Airlines changing flight times?

[carmiedog]

I'm reading that airlines frequently change flight times. Are we generally talking an hour less change? Several hours?

We usually fly Southwest which I understand sticks to their schedule, but we're looking at airtran and allegiant for this June as Southwest's prices are way up right now.

 

[vcasey]

Sorry to say my experience has gone both ways. I've had flights change a matter of minutes to several hours. The good news is most airline have a policy that if its more than a certain amount of time they will refund you. Check the airlines policy. I have flown the airlines mentioned without any issues (not to say that they have them I just didn't experience it thankfully)

 

[Jestocost]

Sorry to say my experience has gone both ways. I've had flights change a matter of minutes to several hours. The good news is most airline have a policy that if its more than a certain amount of time they will refund you. Check the airlines policy. I have flown the airlines mentioned without any issues (not to say that they have them I just didn't experience it thankfully)

Other than SWA, most airlines can and do make schedule changes on a fairly regular basis. As a result, there always is that risk.

As noted above, if the change is significant the airlines generally do allow you to make changes or give you a refund if the new times don't work for you. The issue there is that there has to be something acceptable to change to or another flight you can book on another airline for that to have any value. If you book and the airline makes schedule changes that won't work for you, make certain to see what--if anything--else might be available that does work before you call to make changes or cancel.

 

[goofy4tink]

The vast majority of airlines make flight time changes as you get closer to departure date. Jetblue used to be among those that didn't do this, but that has changed. I have had them cancel a flight while my dh and dd were on the way to the airport!! It was fine when he checked the status, and then 45 mins later, it was cancelled.
I won't fly Delta anymore (unless I absolutely have to) simply because they make so many changes. Every time I booked with Delta, I had at least 2 changes from the time I made my reservations. Now....Delta allows you to book waaaaay in advance, so they get you when you book that 'perfect' flight. Then, they change it on you a few months before you depart. Drives me nuts. Only once has it worked to my advantage.

I actually have come to enjoy flying SW. Between no bag fees and the fact that they stick to schedules (unless there's a mechanical issue), I don't mind paying a bit more.

 

[avw1295]

My understanding is that Airtran is notorious for flight changes. I flew airtran for the first time to WDW in June and my flight changed 6 times between Jan and June. Twice during the two weeks before our trip. Each time it changed, I was told that I could cancel if necessary without a fee. Luckily, they were able to find flights that worked for me, but I was very nervous. Especially the last two times it changed.

 

[dwonderz]

Apparently Airtran (like avw1295 said) is very well known for changing flight times.

That said, I recently read that Delta Airlines was reported to be the second best for on time arrivals (with 84% of their flights arriving on time, and Hawaii Air being first).

That doesn't neccesarily mean they don't change flight times, but they do have a good track record of getting their customers there on time...

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

I'm reading that airlines frequently change flight times.

I think this is an exaggeration; I would not say that airlines frequently change flight times. I must have flown close to 75,000 miles last year (mostly United) and I only had one flight time change not caused by weather, which was a minor change of less than one hour. However, it does appear that a few airlines do tinker a lot with their flight times.

 

[azdizzymom]

We are flying Delta in April from IND to PHX.
When I bought tickets at end of September we were scheduled to leave IND about 6AM...arrive SLC and have a 3.5 hour layover then arrive in Phoenix at 11:45AM. I took the long layover as those were the cheapest tickets.

In November (yes I am compulsive and check flights weekly along with rental cars) I found the time had changed for our leaving IND to 8:15AM...wonderful because we now have a 1.5 hour layover which is good AND we can take advantage of the breakfast at hotel that morning (do park, stay and fly).

Today after seeing this thread I checked flights again (which I had actually done last week) and found they tweaked flights again. Leave IND at 8:25AM and the flight from SLC now arrives in PHX at 11:59AM or something (within 15 minutes). Again no biggie in our plans (now if it had been an hour I would have probably changed.

On the return the departure did the same thing BUT instead of arriving home at 10:30PM we arrive home at 10PM so I was happy once again.

We did Airtran too a few years back and those changed too. I know some people change or try to change if flight time is just minutes. I was actually happy with mine so I left them. I know if they change again I can change flights so I will just keep checking.