Mar 13, 2019, 4:44 pm
Last edit by: JDiver
This thread is STRICTLY dedicated to discussing alternative arrangements and policy resulting from the FAA emergency order grounding all USA carriers’ Boeing 737 MAX 8 (and MAX 9) aircraft. This has grounded all 24 7M8 / 737 MAX 8 aircraft American Airlines has in service.
To discuss the 737 MAX 8s withdrawal from service and related issues apart from reaccommodation related issues, please post in Recent 737 MAX 8 crashes and effects on AA 737 MAX 8s (NOT reaccomodation).
To discuss the probable and limited return of the Boeing MAX to service with AA at the end of 2020 and increasingly in 2021, please see
American Planning 737 MAX Service Restoration (Limited Dec and 2021)
See here for AA announcement about 7M8 / B38M operations and grounding.
Keep an eye on your email for further reaccommodation email notices.
Check your PNR on aa.com to determine if you’ve been reaccommodated.
If the reaccommodation doesn’t suit you, because this is an involuntary flight change and if there’s a significant time change you may be able to get your ticket refunded with no penalty, or to request a more favorable reaccommodation (easier if you can tell the agent which flights you’d prefer and have verified there are seats available.
Keep your eyes on your trips. Until the 7M8 is recertified, maintained out of “mothballs” and returned to service, and for some time after, there will be aircraft and schedule adjustments.
To discuss the 737 MAX 8s withdrawal from service and related issues apart from reaccommodation related issues, please post in Recent 737 MAX 8 crashes and effects on AA 737 MAX 8s (NOT reaccomodation).
To discuss the probable and limited return of the Boeing MAX to service with AA at the end of 2020 and increasingly in 2021, please see
American Planning 737 MAX Service Restoration (Limited Dec and 2021)
An Update on the Boeing 737 MAX (AA, Friday, February 14, 2020, 3:30 PM)
“Based on the latest guidance, the airline anticipates that the resumption of scheduled commercial service on American’s fleet of Boeing 737 MAX aircraft will occur Aug. 18, 2020.” — 14 Feb 2020 — link
“Based on the latest guidance, the airline anticipates that the resumption of scheduled commercial service on American’s fleet of Boeing 737 MAX aircraft will occur Aug. 18, 2020.” — 14 Feb 2020 — link
AA has had a policy in place, as shared below by JonNYC in post # 15.
Essentially, if you’re scheduled to fly on a 737 MAX 8 operated flight while it’s still grounded awaiting recertification="4"%:
If the flight was cancelled, you can get a refund or make changes without fees;
if the flight was changed (to another aircraft type, etc.) you can make a number of changes free of charge (but not get a refund with change fees waived).
American continues to await information from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation (DOT), National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), other regulatory authorities and Boeing that would permit the 24 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft in our fleet to resume flying.
In an effort to provide more certainty and avoid last minute flight disruptions, American has extended cancellations through August 14, 2020. Previous dates have been:
04 June 2020, 07 April 2020, 06 March 2020, 16 Jan 2020, December 3, 2019; November 2, September 3, August 19, June 5.) This resulted in the cancellation of approximately 115 flights each day based on our April schedule. By proactively canceling these flights, we are able to provide better service to our customers with availability and rebooking options. - aa.com link to PDF
In an effort to provide more certainty and avoid last minute flight disruptions, American has extended cancellations through August 14, 2020. Previous dates have been:
If the flight was cancelled, you can get a refund or make changes without fees;
if the flight was changed (to another aircraft type, etc.) you can make a number of changes free of charge (but not get a refund with change fees waived).
Keep an eye on your email for further reaccommodation email notices.
Check your PNR on aa.com to determine if you’ve been reaccommodated.
If the reaccommodation doesn’t suit you, because this is an involuntary flight change and if there’s a significant time change you may be able to get your ticket refunded with no penalty, or to request a more favorable reaccommodation (easier if you can tell the agent which flights you’d prefer and have verified there are seats available.
Keep your eyes on your trips. Until the 7M8 is recertified, maintained out of “mothballs” and returned to service, and for some time after, there will be aircraft and schedule adjustments.
ARCHIVE: 737 MAX (7M8) grounded until TBA. What to do if scheduled to fly on one?
Dec 23, 2019, 8:54 am
#196
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: OKC
Programs: IHG Spire, National Exec, AA Plat
Posts: 2,274
On Dec 12, AA announce the MAX schedule resumption for April 7. Until AA makes another announcement, then they aren't going to take them off the schedule.
This may change later, and UA might be being overly cautious about the schedule, but nobody knows when MAX will be back in service
This may change later, and UA might be being overly cautious about the schedule, but nobody knows when MAX will be back in service
There shouldn't be anyone that believes April 7 or whatever June date UA is saying.
Jan 17, 2020, 1:15 pm
#197
Moderator: American AAdvantage
Join Date: May 2000
Location: NorCal - SMF area
Programs: AA LT Plat; HH LT Diamond, Maître-plongeur des Muccis
Posts: 62,948
AA news re: resumption of Boeing 737 MAX, Updated Jan. 14, 2020 at 10:30 a.m. CT.
Based on the latest guidance, American Airlines anticipates that the resumption of scheduled commercial service on American’s fleet of Boeing 737 MAX aircraft will occur June 4, 2020.
American Airlines remains in continuous contact with the Federal Aviation Administration, Department of Transportation and Boeing. Based on the latest guidance, the airline anticipates that the resumption of scheduled commercial service on American’s fleet of Boeing 737 MAX aircraft will occur June 4, 2020. Once the aircraft is certified, American will run flights for American team members and invited guests.
Frequently asked questions
Question: When will American run a schedule change and inform customers who were booked on a MAX from April 7 through June 3?
Answer: American had previously canceled service on the MAX through April 6. On Jan. 19, American will run a formal schedule change, and customers who were previously booked on a MAX through June 3 will see their reservation updated on aa.com. Additional refinements to our schedule through June 3 will also occur in February 2020.
Based on the latest guidance, American Airlines anticipates that the resumption of scheduled commercial service on American’s fleet of Boeing 737 MAX aircraft will occur June 4, 2020.
American Airlines remains in continuous contact with the Federal Aviation Administration, Department of Transportation and Boeing. Based on the latest guidance, the airline anticipates that the resumption of scheduled commercial service on American’s fleet of Boeing 737 MAX aircraft will occur June 4, 2020. Once the aircraft is certified, American will run flights for American team members and invited guests.
Frequently asked questions
Question: When will American run a schedule change and inform customers who were booked on a MAX from April 7 through June 3?
Answer: American had previously canceled service on the MAX through April 6. On Jan. 19, American will run a formal schedule change, and customers who were previously booked on a MAX through June 3 will see their reservation updated on aa.com. Additional refinements to our schedule through June 3 will also occur in February 2020.
Feb 15, 2020, 8:45 am
#198
Moderator: American AAdvantage
Join Date: May 2000
Location: NorCal - SMF area
Programs: AA LT Plat; HH LT Diamond, Maître-plongeur des Muccis
Posts: 62,948
“Based on the latest guidance, the airline anticipates that the resumption of scheduled commercial service on American’s fleet of Boeing 737 MAX aircraft will occur Aug. 18, 2020.” — 14 Feb 2020
Feb 16, 2020, 12:00 am
#199
Join Date: Nov 2016
Location: CMH
Programs: BA Gold, AA Plat, NK $9 fare club
Posts: 666
From the AA 737 update page:
"When will American run a schedule change and inform customers who were booked on a MAX from June 4 through Aug. 17?
American had previously canceled service on the MAX through June 3. On Feb. 23, American will run a formal schedule change, and customers who were previously booked on a MAX through Aug. 17 will see their reservation updated on aa.com. Additional refinements to our schedule through Aug. 17 will also occur in March 2020."
At least these changes are being put through early enough for people to adjust.
Jul 20, 2020, 6:15 am
#200
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: WAS
Programs: Delta
Posts: 29
Use of 737 max for flight
On flight from dca-anu via Mia on 02Oct2020, flight from mia-anu is on 737 max, what are chances flight is cancelled or they will just do equipment changes?
Jul 20, 2020, 6:19 am
#201
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: RDU <|> MMX
Programs: AA EXP 2MM, SK EBS
Posts: 12,443
Yes, there are lots of flights this fall with the MAX scheduled. If the MAX isn't cleared to fly by then, AA will just do equipment swaps as they've done in the past.
Jul 20, 2020, 6:45 am
#202
Suspended
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: DCA
Programs: UA US CO AA DL FL
Posts: 50,262
Or, third alternative. The aircraft has been cleared for return to commercial service and it performs the flight.
Jul 20, 2020, 8:54 am
#203
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Wanting First. Buying First.
Programs: Lifetime Executive Diamond Platinum VIP with Braniff, Eastern, Midway, National & Pan Am
Posts: 17,481
Jul 20, 2020, 10:11 am
#204
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2012
Location: MCO
Programs: AA, B6, DL, EK, EY, QR, SQ, UA, Amex Plat, Marriott Tit, HHonors Gold
Posts: 12,809
I would think it's pretty unlikely given a couple of situations:
1) the aircraft is still grounded and reactivating the fleet of these will take time even once it's ungrounded (and there's nothing to indicate any of that will be happening in two months time)
2) fleets aren't exactly stretched at this point, why would AA bother reactivating another fleet type when it isn't needed at all
I believe even if the aircraft does end up operating your flight AA has stated they would allow changes for passengers who do not want to fly on it.
1) the aircraft is still grounded and reactivating the fleet of these will take time even once it's ungrounded (and there's nothing to indicate any of that will be happening in two months time)
2) fleets aren't exactly stretched at this point, why would AA bother reactivating another fleet type when it isn't needed at all
I believe even if the aircraft does end up operating your flight AA has stated they would allow changes for passengers who do not want to fly on it.
Jul 20, 2020, 10:52 am
#205
Moderator: American AAdvantage
Join Date: May 2000
Location: NorCal - SMF area
Programs: AA LT Plat; HH LT Diamond, Maître-plongeur des Muccis
Posts: 62,948
Three days of certification flights were carried out at the very end of June. That’s a vast amount of data to be sorted, and there are many steps that must be carried out by the national or regional airline regulators everywhere 737 MAXs may fly again - some regulators may be reluctant or doubtful for everything from having issues because of the accidents (Ethiopia and Indonesia in particular), or even political reasons. Once the certification is granted it will be contingent on hard and soft updates encompassing everything from wiring to MCAS. Pilots and mechanics must be trained, the upgrades must be completed and inspected.
October? I’d not take that bet at all. Maybe Thanksgiving, maybe toward the end of the year? Creating with and complying with the AD will be quite an accomplishment. Then, every aircraft must be “de-mothballed”, thoroughly inspected, test flown abd accepted by the airline and its pilots.
Regardless, they will be coming online at some point. And the recertified MAX will be the most scrutinized, vetted, tested aircraft in the USA since Lockheed’s L-188 Electra (which had an unfortunate tendency to shed its wings under certain circumstances). The EIP - Electra Improvement Program - was successful, AA renamed the reworked Electra “Electra II” and flew them suvpccessfully and safely. The Navy’s Electra derivative P-3 Orion patrol aircraft was hugueky string and had a long life.
For those who have strong concerns, I expect AA will allow free changes for those who find themselves scheduled on a MAX. The challenge will be, in this era of fewer flights, to find alternative aircraft and flights that can get you there.
I’ve flown since the 1940s and lived through the aircraft catastrophes of the Comet I, Lockheed Electra, DC-10. I generally avoid newly designed or highly modified aircraft for a while because of that - my first 787 flight was two years ago, and I did fly many safe flights on Comet 4Cs, Lockheed Electra IIs, DC-10 varieties. I will fly on a fully vetted recertified 737 MAX at some point, and given they’ll be the only options on some flights, relatively soon.
October? I’d not take that bet at all. Maybe Thanksgiving, maybe toward the end of the year? Creating with and complying with the AD will be quite an accomplishment. Then, every aircraft must be “de-mothballed”, thoroughly inspected, test flown abd accepted by the airline and its pilots.
Regardless, they will be coming online at some point. And the recertified MAX will be the most scrutinized, vetted, tested aircraft in the USA since Lockheed’s L-188 Electra (which had an unfortunate tendency to shed its wings under certain circumstances). The EIP - Electra Improvement Program - was successful, AA renamed the reworked Electra “Electra II” and flew them suvpccessfully and safely. The Navy’s Electra derivative P-3 Orion patrol aircraft was hugueky string and had a long life.
For those who have strong concerns, I expect AA will allow free changes for those who find themselves scheduled on a MAX. The challenge will be, in this era of fewer flights, to find alternative aircraft and flights that can get you there.
I’ve flown since the 1940s and lived through the aircraft catastrophes of the Comet I, Lockheed Electra, DC-10. I generally avoid newly designed or highly modified aircraft for a while because of that - my first 787 flight was two years ago, and I did fly many safe flights on Comet 4Cs, Lockheed Electra IIs, DC-10 varieties. I will fly on a fully vetted recertified 737 MAX at some point, and given they’ll be the only options on some flights, relatively soon.
Jul 20, 2020, 11:12 am
#206
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2012
Location: MCO
Programs: AA, B6, DL, EK, EY, QR, SQ, UA, Amex Plat, Marriott Tit, HHonors Gold
Posts: 12,809
Anyone want to take bets on which major modern aviation embarrassment will happen first? The opening of BER vs the return to service of the 73M?
Last edited by cmd320; Jul 20, 2020 at 4:19 pm
Jul 20, 2020, 4:16 pm
#207
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Austin
Programs: AA EXP +2MM- LT PLT! HH Diamond
Posts: 6,086
Jul 21, 2020, 10:46 pm
#208
Moderator: American AAdvantage
Join Date: May 2000
Location: NorCal - SMF area
Programs: AA LT Plat; HH LT Diamond, Maître-plongeur des Muccis
Posts: 62,948
FAA plans 45-day public comment period on Boeing’s 737 MAX; ungrounding not likely before mid-October
The Seattle Times, 21 Jul 2020 — link
45 days to receive public comment. Put thinking hat on now...
The Seattle Times, 21 Jul 2020 — link
In part — The FAA said Tuesday it will soon formally publish the proposed design changes to the Boeing 737 MAX flight control system as well as proposed new pilot procedures, and will allow 45 days for public comment ahead of clearing the jet to fly passengers again.
While this is a clear signal that federal approval for the 737 MAX to return to service in the U.S. is approaching, a person familiar with the steps ahead said it pushes the likely date for a go-ahead to mid-October, some 19 months after the plane was grounded.
While this is a clear signal that federal approval for the 737 MAX to return to service in the U.S. is approaching, a person familiar with the steps ahead said it pushes the likely date for a go-ahead to mid-October, some 19 months after the plane was grounded.
Jul 22, 2020, 5:59 am
#209
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Austin
Programs: AA EXP +2MM- LT PLT! HH Diamond
Posts: 6,086
FAA plans 45-day public comment period on Boeing’s 737 MAX; ungrounding not likely before mid-October
The Seattle Times, 21 Jul 2020 — link
45 days to receive public comment. Put thinking hat on now...
The Seattle Times, 21 Jul 2020 — link
45 days to receive public comment. Put thinking hat on now...
From (paywall) article https://www.wsj.com/articles/boeing-737-max-increasingly-unlikely-to-carry-passengers-before-2021-11595372485?mod=hp_lista_pos3
Boeing Co.BA 2.41% ’s 737 MAX isn’t likely to resume widespread passenger flights until early next year—nearly two months beyond previous expectations—due to another regulatory delay, according to U.S. government and industry officials.