Airlines often change flight numbers following tragic accidents or incidents. Although this topic may seem grim, it reveals the complex considerations that airlines make, such as respecting the memory of those lost and managing passenger emotions. The significance of flight numbers in aviation culture goes beyond simple digits, reflecting superstitions, historical events, and operational adjustments.
The Superstition Behind Flight Numbers
Airlines, like many industries, have their share of superstitions. For example, many operators avoid having a row 13 on their planes, as the number is often considered unlucky. Similarly, flight numbers like 666 are usually avoided due to its association with bad luck or negative symbolism. But beyond superstitions, flight numbers can carry deeper meaning.
Airlines assign flight numbers to reflect specific routes or cultural importance. For example, prestigious routes may be given symbolic or low numbers, such as “Flight 1,” representing a flagship service. Conversely, tragic events often lead airlines to retire specific flight numbers out of respect and to avoid uncomfortable associations for future passengers.
Recent Change: American Airlines’ AA5342
On January 29, a tragic accident occurred when a CRJ700 operated by PSA Airlines for American Eagle collided mid-air with a military helicopter near Washington Reagan National Airport. There were no survivors. The flight was inbound from Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport to Reagan, operating under the flight number AA5342.
As a result, American Airlines announced that the flight number would be changed to AA5677, effective January 31. However, American’s booking system indicates that the change is temporary, with AA5342 scheduled to return briefly between February 6 and February 12 before adopting a new flight number, AA5574, permanently on February 13.
This route, connecting Wichita and Washington Reagan, had not been flown for decades before American Eagle resumed it on January 8, 2024. In just one year, this route has used 11 different flight numbers, highlighting how common changes can be due to various operational or symbolic reasons.
Why Airlines Retire Flight Numbers
Airlines frequently retire flight numbers after tragic incidents to avoid emotional distress for passengers and crew. While not mandatory, it is considered a respectful and symbolic gesture, recognizing the gravity of the event. The decision may depend on factors such as media attention, public sentiment, and the airline’s internal policies.
However, the change is not always immediate. In some cases, flight numbers may remain in use for weeks, months, or even longer. The longer the delay, the less obvious it becomes that the change is linked to the incident.
Notable Examples of Flight Number Retirements
Here are some well-known examples of airlines permanently retiring flight numbers following accidents:
- September 11 Attacks (2001):
- American Airlines permanently retired AA11 and AA77, the flight numbers associated with two planes hijacked during the attacks.
- United Airlines also retired UA93 and UA175.
- American Airlines AA587 (2001):
After an Airbus A300 crashed shortly after takeoff from New York’s JFK Airport in November 2001, killing all 260 people on board, the flight number AA587 was permanently retired. - Alaska Airlines AS261 (2000):
Following the crash of Alaska Airlines Flight 261 off the coast of California in January 2000, killing 88 people, the flight number AS261 was never used again. - Continental Connection CO3407 (2009):
A Colgan Air-operated Dash 8 Q400 (Flight 3407) crashed near Buffalo, New York, in February 2009, killing 50 people. Continental retired the flight number immediately, although United briefly used it in 2011 on a different route before discontinuing it again. - Southwest Airlines WN1380 (2018):
After a tragic incident in April 2018 involving an engine failure that led to a passenger’s death, Southwest permanently retired the flight number WN1380. - Delta Connection DL5191 (2006):
Operated by Comair, this flight crashed on takeoff in Lexington, Kentucky, in August 2006, killing 49 of the 50 people on board. Delta never reused the flight number.
The Symbolism of Changing Flight Numbers
Retiring or changing flight numbers serves several purposes. First, it shows sensitivity to the families of victims and passengers who may feel uneasy flying on a plane with the same number as a previous tragedy. Second, it helps airlines distance themselves from the negative publicity that may be associated with a particular flight number.
Even though changing a flight number is primarily symbolic, it can be meaningful for airline branding and customer relations. Airlines rely on customer trust, and any step that reassures passengers and respects the memory of lost lives is often considered worth taking.
Changing flight numbers is a subtle but significant practice that reflects airlines’ sensitivity to tragic events. Whether driven by superstition, operational needs, or public sentiment, these changes help maintain passenger confidence and respect those affected by the incident. While morbid, this practice highlights the emotional weight carried by something as simple as a flight number in the world of aviation.