“However, I don’t think the 737 is allowed to fly across oceans. Last I saw, the only twin engine airliner allowed to do that is the 777.”
I flew on a 767 from Frankfurt Germany to JFK, so the 777 isn’t the only ETOPS certified airliner. I also know that the Airbus A330 is ETOPS
Besides, according to FlightAware Flight 903 is equipped with a Boeing 777-200 but no one should expect a moron “reporter” from the kennel liner known as the Boston Globe to ever know what they’re talking about.
http://flightaware.com/live/flight/UAL903/history
737’s fly across the atlantic ALL THE TIME. 700ER’s, 800ER’s, and 900ER’s can be configured for ETOPS, as well as the BBJ.
Flyglobespan did it with the 700ER series, and the Irish national Airlines (??? It’s late) flew 737’s Shannon-Detroit as far back as the late-80’s.
Lufthansa and KLM used PrivatAir 737’s configured for all International Business class for some time, starting back in 2002, before switching to the 319’s when they became available.