Airlines limit options for summer

The peak travel season will have fewer flight options than expected for American travelers as Boeing continues reworking its Boeing 737 MAX issues.

American Airlines announced Sunday that it would cut 115 flights per day through Aug. 19 as it awaits the aircraft to be recertified, according to a statement.

Southwest Airlines has also removed the aircraft from service, and announced that it has adjusted its schedule through Aug. 5, according to a release.

Combined the two airlines will cut about 275 flights, representing about 4 percent of Southwest travelers and 1.5 percent of daily flying for American.

The 737 MAX fleet was grounded after an Ethiopian Airlines crash in March and a Lion Air crash last year killed 346 people. Officials are investigating misfiring of the flight-control system.

Boeing has also proposed a software fix for problems detected during the crashes, according to the Wall Street Journal.

Some analysts have said the planes could be grounded beyond August, which could give airlines the power to increase ticket prices until the MAX returns.

“We are highly confident that the MAX will be recertified prior to this time. But by extending our cancellations through the summer, we can plan more reliably for the peak travel season and provide confidence to our customers and team members when it comes to their travel plans,” said American Airlines chief executive Doug Parker in a statement.

An American Airlines spokesperson said a list of canceled flights will not be provided because they will vary by day.