How to Know the Kind of Aircraft You’re Boarding

Concerns have been raised over the safety of 737 MAX 8 airplanes after Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 crashed shortly after takeoff on Sunday, 10^th March 2019 in Ethiopia, killing all 157 people on board.

The crash came less than five months after a Lion Air Boeing 737 MAX 8 went down in Indonesia last October and similarly, none of the 189 people on board survived.

Airlines and governments around the world are already shutting down Boeing 737 MAX 8 operations due to the uncertainties surrounding the airplanes.

Experts are gathering details on Ethiopia’s crash, but answers could take months. Boeing has defended its aircraft and said it has “full confidence in the safety of the Max.”

As we wait for the final report from investigations being carried out, it is better to be on the safer side of things and avoid the 737 MAX airplanes.

Here is how to know if you’re booked on a 737 MAX 8 flight;

1. Use of Aviation Websites and Apps

Websites such as FlightRadar24 and SeatGuru make it easy to see the type of airplane on which you’re scheduled to fly. Look up your flight number or use the filter function to track all 737 MAX 8s and any other aircraft.

2. Check Your Airline Website

All airlines provide information on all the flights departing, landing and scheduled. Clicking on the flight number will show you what type of airplane is assigned to the flight

3. Check the registration of the airplane on the FAA site

Before you board, you can note the registration number which is clearly marked on the side of the plane. Plug that number into the FAA registration database and all the information you need will be provided.

Read Also: List of 10 Nations That Have Grounded the Boeing 737 MAX 8 Fleet

What are your rights if you cancel a flight on a 737 MAX 8 plane?

Compensation for flights canceled and the laws that protect passengers all depend on the departure airport and the home country of the airline.

Henrik Zillmer, the chief executive of AirHelp, a company that helps travelers make claims against airlines, says that passengers are probably out of luck.

“Travelers can cancel their flights, but would not be eligible to claim compensation if they decide to do so,” he said. “They do not have a right to compensation or reimbursement for tickets purchased as it is technically their decision to cancel.”

If, however, you are booked on a flight with an airline that has grounded its Boeing 737 Max 8 planes, Mr. Zillmer believes you will probably be refunded your fare.