As a result of the continued grounding of Boeing 737 Max aircraft around the world, airlines have had to adjust and make changes in their routes. Read on to find out if this will impact your travel, and what to do if it does.
About the Grounding of the Boeing 737 Max
In March 2019, several airlines and regulators began grounding their Boeing 737 Max airliners after two of these aircraft crashed within five months of each other. Due to the fatal results of these circumstances, airlines have had to quickly ground these aircraft in their own fleets.
Numerous airlines have had to make changes to their routes and schedules as a result, switching out aircraft and changing future flight paths. Putting customers and their safety first, here is how major airlines like Air Canada and WestJet are coping with this change.
Boeing 737 Max Groundings with Major Airlines
Air Canada
Air Canada has grounded all of its 24 Boeing 737 Max aircraft as of March 13, 2019. Being one of the larger operators of this particular aircraft, they have had to re-organize several flight schedules. The company has removed the Boeing 737 from their fleet at least up until August 1, 2019, until further notice.
Despite having depended on a large number of these planes, Air Canada has quickly adjusted their flight plans and fortunately managed to not cause a massive disruption to most passengers. They have consolidated flights by substituting other aircraft on previous Boeing 737 scheduled flights to keep around 96% of their flights still in operation. However, there are still 4% of flights that cannot be supported.
Schedule Changes
Some temporary schedule suspensions include flights from Halifax and St. John’s to London Heathrow. For this path, Air Canada is accommodating passengers through its Toronto and Montreal hubs. Also disrupted are seasonal flights from Vancouver to Kona, Lihue and Calgary-Palm Springs with customers being put on other routings.
Actions to Take
Customers whose flight times or flight numbers have been changed can expect to receive an email from Air Canada with an updated itinerary. This information is also readily available using the Flight Status function on the Air Canada App or Air Canada website, where updates are announced as needed. Furthermore, double check that your contact information is on your booking to ensure future communication of flight changes.
Air Canada has a flexible re-booking policy. Affected Air Canada customers may be able to receive a full refund. If you were originally scheduled to travel on a 737 Max route, you can call Air Canada at 1-833-354-5963 for information within 72 hours of your planned flight. Alternatively, customers who booked through a travel agent should contact them for direct assistance.
WestJet
WestJet has also had to suspend some of its routes due to the Boeing 737 Max groundings. The airline company has 13 of the 737 Max aircrafts in its operation and these were planned to fly more than 1,000 flights throughout June. Even though WestJet has been able to accommodate this disruption by covering more than 700 of these routes with other aircrafts, they have had to temporarily suspend several others.
Schedule Changes
Routes that WestJet has suspended for the time being:
- Flights between Halifax and Paris from June 3 to August 2
- Flights between Edmonton and Ottawa from June 3 to July 3
- Flights between Edmonton and Montreal from June 3 to July 3
- Flights between Toronto and Kelowna from June 3 to June 27
- Flights between Vancouver and Regina from June 3 to July 3
Actions to Take
For flights affected by these changes, WestJet is following their uncontrollable delay or cancellation process. Therefore, WestJet will try to book customers for no additional costs on the next available WestJet flight.
Passengers affected by these changes have been contacted by WestJet to be re-booked. If you are affected and have yet to be contacted, you can call WestJet at 1-888-937-8538.
Boeing 737 Max and Other Airlines
If you are travelling with another airline that is affected by the Boeing 737 Max groundings and perhaps flying from a different country – here is what you can do.
Actions to Take
Most airlines that have had Boeing 737s in their fleet have grounded them. If you are travelling with another airline besides Air Canada and WestJet, they should reach out to you to inform of any changes in your flight. But in the case of this not occurring, you can either check the airline’s website or app or use Flight Aware to check if your flight is affected and the aircraft information.
Once you know the aircraft of your flight or airline, you can change your travel arrangements if necessary. In the cases of the Boeing 737 Max groundings, most airlines should provide compensation and alternative flight options, but this will differ depending on the airline. Depending on where you are, there may not be a different plane operating the same route. Keep checking back with Skyscanner to find various flight options and prices.
The Future for Boeing 737 Max Aircraft
It is not yet known how long this aircraft will be grounded. Boeing is currently going through new software updates and further training for pilots. Skyscanner will update this page as soon as any new information is released.
When something like a flight disruption or delay occurs, it can be really frustrating. Being prepared and informed can save you from the headache of unexpected travel hiccups. Our advice for you is to stay in-the-know with your chosen airline, so you can have the smoothest travel experiences possible for your future flights!
Related Travel Information
- What You Need to Know About Flight Cancellations
- Here’s What to do if you Miss Your Flight
- What Canadians Should Look for When Buying Travel Insurance
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