Boeing Update: Alaska, United Resume Some Max 9 Flights. What to Know
Don’t want to fly on a Boeing Max 9? Airlines say they will help you switch to a different flight at no charge.

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
Get Kiplinger Today newsletter — free
Profit and prosper with the best of Kiplinger's advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and much more. Delivered daily. Enter your email in the box and click Sign Me Up.

Joey Solitro is a freelance financial journalist at Kiplinger with more than a decade of experience. A longtime equity analyst, Joey has covered a range of industries for media outlets including The Motley Fool, Seeking Alpha, Market Realist, and TipRanks. Joey holds a bachelor's degree in business administration.
-
Ten Cheapest Places to Live in Texas
Property Tax Looking for a cheap place to live in Texas? Look no further. These counties have the lowest property tax bills in the Lone Star State.
-
AI Is Missing the Wisdom of Older Adults: What It Means for You
AI will increasingly affect your healthcare and finances, but young workers are primarily designing the systems and getting most of the jobs.
-
The Three C's to Financial Success: A Financial Planner's Guide to Build Wealth
Consistency, commitment and confidence in your chosen strategy are more critical to your financial success than finding the 'perfect' financial plan.
-
Baby Boomers vs Gen X: Who Spends More?
Baby Boomers and Gen X are guilty of spending a lot of money. Here's a look at where their money goes.
-
A Financial Expert's Tips for Lending Money to Family and Friends
What starts as a lifeline can turn into a minefield if the borrower ghosts the lender. Following these three steps can help you avoid family feuds over funds.
-
The 401(k) Mistake That Could Cost You Millions in Retirement Savings
Thinking about reducing your 401(K) contributions in the current market? Here are six reasons why you may want to reconsider.
-
I'm an Insurance Expert: Yes, You Need Life Insurance Even if the Kids Are Grown and the House Is Paid Off
Life insurance isn't about you. It's about providing for loved ones and covering expenses after you're gone. Here are five key reasons to have it.
-
7 Rules Frequent Flyers Swear By
From dodging long lines to avoiding bad coffee, these clever travel rules can help you save time, stay healthy and reduce stress every time you fly.
-
My Professional Advice: When It Comes to Money, You Do You
This is how embracing the 'letting others be' and 'learning to surrender' mindsets can improve your relationship with money.
-
Five Smart Moves for Retirement Healthcare: From HSAs to Medigap Policies
Unchecked health care costs in retirement could blow a hole in your savings. Here’s how to avoid that.