Here's The Latest On The Boeing 737 Max 9 Grounding

12.01.2024 - 07:41 / forbes.com

The Boeing 737 Max 9 grounding in response to the Alaska Airlines Flight 1282 plug door incident on January 5, 2024, has caused many travelers to reconsider travel plans. Below are some of the latest developments and actions that air passengers can implement.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued an emergency airworthiness directive on January 6, 2024. This directive requires the mandatory grounding of approximately 171 Boeing 737 Max 9 (737-9) aircraft until further notice.

Specifically, only models with a mid-panel plug door instead of an emergency exit are affected. Online reports indicate that certain airlines are grounding their entire 737 Max 9 fleet out of an abundance of caution.

This grounding doesn’t impact the other Max Series models, which do not have a plug door option. Further, the similarly sounding Boeing 737-900 fleet remains in service and is unaffected by the safety issue.

In a January 11, 2024 update, the FAA states, “The safety of the flying public, not speed, will determine the timeline for returning the Boeing 737-9 Max to service.”

Each grounded aircraft receives a thorough inspection to ensure all known safety concerns are addressed. In addition to potentially loose bolts on a mid-panel door plug, the FAA mentioned on December 28, 2023, that they are also closely monitoring inspections of Boeing 737 Max planes for loose bolts in the rudder control system. This advisory applies to newer single-aisle planes of various airlines.

This is the second widespread grounding of the 737 Max fleet. The first was from March 2019 through November 2020 because of flight control system failures.

This grounding primarily applies to Alaska Airlines and United Airlines, with over 2,000 flight cancellations to date. Specifically, the plug door is an optional feature for 737-9 aircraft with reduced seating capacity. This additional panel is added instead of another emergency exit.

Other 737-9 aircraft with more seats do not have a door plug as an emergency exit is required instead to ensure passengers can quickly deplane if circumstances require. Airlines besides Alaska and United are more likely to have these Max 9 models without a plug door.

Alaska estimates 150 to 200 cancellations per day through January 13, 2024, when the grounding of its 65-plane Max 9 fleet may expire.

United Airlines is also canceling flights. Its Max 9 fleet consists of 71 aircraft, and five planes have plug doors, similar to Alaska Airlines Flight 1282.

Alaska Airlines and United Airlines are working with passengers who have flights canceled because of the 737-9 mandatory grounding order. It’s possible to reschedule or get a flight credit to redeem at a later time. Change fees and fare differences may be