FORT MYERS, Fla. -- Air carriers across the globe are grounding Boeing 737 Max 8 planes after the deadly Ethiopia and Lion Air crashes that killed a total of 346 people.
However, major airlines in the United States are continuing to fly those planes.
Some passengers are questioning the safety of their flight.
Boeing 737 Max 8 planes are under microscope after one crashed in Ethiopia Sunday killing 157 people from at least 35 countries, 8 who were Americans.
The same model plane crashed within minutes of take-off plunging into the Java Sea last October killing 189 on board.
“That’s a little frightening given that it’s a new plane with new technology, that has all the new bells and whistles,” traveler, Lucy Ryan.
According to the Federal Aviation Administration, about 350 737 Max 8 air crafts operate worldwide.
Southwest operates 34 of them and American airlines uses 24.
“Knowing that, I may pick another airline for that reason until they have it figured out,” said Ryan.
However, some passengers said they still plan to use those airlines.
“I still have faith and confidence in the pilot and overall faith everything will be okay,” said Southwest passenger, Damian Klemish.
Every airline operating Boeing 737 Max 8 are closely monitoring the crash investigation as it progresses.
The FAAsaid it will take immediate action if they identify a safety issue.
Southwest said in a statement that they are confident in the safety and airworthiness of their Boeing air crafts.
American Airlines also said in a statement that they are confident with the aircraft and have no plans to ground those planes at the moment.
Passengers can look up the model of the plane they are flying on by checking their boarding passes or calling their airline.
If it turns out to be a 737 Max 8 and they choose not to take that flight, American and Southwest said their standard flight change policies would apply.
Travelers can check the full list of airlines flying that particular plane on the Boeing website.
