I'm nervous...is this typical?

[soccer mom]

Don't fly often. In past always made reservations, never followed up on them, never had a problem. This time I booked on line with Northwest and as departure date gets closer, things are sometimes changing a couple of times a day!

Return flight from Orlando to Detroit had been changed three time by Northwest. Keeps getting earlier and earlier and cutting into our last day, so I extended our stay an extra day and we're coming home on 11-18 in a.m. rather than afternoon of 11-17 (originally evening).

This morning I again checked our itinerary with NW and they changed the flight number on our departing flight 11-09 (the time remained the same). When I went to seat assignments the plane was almost empty, yesterday with the original flight number it was almost full!

Are all these little changes typical? Is it all because of 9-11? Do I need to worry about changes right up until the day I leave or wil they settle down as it gets closer? This constant change is driving me crazy!

 

[drusba]

Though historically you could see time or flight number changes fairly often, they were usually not significant changes. What you are seeing has been a common phenomenom since Sep 11.

 

[inkkognito]

Yes, definitely a result of 9/11. We are frequent travellers to Orlando (16 Disney cruises and countless trips to WDW), and the most in changes that we used to see would be a change in flight number and/or time on our flights...usually by no more than half an hour. That's why I always called the night before to confirm, even before all this turmoil.
Now, for the first time, one of our flights for our upcoming trip has been cancelled. Thankfully, we were automatically booked on another flight that leaves two hours later. I have read so many horror stories on these message boards...things were never like this before the terrorist acts.
Many other things relating to travel have been affected too. Besides having to arrive much earlier for your flights, you will have to wait longer at the airport for your ride if you use a towncar. I contacted Happy Limo to see how things are going, since we are using them for the upcoming trip. While the towncar drivers can still meet you in the baggae claim area, they must park quite a ways away, so you must wait for them to return with the car.
And, of course, your friends/relatives cannot go to the gates...from what I've heard, they are only allowing ticketed passengers. These are just a few examples of the little inconviences now, but it will be worth it if it prevents any future attacks.
Barb
Visit the Platinum Castaway Club at: www.disneycruiser.com