Kayak's new flight filter allows you to exclude aircraft models
Kayak has added a flight-search filter that lets travelers exclude specific aircraft models, prompting debate over whether and how passengers should use it to avoid Boeing 737 MAX jets. Many commenters see it as a rare way for consumers to “vote with their wallets” against Boeing’s recent safety and quality problems, even though airlines frequently swap aircraft and overall commercial aviation remains extremely safe compared with everyday car travel. Others argue that meaningful change must come from regulators and structural reforms at Boeing and its suppliers, not from fragmented individual booking choices.
Scope and Purpose of Kayak’s Aircraft Filter
- Many welcome the ability to exclude specific aircraft, especially Boeing 737 MAX variants, as a way to “vote with their wallet” against Boeing’s safety and management culture.
- Others plan to use it mainly for comfort (e.g., preferring A350/787 on long-haul, avoiding cramped narrowbodies or specific regional jets).
- Some see it as mostly symbolic or “checkbox activism,” arguing it has negligible impact on actual risk or market behavior.
Aircraft Swaps and Practical Limits
- Multiple frequent flyers report “equipment changes” are not rare, especially due to delays, maintenance, crew issues or operational reshuffling.
- Swaps often remain within the same family (e.g., A320↔A320, 737NG↔737 MAX), but cross-family swaps and even last‑minute plane changes do occur.
- Because of this, commenters stress the filter improves odds but cannot guarantee avoiding a given model.
Risk, Statistics, and Perception
- Several argue the absolute risk difference between aircraft types is tiny compared to everyday risks (cars, lifestyle), and that people misjudge low probabilities.
- Others counter that 737 MAX accident rates have been significantly worse than comparable types, at least historically, and that safety stats are lagging indicators.
- There is debate over whether post‑fix MAX aircraft are now “as safe as others” or still uniquely concerning.
- Some emphasize that for crew, repeated exposure makes even small per‑flight risk differences more meaningful over a career.
Boeing, Regulation, and Boycotts
- Strong thread of criticism toward Boeing: cost-cutting, outsourcing (e.g., to Spirit AeroSystems), regulatory capture, self‑certification, and a pattern of quality issues.
- Others note both Boeing and Airbus have accidents; risk is heavily shaped by regulation, maintenance, and operations, not just manufacturer.
- Some see consumer boycotts as one of the few available levers; others argue only regulatory action and political pressure on oversight bodies will matter.
- There is speculation about government support for Boeing, its “too important to fail” status, and limited competition given long lead times and duopoly dynamics.
Other Travel & Search Considerations
- Some already choose airlines by fleet (e.g., Airbus‑only carriers) rather than per‑flight filters.
- Several note Google Flights vs Kayak tradeoffs; many now always cross‑check prices directly on airline sites.
- A few suggest richer safety/incident indicators per model, but others note ambiguity: high grounding could mean either caution or poor design.