Mar 11, 2019, 12:37 pm
Last edit by: WineCountryUA
Thread Topic
The reason for continuing this thread is to inform the UA traveler on the status of the MAX recertification and if / when UA might deploy the MAX aircraft. And UA flyer's thoughts about UA deploying the MAX if that was to happen.
Now that UA MAX flights have resumed, see UA statement at All about the Boeing 737 MAX: Safety, status and more
================================================== ========
The first B737 MAX, an enhanced version of the B737 family, started service in May 2016, a MAX 8. MAX 9 entered service March 2018. (UA service start date??)
The MAX series was ground in March 2019 after two incidents involve the MCAS; Lion Air Flight 610 - Wikipedia and Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 - Wikipedia
United did not fly the 737 MAX 8 that has been involved in two recent crashes, but it had operated the 737 MAX 9.
All 737 MAX aircraft worldwide (MAX 8, MAX 9, and MAX 10) were grounded. Boeing in conjunction with FAA, EASA, Transport Canada and other national air safety organizations entered into a cause investigation, into the MCAS operation, into if sufficient training had been provided and into if the original certification process had been sufficient rigid.
Preliminary Summary of the FAA’s Review of the Boeing 737 MAX (PDF).
The FAA (18 Nov 2020), EASA (24 Nov 2020) and Transport Canada (17 Dec 2020) have re-certified the MAX 8 & MAX 9 for commercial flight
Boeing 737 MAX certification - Wikipedia
AA resumed use of MAX8 on 29 Dec 2020
UA plans to resumes service of the MAX9 in Feb 2020 (from IAH and DEN)
Airlines have resumed taking deliveries of the MAX 8 & 9
================
How to tell if your flight is scheduled to be operated by the MAX 9:
View your reservation or flight status page, either on the web or on the app. United lists the entire aircraft type. Every flight that is scheduled to be on the 737 MAX will say "Boeing 737 MAX 9." If you see anything else -- for example, "Boeing 737-900," it is not scheduled to be a MAX at this time.
The same is true in search results and anywhere else on the United site.
For advanced users: UA uses the three letter IATA identifier 7M9 for the 737 MAX 9.
B737MAX Recertification - Archive
The reason for continuing this thread is to inform the UA traveler on the status of the MAX recertification and if / when UA might deploy the MAX aircraft. And UA flyer's thoughts about UA deploying the MAX if that was to happen.
Now that UA MAX flights have resumed, see UA statement at All about the Boeing 737 MAX: Safety, status and more
If you do not wish to fly on a MAX aircraft, we will rebook you at no charge or refund your ticket. This includes domestic ticket changes, Basic Economy tickets and international tickets if you move from one of our MAX flights to one of our non-MAX United or United Express flights. If your original itinerary involved another carrier, we will attempt to rebook you on your original airline on a non-MAX flight as well.
When we begin to fly the MAX once again, you should feel completely confident that we have taken all the necessary steps to confirm that our 737 MAX aircraft are as safe as any of our aircraft flying today. Safety has been and always will be our top priority, and it’s something we will never compromise for any reason.
When we begin to fly the MAX once again, you should feel completely confident that we have taken all the necessary steps to confirm that our 737 MAX aircraft are as safe as any of our aircraft flying today. Safety has been and always will be our top priority, and it’s something we will never compromise for any reason.
We will waive any applicable change fees or difference in fare if your rebooked flight:
If you don’t meet these conditions but still want to rebook, you may use the value of your ticket to rebook on another flight without a change fee, but a fare difference may apply based on the fare rules of the ticket.
- Has the same origin and destination as your original flight
- Is in your originally ticketed cabin (any booking code)
- Is rescheduled for the same day or one day earlier or later than your original travel date
- Is a United or United Express flight only
If you don’t meet these conditions but still want to rebook, you may use the value of your ticket to rebook on another flight without a change fee, but a fare difference may apply based on the fare rules of the ticket.
READ BEFORE POSTING
Once again many posters in this thread have forgotten the FT rules and resorted to "Personal attacks, insults, baiting and flaming " and other non-collegial, non-civil discourse. This is not allowed.
Posters appear to be talking at others, talking about others, not discussing the core issues. Repeating the same statements, saying the same thing LOUDER is not civil discourse. These problems are not with one poster, they are not just one point of view, ...
As useful as some discussion here has been, continuing rules violations will lead to suspensions and thread closure. Please think about that before posting.
The purpose of FT is to be an informative forum that, in this case, enables the UA flyer to enhance their travel experience. There are other forums for different types of discussions. This thread was had wide latitude but that latitude is being abused.
Bottom line, if you can not stay within the FT rules and the forum's topic areas, please do not post.
And before posting, ask if you are bringing new contributing information to the discussion -- not just repeating previous points, then please do not post.
WineCountryUA
UA coModerator
Once again many posters in this thread have forgotten the FT rules and resorted to "Personal attacks, insults, baiting and flaming " and other non-collegial, non-civil discourse. This is not allowed.
Posters appear to be talking at others, talking about others, not discussing the core issues. Repeating the same statements, saying the same thing LOUDER is not civil discourse. These problems are not with one poster, they are not just one point of view, ...
As useful as some discussion here has been, continuing rules violations will lead to suspensions and thread closure. Please think about that before posting.
The purpose of FT is to be an informative forum that, in this case, enables the UA flyer to enhance their travel experience. There are other forums for different types of discussions. This thread was had wide latitude but that latitude is being abused.
Bottom line, if you can not stay within the FT rules and the forum's topic areas, please do not post.
And before posting, ask if you are bringing new contributing information to the discussion -- not just repeating previous points, then please do not post.
WineCountryUA
UA coModerator
This thread has engendered some strongly felt opinions and a great tendency to wander into many peripherally related topics. By all normal FT moderation standards, this thread would have been permanently closed long ago ( and numerous members receiving disciplinary actions).
However, given the importance of the subject, the UA Moderators have tried to host this discussion but odd here as UA is not the top 1 or 2 or 3 for MAX among North America carriers. However, some have allowed their passion and non-UA related opinions to repeatedly disrupt this discussion.
The reason for continuing this thread is to inform the UA traveler on the status of the MAX recertification and if / when UA might deploy the MAX aircraft. And UA flyer's thoughts about UA deploying the MAX if that was to happen.
Discussion of Boeing's culture or the impact on Boeing's future is not in scope. Nor is comments on restructuring the regulatory process. Neither is the impacts on COVID on the general air industry -- those are not UA specific and are better discussed elsewhere. And for discussion of UA's future, there is a separate thread.
Additionally repeated postings of essentially the same content should not happen nor unnecessarily inflammatory posts. And of course, the rest of FT posting rules apply including discuss the issue and not the posters.
The Moderator team feels there is a reason / need for this thread but it has been exhausting to have to repeated re-focus the discussion -- don't be the reason this thread is permanently closed ( and get yourself in disciplinary problems).
Stick to the relevant topic which is (repeating myself)
The reason for continuing this thread is to inform the UA traveler on the status of the MAX recertification and if / when UA might deploy the MAX aircraft. And UA flyer's thoughts about UA deploying the MAX if that was to happen.
WineCountryUA
UA coModerator
However, given the importance of the subject, the UA Moderators have tried to host this discussion but odd here as UA is not the top 1 or 2 or 3 for MAX among North America carriers. However, some have allowed their passion and non-UA related opinions to repeatedly disrupt this discussion.
The reason for continuing this thread is to inform the UA traveler on the status of the MAX recertification and if / when UA might deploy the MAX aircraft. And UA flyer's thoughts about UA deploying the MAX if that was to happen.
Discussion of Boeing's culture or the impact on Boeing's future is not in scope. Nor is comments on restructuring the regulatory process. Neither is the impacts on COVID on the general air industry -- those are not UA specific and are better discussed elsewhere. And for discussion of UA's future, there is a separate thread.
Additionally repeated postings of essentially the same content should not happen nor unnecessarily inflammatory posts. And of course, the rest of FT posting rules apply including discuss the issue and not the posters.
The Moderator team feels there is a reason / need for this thread but it has been exhausting to have to repeated re-focus the discussion -- don't be the reason this thread is permanently closed ( and get yourself in disciplinary problems).
Stick to the relevant topic which is (repeating myself)
The reason for continuing this thread is to inform the UA traveler on the status of the MAX recertification and if / when UA might deploy the MAX aircraft. And UA flyer's thoughts about UA deploying the MAX if that was to happen.
WineCountryUA
UA coModerator
The first B737 MAX, an enhanced version of the B737 family, started service in May 2016, a MAX 8. MAX 9 entered service March 2018. (UA service start date??)
The MAX series was ground in March 2019 after two incidents involve the MCAS; Lion Air Flight 610 - Wikipedia and Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 - Wikipedia
United did not fly the 737 MAX 8 that has been involved in two recent crashes, but it had operated the 737 MAX 9.
All 737 MAX aircraft worldwide (MAX 8, MAX 9, and MAX 10) were grounded. Boeing in conjunction with FAA, EASA, Transport Canada and other national air safety organizations entered into a cause investigation, into the MCAS operation, into if sufficient training had been provided and into if the original certification process had been sufficient rigid.
Preliminary Summary of the FAA’s Review of the Boeing 737 MAX (PDF).
The FAA (18 Nov 2020), EASA (24 Nov 2020) and Transport Canada (17 Dec 2020) have re-certified the MAX 8 & MAX 9 for commercial flight
Boeing 737 MAX certification - Wikipedia
AA resumed use of MAX8 on 29 Dec 2020
UA plans to resumes service of the MAX9 in Feb 2020 (from IAH and DEN)
Airlines have resumed taking deliveries of the MAX 8 & 9
================
How to tell if your flight is scheduled to be operated by the MAX 9:
View your reservation or flight status page, either on the web or on the app. United lists the entire aircraft type. Every flight that is scheduled to be on the 737 MAX will say "Boeing 737 MAX 9." If you see anything else -- for example, "Boeing 737-900," it is not scheduled to be a MAX at this time.
The same is true in search results and anywhere else on the United site.
For advanced users: UA uses the three letter IATA identifier 7M9 for the 737 MAX 9.
B737MAX Recertification - Archive
B737MAX-Cleared by FAA to resume passenger flights;UA MAX flights resumed 11 Feb 2020
Mar 7, 2021, 10:15 am
#346
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2015
Posts: 11,460
I have never flown the Max with UA, but I have flown it with other operators.
I could take the non-stop home from DFW (to EWR), or catch a short hop to IAH and get the Max there: I would spend an additional $9, but I would get 1 extra PQF, more lifetime, including min. 500 between DFW and IAH, and get home earlier, since there are no nonstop from DFW to EWR in the morning on the day I am looking at.
I could take the non-stop home from DFW (to EWR), or catch a short hop to IAH and get the Max there: I would spend an additional $9, but I would get 1 extra PQF, more lifetime, including min. 500 between DFW and IAH, and get home earlier, since there are no nonstop from DFW to EWR in the morning on the day I am looking at.
I encourage you to be a responsible flyertalker and book DFW-IAH-NYC! For -EWR, that $9 (or $8.80?) comes in at a cool 1.7cpm for BIS, if you're counting.
Mar 7, 2021, 11:01 am
#347
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: HNL
Programs: UA GS4MM, MR LT Plat, Hilton Gold
Posts: 6,447
Mar 7, 2021, 11:13 am
#348
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2017
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Posts: 10,501
Mar 7, 2021, 11:51 am
#349
Moderator: Budget Travel forum & Credit Card Programs, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: YYJ/YVR and back on Van Isle ....... for now
Programs: UA lifetime MM / *A Gold
Posts: 14,428
Mar 7, 2021, 12:26 pm
#350
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Washington, D.C.
Programs: UA Premier 1K: PlAAtinum; DL SM, MM; Marriott Gold; CO Plat Emeritus; NW Plat Emeritus
Posts: 4,776
Mar 12, 2021, 11:25 am
#351
Join Date: Oct 2018
Programs: United 1k, HH Diamond, Bonvoy Ambassador and LT-Gold
Posts: 1,658
UA 737MAX back in service.....
I just booked a ticket RT DEN-ORD for the end of the month and noticed that they are now flying 737-max's on this route
....sort of interesting in that recently these hub flights have been on packed 777s (Polaris and non)
while I have no problem flying on a Max..... it just was enough to prompt a thread to see if there is any discussion..... including (and maybe this is somewhere) thoughts on best seats?
-m
....sort of interesting in that recently these hub flights have been on packed 777s (Polaris and non)
while I have no problem flying on a Max..... it just was enough to prompt a thread to see if there is any discussion..... including (and maybe this is somewhere) thoughts on best seats?
-m
Mar 12, 2021, 11:40 am
#352
Moderator: United Airlines
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: SFO
Programs: UA Plat 1.995MM, Hyatt Discoverist, Marriott Plat/LT Gold, Hilton Silver, IHG Plat
Posts: 66,843
seats / seatmap are not materially different
see Everything you want to know about 737-900 (739) - FlyerTalk Forums
Mar 16, 2021, 12:30 pm
#353
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2015
Posts: 11,460
my first MAX flight
Got myself up and to the airport an hour early so I could change onto a MAX9 (from my originally scheduled A320). I feel the experience overall is an incremental upgrade from the -900. Main impressions:
And it was a good flight. Good pilot comms, attentive service and no hiding in the galley. The generally personable flight attendant also bounced around taking sandwich / snack box preferences from 1K / GS just before departure. I guess I like that these days.
Also, noticed N37513 painted in the old livery. I had forgotten some of these predate the EvoBlu refresh.
- engine noise seems reduced
- row 5 does have a proper wall behind (with the lav behind ab, of course)
- the wall is contoured to allow full recline in row 5
- seat power and wifi worked on the ground (although the FAs or pilots seemingly forgot to turn it on until someone asked during the drinks service).
Also, noticed N37513 painted in the old livery. I had forgotten some of these predate the EvoBlu refresh.
Mar 16, 2021, 1:33 pm
#354
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: PHL, EWR
Programs: UA Gold; AA; Amtrak Select Plus;HH Diamond;Hyatt Disc;Hertz PC; Total Wine Grand Reserve!
Posts: 2,401
I'm flying DEN to LAX on a MAX-9 at the end of next week. I'm looking forward to the flight. Based on the trip reports of similar aircraft I've seen on YouTube, it seems like a nice and quiet plane.
Mar 16, 2021, 6:19 pm
#356
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2003
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Posts: 10,344
And for those on the opposite end of the spectrum (or just wanting to play the game a little), any flight you have scheduled on a MAX9 can be re-scheduled +/- 1 day with an EXTREMELY LIBERAL rebooking policy. In fact, feel free to book the cheapest flight(s) possible and if they have a MAX9 you can reschedule to any flight between your original city pairs without fee.
i did this last week and I was allowed to return to a co-terminal for free. I just tried again today for a flight I have this weekend but co-terminal is not allowed for some reason. No idea where United comes up with their rules. But my "T" fare is now rebooked into "B" on the return.
-RM
i did this last week and I was allowed to return to a co-terminal for free. I just tried again today for a flight I have this weekend but co-terminal is not allowed for some reason. No idea where United comes up with their rules. But my "T" fare is now rebooked into "B" on the return.
-RM
Mar 16, 2021, 7:17 pm
#357
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: SLC
Programs: UA 1K, Hertz PC, Avis PC, Hilton Diamond, BW Diamond, Marriott Platinum
Posts: 212
I had my first Max flight Saturday.
I tried to do a flight change, not because of the Max, rather I was trying for a better schedule. United was making it near impossible to change with no additional cost. Only one option for no charge, but dozens with additional fees....
That being said, I ended up flying on it and it was interesting.
-The engines have a sound similar to the 777 imho, pretty cool.
-I absolutely hate the airbag seatbelts on row 1. What a disaster.
-The mini cabin separator is pointless
-The slimline lav is a joke.
-The bins were nice, but many people didn’t realize that bags could be stowed on their sides.
Overall not much difference than one the the 2015+ 739’s
I tried to do a flight change, not because of the Max, rather I was trying for a better schedule. United was making it near impossible to change with no additional cost. Only one option for no charge, but dozens with additional fees....
That being said, I ended up flying on it and it was interesting.
-The engines have a sound similar to the 777 imho, pretty cool.
-I absolutely hate the airbag seatbelts on row 1. What a disaster.
-The mini cabin separator is pointless
-The slimline lav is a joke.
-The bins were nice, but many people didn’t realize that bags could be stowed on their sides.
Overall not much difference than one the the 2015+ 739’s
Mar 17, 2021, 7:20 am
#359
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2015
Posts: 11,460
I'm wondering also.
I see the TPG preview toured some version with a plastic flap marking separation of F and Y (view from row 5 looking toward row 7, I think; look at the top of the image):
https://thepointsguy.com/news/united...-9-seat-belts/
However, that isn't what I saw on board (over the shoulder view from row 5):
Are the earlier deliveries configured differently than the more recent ones?
I see the TPG preview toured some version with a plastic flap marking separation of F and Y (view from row 5 looking toward row 7, I think; look at the top of the image):
However, that isn't what I saw on board (over the shoulder view from row 5):
Mar 17, 2021, 7:28 am
#360
Join Date: May 2012
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Posts: 6,956