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
Aug 18, 2022, 11:27 am
#451
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: HNL
Programs: UA GS4MM, MR LT Plat, Hilton Gold
Posts: 6,447
Flew my first Max 9 flight LAS-SFO on Aug 18 in F.
Found the seat unremarkable - but did appreciate the large seatback entertainment screens and large overhead bins. Didn't really notice any other differences from window size or takeoff/landing experience from other 737 planes. The 5 rows of F, 20 seats, was also a huge plus. If not for the seatback entertainment screens and large F cabin I would not have noticed it was a Max plane.
Found the seat unremarkable - but did appreciate the large seatback entertainment screens and large overhead bins. Didn't really notice any other differences from window size or takeoff/landing experience from other 737 planes. The 5 rows of F, 20 seats, was also a huge plus. If not for the seatback entertainment screens and large F cabin I would not have noticed it was a Max plane.
Aug 18, 2022, 12:47 pm
#453
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: HNL
Programs: UA GS4MM, MR LT Plat, Hilton Gold
Posts: 6,447
I wasn't really paying attention the noise of the cabin - but now that you mention it, yes - it was a quiet flight
Aug 18, 2022, 12:51 pm
#454
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: No. California
Programs: UA MP HH LTD
Posts: 2,040
Flew my first Max 9 flight LAS-SFO on Aug 18 in F.
Found the seat unremarkable - but did appreciate the large seatback entertainment screens and large overhead bins. Didn't really notice any other differences from window size or takeoff/landing experience from other 737 planes. The 5 rows of F, 20 seats, was also a huge plus. If not for the seatback entertainment screens and large F cabin I would not have noticed it was a Max plane.
Found the seat unremarkable - but did appreciate the large seatback entertainment screens and large overhead bins. Didn't really notice any other differences from window size or takeoff/landing experience from other 737 planes. The 5 rows of F, 20 seats, was also a huge plus. If not for the seatback entertainment screens and large F cabin I would not have noticed it was a Max plane.
Otherwise, things were very new and shiny. Lighting was a little better, IMHO. Yep the bins are most definitely bigger...the GAs at BOS did a little spiel with video backup to explain the use and benefits of the new bins. At IAD, the new bins weren't mentioned, and voluntary gate checking of bags was pushed heavily. One of the FAs was very aggressive about stuffing things in the bins...they definitely got a lot more in the overheads.
Aug 18, 2022, 2:34 pm
#455
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2017
Programs: AS 75K, DL Silver, UA Platinum, Hilton Gold, Hyatt Discoverist, Marriott Platinum + LT Gold
Posts: 10,501
I have flown 7M8 and 7M9 nine times already this year (UA + another carrier), including 3 times in one day, and I am still alive - whew!
Last year I flew from IAH to ANC (7 hours+), probably the longest I would be willing to fly on it, from a comfort level standpoint, but overall, no trepidation whatsoever flying the bird.
Last year I flew from IAH to ANC (7 hours+), probably the longest I would be willing to fly on it, from a comfort level standpoint, but overall, no trepidation whatsoever flying the bird.
Aug 19, 2022, 1:01 am
#456
Join Date: Jan 2020
Location: San Francisco Bay Area
Programs: United 1K, Marriott Titanium, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 519
I think this matters a lot. One of my more regular routes is SFO-LAX and this is often flown on less recently refreshed 73X, so when I see a MAX on the schedule its easy for me to chose it.
Aug 19, 2022, 11:17 pm
#457
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Danville, CA, USA;
Programs: UA 1MM, WN CP, Marriott LT Plat, Hilton Gold, IC Plat
Posts: 15,720
In June we were forced to fly the MAX from LAX<->OGG as it was the only option available. Fortunately we survived. It reminds me of the 757 "slave ships" - nothing special. Will continue to avoid if I can.
Oct 12, 2022, 7:31 am
#458
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2015
Posts: 11,461
Is there still some aversion to the MAX amongst general flyers?
I haven't attempted any hard comparison, but anecdotally I observe that, compared to when served by non-MAX 737, the upgrade lists are a fair bit shorter (e.g., 40 vs. 60) on these planes for any given route/time, and the flights go out with a smattering more empty seats.
Wondering if anyone else has noticed similar, or maybe it's just a fluke of "anecdata".
Anyway, it's a nice aircraft.
I haven't attempted any hard comparison, but anecdotally I observe that, compared to when served by non-MAX 737, the upgrade lists are a fair bit shorter (e.g., 40 vs. 60) on these planes for any given route/time, and the flights go out with a smattering more empty seats.
Wondering if anyone else has noticed similar, or maybe it's just a fluke of "anecdata".
Anyway, it's a nice aircraft.
Oct 12, 2022, 3:06 pm
#460
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2017
Programs: AS 75K, DL Silver, UA Platinum, Hilton Gold, Hyatt Discoverist, Marriott Platinum + LT Gold
Posts: 10,501
Is there still some aversion to the MAX amongst general flyers?
I haven't attempted any hard comparison, but anecdotally I observe that, compared to when served by non-MAX 737, the upgrade lists are a fair bit shorter (e.g., 40 vs. 60) on these planes for any given route/time, and the flights go out with a smattering more empty seats.
Wondering if anyone else has noticed similar, or maybe it's just a fluke of "anecdata".
Anyway, it's a nice aircraft.
I haven't attempted any hard comparison, but anecdotally I observe that, compared to when served by non-MAX 737, the upgrade lists are a fair bit shorter (e.g., 40 vs. 60) on these planes for any given route/time, and the flights go out with a smattering more empty seats.
Wondering if anyone else has noticed similar, or maybe it's just a fluke of "anecdata".
Anyway, it's a nice aircraft.
I have flown in about 20 or so Max flights this year (combination of UA and non-UA), and haven't really noticed differences with non-Max narrow bodies in terms of UG. To be honest, I have stopped "studying" the upgrade list as each flight has its own unique characteristics and none are apple to apple.
I do try to get CPUs on 7M8 on UA. The screen is a plus. (understand some 7M9 units have them now as well).
Oct 12, 2022, 3:23 pm
#461
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2015
Posts: 11,461
I would think most wouldn't care/wouldn't know the difference. Occasionally, I would hear some people talk about it (e.g. hotel van), especially when an airline pilot is present.
I have flown in about 20 or so Max flights this year (combination of UA and non-UA), and haven't really noticed differences with non-Max narrow bodies in terms of UG. To be honest, I have stopped "studying" the upgrade list as each flight has its own unique characteristics and none are apple to apple.
I do try to get CPUs on 7M8 on UA. The screen is a plus. (understand some 7M9 units have them now as well).
I have flown in about 20 or so Max flights this year (combination of UA and non-UA), and haven't really noticed differences with non-Max narrow bodies in terms of UG. To be honest, I have stopped "studying" the upgrade list as each flight has its own unique characteristics and none are apple to apple.
I do try to get CPUs on 7M8 on UA. The screen is a plus. (understand some 7M9 units have them now as well).
For some reason I seem to have to go out of my way to find them (<10 this year and last, with >30 739 each, all UA). I actually do prefer it to old 73_, so I’m usually looking to book directly onto it or change if sked and inv works.
Personally, almost everyone I know (literally) has no active awareness of the aircraft’s history, so my experience with its loads seemed odd.
Oct 12, 2022, 3:32 pm
#462
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: USA
Programs: UA Platinum, 1MM
Posts: 13,460
I'm not worried bout the MAX. I haven't flown one since the accidents though. Only flew it twice before the grounding. I think very highly of UA pilots and there was so much focus on the MAX that I am sure the pilots are very aware of its idiosyncrasies now. I'd rather fly a newer plan than a tired one. Ex: some of the 752s are looking a bit worn even thought they are still amazing from a performance perspective. The MAX definitely appear to be regularly running some routes like SFO-BOS.
Oct 13, 2022, 10:33 am
#463
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: CLE
Programs: UA:1K 0.81M
Posts: 135
I'm surprised I've not heard anecdata before, but am definitely stealing it.
From multiple flights I've yet to hear a clear and effective explanation of how to load the bins. Worst case was "store your bag sideways" which I would have interpreted as parallel to the bin, not perpendicular. "On its side" makes sense to me.
the GAs at BOS did a little spiel with video backup to explain the use and benefits of the new bins. At IAD, the new bins weren't mentioned, and voluntary gate checking of bags was pushed heavily. One of the FAs was very aggressive about stuffing things in the bins...they definitely got a lot more in the overheads.
Oct 13, 2022, 11:22 am
#464
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2015
Posts: 11,461
I'm surprised I've not heard anecdata before, but am definitely stealing it.
From multiple flights I've yet to hear a clear and effective explanation of how to load the bins. Worst case was "store your bag sideways" which I would have interpreted as parallel to the bin, not perpendicular. "On its side" makes sense to me.
From multiple flights I've yet to hear a clear and effective explanation of how to load the bins. Worst case was "store your bag sideways" which I would have interpreted as parallel to the bin, not perpendicular. "On its side" makes sense to me.
I wonder if describing the proper bin usage as "store your bag in the bin like it's a book" would be more intuitive to people? Or maybe then we'd see people trying to stand it fully upright in the bin. 😂
Perhaps best would be to just tell people "look at the diagram in the bin before you store your bag", since the drawing is pretty clear.
Oct 13, 2022, 11:31 am
#465
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: GVA (Greater Vancouver Area)
Programs: DREAD Gold; UA 1.035MM; Bonvoy Au-197; PCC Elite+; CCC Elite+; MSC C-12; CWC Au-197; WoH Dis
Posts: 52,139
It's a good sniglet.