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American Airlines Extends Boeing 737 MAX Flight Cancellations Through June 5

April 07, 2019
3 min read
Boeing 737 MAX Planes Stranded At U.S. Airports  As Flights Are Halted
American Airlines Extends Boeing 737 MAX Flight Cancellations Through June 5
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American Airlines has confirmed on Sunday that the airline will extend 737 MAX flight cancellations through June 5. The airline had originally cancelled Boeing 737 MAX flights through April 24 with the hopes that Boeing and regulatory agencies like the FAA would resolve the issues plaguing Boeing's newest narrow-body. However, it appears that a quick fix might not be as imminent as previously thought.

In a press release, American Airlines noted that the decision to prolong 737 MAX cancellations for the next two months was made "in an effort to provide more certainty and avoid last minute flight disruptions." The airline also confirmed that approximately 90 flights each day are canceled as a result of the Boeing 737 MAX grounding.

Initial reports in the wake of the FAA's decision to ground the Boeing 737 MAX pointed towards a quick software fix that might have allowed the aircraft to return to the skies within weeks. This no longer appears to be the case as preliminary reports from the crash of Ethiopian Airlines flight 302 confirm that the Boeing 737 MAX, and not the pilots, was to blame for the crash that killed all 157 on board.

Boeing has identified a faulty sensor that is a part of the Boeing 737 MAX's MCAS, the system implicated in the crash of both Lion Air flight 610 and Ethiopian Airlines flight 302. The aircraft manufacturer is working to correct the MCAS in the hopes of eventually getting the aircraft to return safely to service.

An Ethiopian Airlines Boeing 737 MAX 8 like the aircraft involved in the March 10th crash (Image courtesy of Boeing)

As a result of the Boeing 737 MAX being grounded worldwide, airlines that operate the aircraft have suffered from operational issues as well as financial losses. American Airlines, already facing a shortage of narrow-body aircraft, has had to cancel up to 90 flights per day. Southwest Airlines has also had to cancel around 90 flights per day, and has reported that the grounding of the 737 MAX has resulted in a loss of $150 million in revenue.

American Airlines stated in Sunday's press release that the airline, "Continues to await information from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation (DOT), National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), other regulatory boards, and Boeing that would permit the 24 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft in [our] fleet to resume flying."

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For now, American Airlines said that the airline is proactively reaching out to customers impacted by the 737 MAX flight cancellations via phone and email. American is working with impacted passengers to find alternate flights or issue full refunds should their flight be canceled as a result of the Boeing 737 MAX grounding.

Travelers concerned about whether or not their American Airlines flight is operating on time or was scheduled to be operated with a Boeing 737 MAX aircraft should check with American Airlines directly. The easiest and quickest way to check flight status is via the airline's app or by calling American Airlines directly at 1-800-433-7300.

For the latest travel news, including updates on the Boeing 737 MAX, deals and points and miles tips please subscribe to The Points Guy daily email newsletter.

Featured image by Getty Images

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Apply for American Express® Gold Card
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4XEarn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
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  • Annual Fee

    $325
  • Recommended Credit

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Why We Chose It

There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)

Pros

  • 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
  • 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
  • Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
  • Solid welcome bonus

Cons

  • Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
  • Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
  • You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
  • $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
  • $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
  • Terms Apply.