A ? for you airline experts re schedule changes ...

[CarolMN]

In mid- April, I booked our party of 6 on non-stop flights between MSP and MCO on NWA. NWA changed (actually cancelled altogether) the return flight. They put our party on a flight that connected through DTW rather than on a non-stop flight. I book (and often pay more for ) non-stop flights and so when this happens, it adds to my stress. At some point, NWA will notify me of the changes, but by then, there may not be any seats left on the non-stop flights.


I know that schedules change and that booking so far in advance (we're going late November & returning early December) increases the risk of changes/cancellations. I also "kind of understand" how they decide what flight to move us to.

My question: How do I know when they make these changes? Is there a set time for schedule changes? Is it done monthly? Quarterly? If I have to check daily, I guess I will, but that does seem to be a pain.

BTW, in this situation, I did call and they were able to change us to an acceptable non-stop. (It did take some effort on my part, however. The agent first told me there were no non-stop seats available. I said I couldn't believe that all of the early December, 2001 non-stop flights were sold out. If that were the case, why was our flight cancelled? She put me on hold for a long time and finally was able to confirm us on the flight I wanted).

Anyway, does anyone know if schedule changes have any rhyme or reason to them? Thanks for any help you can provide.

 

[Mickeyfaniam]

I don't know a darn thing about how it works, I only know that it just happened to me. My return flight was canceled and no one ever called to tell me.
I would go to the Delta site every few days checking fares and for a long time my return flight was never even offered. I just assumed that it was sold out. It wasn't till I saw a rate drop on flight schedules similar to mine, that i got more curious. SO I found the list of flights scheduled for that day and mine wasn't listed. SO I called and I found out my flight was canceled!! Well when do think they would have gotten around to telling me?? I told them which flight to put me on and since the fare was less then i paid I demanded a refund for the difference and I got it!!

I understand that flights get canceled, but i think people should be notified ASAP

 

[bicker]

The airlines have schedule changes four or five times a year, depending on the airline -- so say roughly quarterly. For most major airlines, their legal obligation is to notify you at least three weeks prior to the date of your flight. Many of the airlines won't provide earlier notification since their flights might change again.

Remember that routings (i.e., whether your flight is a non-stop, direct flight or connection), equipment (jet or turboprop) and departure/arrival times are not in any way guaranteed when you make a reservation. The airline's only legal requirement is to transport your from "A" to "B" on that day. Even once they've issued the final schedule for your trip, they still have two to four hours lee-way before they start incurring obligations vis a vis providing you a refund or alternative accommodation.

 

[Mickeyfaniam]

Thanks Bicker! I'll keep that in mind and always keep checking.

 

[Godfather]

but I have read on these boards that if you don't like what they give you in that change you may request a different flight and they can't charge you to change it. go ask Beverly Lynn she can tell you.

 

[bicker]

If the change is major, yes. However, they can refuse to change it, and offer your a refund iinstead.