Southwest Schedule Change - Morning, Afternoon, Central Time, What?

[cbsnyber1]

Long time lurker here who hasn't traveled to Florida (from Pittsburgh) since 2012. Back then SW would change its schedule one of two ways: either first thing Monday morning, or at around 11:00 AM Central Time on another day, often on Tuesday. It was pretty consistent back then.

We are traveling down on November 25, 2016 and the SW schedule is not yet active for that time frame. I noted on its website that on February 18, a Thursday, the SW schedule changes through November 4. On that day I will get the date when the schedule will change to cover our dates. The Thursday change day is new to me. Obviously, SW has changed something with the days they change schedules.

Anyone know if SW is in a regular time frame pattern for changes? Is it always early the date shown, or later that morning, and do they still use central time?

I want to be on their website when the schedule updates since we are traveling during a somewhat busy time and I need eight seats. In my experience, on this flight (PIT to MCO), the best fares usually appear on the day the schedule changes so I don't want to miss the change window.

 

[Jestocost]

The new schedules generally open for booking some time around 5 a.m. CT on the scheduled date. It pays to keep checking on the release dates, however, as it is not uncommon for them to make changes along the way.