we will have more boots on the ground closely scrutinizing and monitoring production and manufacturing activities.”
How to get a refund if your flight is cancelled
There are several steps you can take if you're wondering how to get a refund if flight cancellations are ruining your travel plans, starting with obtaining details from the website on your airline's refund policies.
Alaska has directed travelers to visit AlaskaAir.com for self-service options. Alaska also said that its flexible travel policy is in place systemwide and that you can change or cancel flights to manage your reservation. United's site includes details on refunds and customer care.
Experts advise that if you have a flight booked with Alaska or United — or any airline — keep an eye on your flight tracker and email as most airlines will send notifications of delays and cancellations.
You can also visit the Department of Transportation Airline Customer Service Dashboard to compare refund and reimbursement policies of the 10 biggest U.S. airlines.
Related Content
-
Time to Spring-Clean Your Finances: A Financial Professional's Four Steps to Tidy Them UpA midyear review of everything from spending to saving, with adjustments as needed, can set you on track to financial security. Plus, don't forget to check in on your workplace benefits.
-
Why a Law Firm Secretly Recording Client Conversations Is Wrong (and Illegal)A law firm that has been recording client conversations without the clients' knowledge or permission and has threatened employees if they speak out faces legal and ethical challenges.
-
Eight Ways To Save on Your Next Luxury TripLooking for ways to stretch your retirement dollars? Follow these tips to get a deal on your next vacation.
-
Donating Complex Assets Doesn't Have to Be ComplicatedIf you're looking to donate less-conventional assets but don't know where to start, this charity executive has answers, such as considering a donor-advised fund (DAF) for its tax benefits and ease of use.
-
How to Budget for College Expenses Beyond TuitionSome universities waive tuition for families with incomes below a certain threshold. But you'll still need a plan to cover other costs.
-
My First $1 Million: Events Industry CEO, 65, Northern New JerseyEver wonder how someone who's made a million dollars or more did it? Kiplinger's My First $1 Million series uncovers the answers.
-
Delta’s New Fare Changes Just Made Booking Flights and Earning Miles More ComplicatedHere’s what travelers need to know about Delta’s fare changes before booking their next flight.
-
United Airlines Raises the Bar with New Business Class SuitesDiscover how United's new Polaris Studio suites redefine luxury and comfort on long-haul flights.
