Technology

Is your next flight scheduled on a 737 Max 9 aircraft?

Published

2 years ago

January 14, 2024

Is your next flight scheduled on a 737 Max 9 aircraft?

Hundreds of flight cancellations continue days after both Alaska Airlines and United Airlines cope with the mandatory grounding of the Boeing 737 Max 9 aircraft.

A Max 9 was involved in a midair incident when the plug covering a section designed for a door failed, leaving a gaping hole and sucking out parts of the adjacent seats.

Chances are that if a future flight is showing a 737 Max 9 aircraft type, your flight will be canceled.

As of Friday morning, there were 1,600-plus flight cancellations, according to FlightAware, although some attributed to weather conditions.

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Boeing 737 Max (Boeing)

Four ways to tell whether your flight is assigned the 737 Max 9 aircraft

Determining whether your upcoming flight is using a Boeing 737 Max 9 aircraft involves a few steps.

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1) Check your booking details: Start by reviewing your flight confirmation or booking details. Airlines often list the aircraft type on your ticket or itinerary. Look for terms like “Boeing 737 Max 9” or “B737 Max 9”.

Alaska Airlines itinerary showing Boeing 737-9 Max (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

2) Visit the airline’s website or app: If the aircraft type isn’t specified in your booking details, visit the airline’s website. Search for your flight by entering the flight number or your booking reference. Many airlines provide detailed information about the aircraft, including the model.

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3) Use flight-tracking websites: Websites like FlightAware or Flightradar24 can provide detailed information about specific flights, including the type of aircraft used. Enter your flight number on these platforms to see if your flight will be operated with a Boeing 737 Max 9. My new fave Flighty app alerts you when the aircraft type changes or a flight is going to be disrupted.

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4) Check the day of the flight: Sometimes, airlines may change the aircraft type last minute due to operational needs. Check the information screens at the airport, or ask at the gate to confirm the aircraft type on the day of your flight.

Woman at the airport checking information screens (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

A Boeing 737-900 is not the same as a 737 Max 9 aircraft. In person, a 737 Max can be identified visually by the forward-mounted engines ahead of the wing and the notches on the back edge design of the engines.

Boeing 737 Max (Boeing)

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What to do when your flight on a 737 Max 9 is canceled

Both United and Alaska Airlines were affected by the FAA grounding and mandatory inspection of the Boeing 737 Max 9 aircraft equipped with a fuselage plug where the frame was originally designed for a door in a spot that’s about 12 rows aft of the wing.

I was scheduled to fly from LAX to Newark on Alaska Airlines this past Friday when my flight was canceled about 36 hours ahead of departure. Alaska sent me to their app to confirm or change the automatically rebooked itinerary, but it failed when I logged in, saying that change could not be made online.

Alaska Airlines app (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Alaska Airlines call center wait time eight hours, nine minutes

When I called Alaska Airlines, the recorded message said that wait times were eight hours, nine minutes on my recent trip. On another phone support line for the airline VIPs, of which I am not one, though I decided to dial in desperation, I was able to select an option to receive a callback, which did come a few hours later when I was able to speak with an Alaska representative.

By that time, I had chosen to book another flight on JetBlue at the last minute, having no confidence in their operational stability, and asked for a refund.

If I had not already rebooked on my own, I would have pushed for a direct flight on their partner American instead of the unreasonable 14-hour zigzag series of Alaska flights automatically selected for me by their recovery algorithm.

Chat to rebook is hit or miss

Alaska offers chat as an alternative to get customer support by texting 82008. But in my case, I received a text message after a considerable wait, saying that they were “unable to accept additional chats.”

Alaska Airlines text message (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

You can send a text message to United Airlines at 800-UNITED-1 (800-864-8331). This service allows you to ask questions, get assistance and manage your bookings via text.

Social media direct messaging for help

United Airlines can be contacted through its social media channels, like X (@united) or Facebook, and it is fairly responsive to customer outreach. For Alaska Airlines on X, its handle is @AlaskaAir. Be sure to provide essential details like your flight number and booking reference, but avoid sharing sensitive personal information publicly.

Know your options before you reach out for rebooking help

Consider using every path to access the airline when you need help. If your flight is canceled on United or Alaska Airlines, know your options before reaching a representative to rebook. You may have more options than are offered on the airlines’ apps or websites.

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Best sites and apps to rescue your canceled flight

Expertflyer is my go-to favorite site to see broad seat and flight inventory between cities.
Flightsfrom.com shows all flights out of a particular departure airport, regardless of the carrier, which can come in handy when dealing with rebooking to suggest alternatives that are better than what the airline is suggesting to rebook you on.

Remember that airlines are very conscious of passenger concerns, especially regarding specific aircraft models like the Boeing 737 Max series. If you have concerns about flying on this aircraft, you can discuss them with the airline, and it might be able to accommodate your preferences, depending on its policies and the availability of alternative flights or aircraft.

Kurt’s key takeaways

Knowledge is key to avoiding travel disruptions related to the plagued 737 Max 9 aircraft. Be ready with the right tech travel apps and tools before heading to the airport. Smart travel apps can alert you to trouble before it happens, giving you a chance to solve a problem before it becomes yours.

What are your thoughts on the Boeing 737 Max 9 aircraft and its safety issues? Would you fly on one if you had the choice? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/Newsletter.

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Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on “FOX & Friends.” Got a tech question? Get Kurt’s CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.

Technology

YouTube made its video player easier to navigate on TVs

Published

50 minutes ago

December 12, 2025

Press Room

YouTube made its video player easier to navigate on TVs

The YouTube watch screen has been given a new look on TVs. The redesign aims to provide a “more intuitive experience with easier navigation,” according to YouTube’s announcement, relocating the video title and several controls, and adding a new “Description” button to access creator information and other video features.

I’m already seeing the update on my own Nvidia Shield Pro streaming box and native Phillips TV OS, and I do think it makes it easier to find specific video features and controls. My colleague Thomas Ricker says he isn’t seeing the redesign in Apple TV’s YouTube player, however, so they may still be rolling out. These changes are pretty delayed, considering YouTube announced in April that they would arrive “this summer.”

Videos on the YouTube app for TV will now show the title in the top left corner of the screen instead of just above the video scrubber at the bottom of the page, and the title can no longer be clicked to open comments, metadata, and information about the creator. Instead, those controls are now available by clicking the new “Description” button. The channel thumbnail and subscribe function have also been separated into two buttons, with the creator’s thumbnail now taking users directly to their channel.

Controls have been reorganized into distinct groups under the video scrubber: Channel, Description, and Subscribe on the left, Previous, Pause/Play, and Next in the center, and Like, Dislike, Comment, Save, Closed Captions, and Settings placed into two groups on the right. YouTube says the Subscribe button will remain visible to subscribers, adapting to flag pay-gated content or alert users to new live streams. A “Multiview” control has also been added for live sports content, while Music and Premium subscribers will see a new “Display Mode” control.

Technology

Android Emergency Live Video gives 911 eyes on the scene

Published

1 hour ago

December 12, 2025

Press Room

Android Emergency Live Video gives 911 eyes on the scene

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Holiday travel and winter storms create risky moments for drivers and families. Stress rises fast during emergencies, and describing the scene to 911 can feel overwhelming.

Now, a new Android feature closes that gap by providing live visual information that helps responders act with speed and accuracy.

If you use an iPhone, Apple offers a similar tool through its Emergency SOS Live Video feature. You can learn how it works right here.

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Android Emergency Live Video gives 911 a secure live view of the scene, so responders understand what is happening right away. (Cyberguy.com)

What Android Emergency Live Video does

Google is rolling out Android Emergency Live Video to give dispatchers a secure view of the scene during an active call or text. A dispatcher can request a live video stream through your phone when it is safe for you to share it. With a single tap, you can stream real-time video that helps responders understand what is happening.

This can help during car accidents, medical emergencies or fast-moving hazards such as wildfire conditions. Live video can also help dispatchers guide you through steps that save lives, such as CPR, until responders arrive.

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How the Android Emergency Live Video feature works

Android designed this tool to work with no setup. When you call or text 911, the dispatcher reviews the situation. If they decide video would help, they will send a request to your phone. You see a clear prompt that lets you choose whether to start the secure stream. The feature uses encryption and gives you full control. You can stop sharing at any moment.

The feature works on Android phones running Android 8 or newer with Google Play services. It is rolling out across the U.S. and select regions in Germany and Mexico. Google plans to expand coverage with more public safety partners.

How to use Emergency Live Video on Android

You cannot turn this feature on in advance. It appears only during an active 911 call or text.

1) Call or text 911 on your Android phone. The dispatcher reviews your situation.

2) Watch for a request on your screen. If the dispatcher decides live video will help, they send a prompt to your device.

3) Tap the notification that appears. You will see a clear message asking if you want to share live video.

4) Choose Share video to start streaming. This opens your camera and begins a secure live feed.

5) Tap Stop sharing at any time. You stay in control the entire time and can end the video at any time.

With one tap, you can choose to share real-time video during a 911 call or text which gives dispatchers the clarity they need to guide you. (CyberGuy.com)

Why Emergency Live Video on Android matters now

Emergencies create confusion. Sharing details verbally takes time and can lead to miscommunication. Video removes guesswork. Responders gain clarity in seconds, which can speed up help and improve outcomes. This tool builds on Android’s safety features, including Satellite SOS, Fall Detection and Car Crash Detection.

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Alastair Breeze, a Software Engineer for Android, tells CyberGuy that the team built this feature with one goal in mind. “Providing people peace of mind is at the core of Android’s safety mission. Android Emergency Live Video gives you the ability to securely share real-time video to provide dispatchers the critical eyes-on-scene context they need to assist in emergencies.”

What this means to you

If you carry an Android phone, this feature adds another layer of protection during moments that demand quick action. You stay in control of when the video is shared. You also get a simple way to show the situation when describing it feels impossible. Faster clarity can lead to faster help, which can shape how an emergency ends.

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The feature works on Android phones running Android 8 or newer and helps responders act faster during emergencies when seconds matter. (Tony Giberson/tgiberson@pnj.com / USA TODAY)

Kurt’s key takeaways

Android Emergency Live Video brings real-time awareness to moments when every second matters. It gives responders a clear view, so they can guide you through urgent steps if necessary. Most of all, it adds peace of mind during situations no one plans for.

Would you feel comfortable sharing live video during an emergency if it helped responders reach you faster? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.

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Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on “FOX & Friends.” Got a tech question? Get Kurt’s free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.

Technology

The Game Awards 2025: all the news and announcements

Published

13 hours ago

December 11, 2025

Press Room

The Game Awards 2025: all the news and announcements

The Game Awards are back once again to showcase a metric ton of commercials, provide the gaming public with their monthly dose of Muppets, and validate gamers’ opinions on which title should be named the Game of the Year. I don’t wanna say it’s a foregone conclusion what this year’s GOTY will be — Silksong may surprise us — but it’s pretty obvious that Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is the frontrunner and for good reason. It’s netted 12 nominations, the most out of this year’s contenders, including all five craft awards (Direction, Art, Music and Score, Narrative, and Audio Design).

On the announcements side, Crystal Dynamics and Amazon Games are planning something related to the Tomb Raider series. Keighley also probably had plans to reveal big news about Resident Evil: Requiem, but unfortunately it got spoiled early thanks to some leaked key art on the PlayStation Store. Here’s all the news, announcements, and trailers from The Game Awards 2025.