TAMPA, Fla. — With two fatal plane crashes involving a Boeing 737 Max 8 in less than five months, safety concerns are growing for travelers around the world.
The jetliner is Boeing's top-selling plane, and it's only been in commercial use for two years. There were several of the Boeing planes leaving from Tampa International Airport on Monday.
In the U.S., Southwest Airlines flies 31 of these planes, and American Airlines flies 24.
Do you know what type of aircraft you're flying in? Here's how to check when booking a flight.
On Southwest's website, flight information is attached to flight numbers above flight times. For example, a nonstop flight from TIA to Philadelphia leaving at 9 p.m. May 27 has flight #203 -- aircraft type Boeing 737-800 with 175 seats.
Aircraft information is in the left pop-up box under "Aircraft Information."
On American Airlines' website, flight numbers and information are listed below flight times. For example, a nonstop flight from TIA to Philadelphia leaving at noon on May 27 has flight #AA 1875 on a A320 Airbus.
Flight AA 2486 leaving TIA at 8 p.m. uses a Boeing 737.
Aircraft information is in the bottom left corner under "12:00 p.m. --> 2:32 p.m."
What happens if you book a flight but aren't comfortable with the aircraft you'll be on?
"As far as customers who are concerned, our Customer Relations Team is responding to these customers individually, emphasizing our friendly no-charge fee policy," Spokesperson Chris Mainz said in an email. "We remain confident in the safety and airworthiness of our fleet of more than 750 Boeing aircraft."
American Airlines released the following statement early Monday after an Ethiopian Airlines jet crashed shortly after takeoff. The flight was using a Boeing 737 Max 8 aircraft.
"American Airlines extends our condolences to the families and friends of those on board Ethiopian Airlines flight 302. At this time there are no facts on the cause of the accident other than news reports. Our Flight, Flight Service, Tech Ops and Safety teams, along with the Allied Pilots Association (APA) and Association of Professional Flight Attendants (APFA), will closely monitor the investigation in Ethiopia, which is our standard protocol for any aircraft accident. American continues to collaborate with the FAA and other regulatory authorities, as the safety of our team members and customers is our number one priority. We have full confidence in the aircraft and our crew members, who are the best and most experienced in the industry."
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