Flight time changed

[connie254]

Ok, only 35 minutes later, but AirTran hasn't notified me, I just checked on the website. How much time difference must they notify me, and at what point can I request(firmly), that they rebook me on another light?

 

[ain0004]

I do believe 2 hours or more

 

[Disneylover99]

We were just notified last week that our AT flight home (the end of August) from Orlando was leaving 20 minutes earlier. I think you should contact them.

 

[Jestocost]

Ok, only 35 minutes later, but AirTran hasn't notified me, I just checked on the website. How much time difference must they notify me, and at what point can I request(firmly), that they rebook me on another light?

First, you should make sure there's another flight that works better for you. If not, there's not really much they are going to be able to do even if they are willing. If there is another flight that works better for you then there's certainly no harm in calling to ask if they will switch you.

Unless the 35 minutes makes it impossible or difficult for you to make a connection, however, it's probably not enough of a change for AirTran to believe that rebooking you on another flight is necessary. There is no requirement per se and it's pretty much up to the discretion of the airline.

 

[connie254]

I am mad that they should notify me of changes via email and I shouldn't have to look for it myself. 35 minutes isn't going change things much.

 

[Jestocost]

I am mad that they should notify me of changes via email and I shouldn't have to look for it myself. 35 minutes isn't going change things much.

It is annoying that airlines seem to be hit or miss when it comes to notifying passengers of schedule changes. I've received emails when a change has been five minutes one way or another and not received emails for more significant changes.

If your flight is more than a few months out, one possibility is that they were waiting until closer to your travel date to notify you. Airlines that do make regular adjustments to their schedules typically do it about every three to four months, so if your flight is four or months out there's a chance that they could make changes more than once. In that case what really would be important is the last change.

 

[maxiesmom]

I am mad that they should notify me of changes via email and I shouldn't have to look for it myself. 35 minutes isn't going change things much.

If your flight isn't in the near future, they won't notify you quickly, if at all. Flight times are subject to change, and if it really doesn't make a difference to your travel plans, it is pointless to be upset. It won't change anything.

Just make sure once your travel date is near, you check your flights. Most prudent travelers know that many airlines like to change flight times. And make sure if you paid for seat assignments that you have retained them. I've had Delta move the same flight back and forth by 5 minutes, and had to re-select my seats each time.

 

[goofy4tink]

Ok, only 35 minutes later, but AirTran hasn't notified me, I just checked on the website. How much time difference must they notify me, and at what point can I request(firmly), that they rebook me on another light?

When do you travel? That is going to make a difference. Most people don't keep checking their flights more than 2 months before travel. The airlines usually make changes to flights....the legacy airlines are known for doing this.

As far as getting a change in flights? Most airlines aren't required to let you make a change, free, unless they have made a huge change....2+ hrs. 35 mins just isn't a big deal. Happens all the time. I'm not really sure why you're so upset. You may have to wait an extra 30 mins at the airport if you didn't know about the change but that can happen in any case!!
Start checking on the status of your particular flight about a month or so prior to travel. I used to do it more often when I flew Delta..they are king of making multiple changes!!!

 

[connie254]

Maybe "upset" isn't the word I should have used. Miffed, annoyed, ... It seems I get emails about all these little things in life, and, while 35 minutes, is just 35 minutes, I still am (miffed, annoyed, etc) about not being notified. It could have been 35 minutes earlier, and still I wouldn't have known unless I cheked myself.

 

[maxiesmom]

Maybe "upset" isn't the word I should have used. Miffed, annoyed, ... It seems I get emails about all these little things in life, and, while 35 minutes, is just 35 minutes, I still am (miffed, annoyed, etc) about not being notified. It could have been 35 minutes earlier, and still I wouldn't have known unless I cheked myself.

Depending on how far off your flight is, they may have notified you. Just not as fast as those who had flights that were sooner than yours. If your flight is a few months away they are not in a big hurry to tell you about your flight change. If it is within the month, then I would hope they would notify you about the time change. But it would not be surprising if they didn't.

 

[Disneylover99]

Maybe "upset" isn't the word I should have used. Miffed, annoyed, ... It seems I get emails about all these little things in life, and, while 35 minutes, is just 35 minutes, I still am (miffed, annoyed, etc) about not being notified. It could have been 35 minutes earlier, and still I wouldn't have known unless I cheked myself.

I totally get what you are saying and agree. I get an email almost everyday for some kind of AT special. So why can't they email with a flight change? It shouldn't matter if your flight is 6 months away or 6 days away. AT should notify you if there is a change period. That's my opinion anyways.

 

[goofy4tink]

I totally get what you are saying and agree. I get an email almost everyday for some kind of AT special. So why can't they email with a flight change? It shouldn't matter if your flight is 6 months away or 6 days away. AT should notify you if there is a change period. That's my opinion anyways.

Why? Because if it's 6 months away, it will probably change again. If anyone is concerned about the timing of their flights, then sure, go and check on them occasionally. Then, if you see something you can't live with, call the airline and have it dealt with. But the vast majority of the airlines won't let you know about a small change if the flight isn't for another 6 months.
On the other hand....I have Jetblue emailing me if they change my departure time by 3 mins...seriously. And I have to accept the changes. Drives me nuts.

 

[sam_gordon]

When do you travel? That is going to make a difference. Most people don't keep checking their flights more than 2 months before travel. The airlines usually make changes to flights....the legacy airlines are known for doing this.

As far as getting a change in flights? Most airlines aren't required to let you make a change, free, unless they have made a huge change....2+ hrs. 35 mins just isn't a big deal. Happens all the time. I'm not really sure why you're so upset. You may have to wait an extra 30 mins at the airport if you didn't know about the change but that can happen in any case!!
Start checking on the status of your particular flight about a month or so prior to travel. I used to do it more often when I flew Delta..they are king of making multiple changes!!!

I disagree with goofy... ESPECIALLY if travelling with others. Once I make my reservation (Delta, and usually around 10+ months out), I'm checking at least once a month. Two reasons... A) If they make a plane change or even change by 5 minutes, the seating can get rearranged. If I catch it early, it's easy (can be done online) to get back the seat(s) I want. B) If they make a change that's long enough (for Delta, it's an hour), I can switch to a flight I want. If they change it an hour 8 months out, then change it back 5 months out, if I don't catch it, I can't improve my flight.

I totally get what you are saying and agree. I get an email almost everyday for some kind of AT special. So why can't they email with a flight change? It shouldn't matter if your flight is 6 months away or 6 days away. AT should notify you if there is a change period. That's my opinion anyways.

I agree they should notify you. I don't think anyone disagrees with you. However, airlines DON'T do it. So the prudent traveler checks their reservation regularly.

 

[scdak]

I get notices by email all the time for Delta - for 2-3 minutes change, I get automated calls for any significant change in flight with the information of what my options are, I get notifications if one of my flights are going to be delayed thus impacting my second flight (no nonstop service where I travel monthly), again all with Delta. In fact I had a flight change of 3 minutes for a flight in October that I was notified about last week. Shoot, most of the time I forget they have changed until I check in and see the changes Like someone else said, if they change the type of aircraft it could affect the seating assignments but I usually travel alone and as long as I have an aisle seat those changes don't bother me, it would be different if I was traveling with family or friends I guess but then again sometimes its nice to be away from them ........JUST kidding!

 

[Disneylover99]

Why? Because if it's 6 months away, it will probably change again. If anyone is concerned about the timing of their flights, then sure, go and check on them occasionally. Then, if you see something you can't live with, call the airline and have it dealt with. But the vast majority of the airlines won't let you know about a small change if the flight isn't for another 6 months.
On the other hand....I have Jetblue emailing me if they change my departure time by 3 mins...seriously. And I have to accept the changes. Drives me nuts.

Why? Because that's the flight time I chose and paid for. Now when I book a flight I understand that flight times are subject to change, but to me it's just common courtesy for a business to let their paying customers know that a flight time has changed even slightly, even if it means getting multiple emails because it changes so often.

 

[lylone]

We have always been notified of a time change from AT. Sometimes it is annoying when they tell u it has changed even 10 minutes. I am sure that u will get an email asking if you accept or decline the time change. If nu don't then pick up the phone and choose another flight. Two months out and 35 minutes shouldn't be a huge deal, but if it is then call them.

 

[davale4]

Maybe "upset" isn't the word I should have used. Miffed, annoyed, ... It seems I get emails about all these little things in life, and, while 35 minutes, is just 35 minutes, I still am (miffed, annoyed, etc) about not being notified. It could have been 35 minutes earlier, and still I wouldn't have known unless I cheked myself.

This happened to me with AirTran, but it was changed to a much earlier time. Needless to say, we missed the flight .

 

[Holly Quinlan]

my first time flying will be the end of October I had no idea they can move your time up!! now I'm nervous we are already cutting it close hopefully this wont happen!!

 

[maxiesmom]

my first time flying will be the end of October I had no idea they can move your time up!! now I'm nervous we are already cutting it close hopefully this wont happen!!

This far out, just check on your flights once a week. Make sure the times haven't changed, and if they have, make sure everything still works for you. And make sure you still have your seat assignments.

If your flight time changes, and it is unacceptable for whatever reason, the airlines will work with you if you call them. First go to the web site and chose the flight you would like to be moved to. Then call and ask them to switch you. I've had to do this on a couple of different airlines, and have never had an issue.

 

[keishashadow]

Ok, only 35 minutes later, but AirTran hasn't notified me, I just checked on the website. How much time difference must they notify me, and at what point can I request(firmly), that they rebook me on another light?

AT has always been great to work with as to switching flights after even a small schedule change. If there is a different flight that interests you, call and politely request them to change it.

Good luck