How To Deal With Airline Schedule Changes

How To Deal With Airline Schedule Changes

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If you fly with any frequency, you’ve almost certainly dealt with airline schedule changes. You may have planned the perfect trip, only to have the airline change the schedule for your flights significantly. While schedule changes are a curse for most, some of us actually view them as a blessing, at least under certain circumstances.

In this post I wanted to take a closer look at airline schedule changes — why do they happen, and how can you make the most of them?

Why airlines make schedule changes

Airline scheduling is an incredibly complex game that’s always evolving. The folks working in airline scheduling take into account all kinds of factors, including demand to a destination, aircraft utilization, optimizing connections, any travel restrictions or airspace closures, and much more.

As a result, it’s common for airlines to constantly tweak their schedules. While most airlines start accepting bookings roughly a year out, schedules are really only solidified as the departure date approaches.

At least for domestic travel, most people plan their flights within two months of departure, and at that point schedules are generally pretty reliable. The further out you book, the higher the odds of there being a schedule change.

I’ll take it a step further. On some level, the schedules that airlines publish a year out are more or less only placeholders. That’s to say that most flights will have some sort of schedule changes between the time they become bookable and when flights actually operate.

Schedule changes can come in all kinds of different forms:

  • The timing of a flight can be changed; in some cases it could be moved by a couple of minutes, while in other cases it could be moved by several hours
  • The aircraft type used for a route could change; based on demand or a variety of other factors, airlines might move around the planes operating particular routes
  • A route could be canceled altogether; sometimes demand just doesn’t pan out the way airlines hope, and routes are canceled altogether
Airlines are constantly adjusting their schedules

Always monitor itineraries for schedule changes

In theory airlines should reach out to customers (generally by email, but sometimes by phone) in the event of schedule changes. However, that doesn’t consistently happen, especially in a timely manner. If you book a flight, I always recommend monitoring it as the departure date approaches.

That’s not just for schedule changes, but also to make sure any seat assignments you may have requested remain intact, etc. If you’re booking way in advance, maybe check your itinerary every couple of weeks. Meanwhile if you only book within weeks of departure, maybe check it every few days.

It’s a good practice to avoid disappointment.

Always monitor your flight itineraries

Use schedule changes to secure better flights or get a refund

A schedule change doesn’t have to be a bad thing. Heck, many of us welcome schedule changes:

  • If you have a significant schedule change, the airline will typically let you change to another flight at no extra cost
  • If you have a significant schedule change, you may be entitled to a cash refund if you no longer want to travel; the exact policy of how big the change needs to be to be eligible for a refund varies by airline

There’s almost something to be said for booking a cheap flight on a route you want to fly when the schedule first opens, and then improving on that when there’s a schedule change as the departure date approaches. When you change your flight following a schedule change, there’s no fare difference, so you can change to another flight for free:

  • You can potentially rebook on a flight that has more desirable timing, which may have been more expensive when you initially booked
  • You can potentially rebook on a more comfortable aircraft; for example, if you booked a premium cabin ticket, maybe you can rebook on a flight with a better product
  • You can potentially change where you’re connecting, in a way that works better for you

To be clear, don’t expect that you’ll be allowed to make a major change if you have a two minute schedule change. However, if there is a significant change, airlines will almost always work with you.

You can make schedule changes work to your advantage

Maximizing schedule changes on award tickets

Schedule changes can be both the best and worst when you’re on an award ticket, depending on whether or not you’re booking a partner award.

If you use the frequent flyer program of the airline you’re flying with (for example, redeeming American AAdvantage miles for travel on American), then I generally view a schedule change as a positive. You can possibly rebook on a flight that would have required a lot more miles originally. Airlines can generally open award space to rebook you, even if there aren’t otherwise award seats.

The area where schedule changes get really complicated is with partner award tickets. For example, say you redeem American AAdvantage miles for travel on Qatar Airways, and there’s a major schedule change that causes a misconnect. Typically your itinerary will then be updated with new flights, but you won’t necessarily have the same flexibility you’d have if you booked through the same airline you were traveling with.

Airlines can’t generally open award space on other airlines. However, there are liaisons between airlines that can make reasonable requests. However, this process can be ridiculously time consuming, and isn’t instant. Generally it comes in the form of messaging back and forth, so it could take many days (or even weeks) to get what you’re looking for.

Usually I try to avoid booking complex partner awards too far in advance, given what a headache schedule changes can be. To be clear, I’d have no qualms booking a simple partner itinerary with a reasonable connection time, but I wouldn’t book anything like my recent whirlwind Aeroplan adventure 11 months out.

Schedule changes are complicated on partner award tickets

Bottom line

Airline schedule changes happen, and the further in advance you book, the more likely you are to have one. Schedule changes can be inconvenient if you’ve picked out perfect flights and have planned your trip around them. However, you can also make them work in your favor, as a significant schedule change typically allows you to change flights at no extra cost.

Have any OMAAT readers used schedule changes to their advantage?

Conversations (19)
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  1. Lisa Griffis Guest

    I have had three schedule changes with Delta Airlines on a trip I booked with mileage way in advance so I can actually use my rewards. Stopovers or slight time delays I can live with, but changing departure dates is a disaster for those traveling to Africa for a safari tour. On the last such change Delta put me on a flight one day ahead of my bush flight from land. I explained that my...

    I have had three schedule changes with Delta Airlines on a trip I booked with mileage way in advance so I can actually use my rewards. Stopovers or slight time delays I can live with, but changing departure dates is a disaster for those traveling to Africa for a safari tour. On the last such change Delta put me on a flight one day ahead of my bush flight from land. I explained that my dates need to be locked in and it was fixed. Two weeks later I had to go thru the timely fix again for the same reasons. I researched and found out that my original flights were still being offered for sale! I was told it was ai based computer programming the causes the changes. Not acceptable.

  2. Beachfan Guest

    Ben, re American, they won’t work with you much without Exec Plat status. As Plat Pro, I have had to spend hours, with multiple HUCA, to go something within the rules. Such as as schedule change from 7:30 am to 6AM on Bo’s-LAX with SWU applied ( and confirmed into J). Rule us once confirmed, you don’t need SWZu availability to stay in J when you request a later flight. I was told I’d have...

    Ben, re American, they won’t work with you much without Exec Plat status. As Plat Pro, I have had to spend hours, with multiple HUCA, to go something within the rules. Such as as schedule change from 7:30 am to 6AM on Bo’s-LAX with SWU applied ( and confirmed into J). Rule us once confirmed, you don’t need SWZu availability to stay in J when you request a later flight. I was told I’d have to take Y to be on the 8:40 flight. Multiple times.

    I persevered and was successful but doubt many of your readers are that tenacious. Your blog is great but I don’t think you give always give advice from the average readers perspective .

    With the Plat Pro service desk being downgraded to the general desk as of 4/1, and the general lack of upgrades even with miles/copay, I will be judt as happy flying AA as platinum, and giving most of my business to other airlines when I buy F

  3. John Guest

    I just had a scheduling change from Air Canada which changed my 9:30 am flight to Montreal to 6:30 pm. Since we would have lost a day of our 3 day trip, we did not accept the change. The Airlines solution was to refund the trip, but because they are now booking trips as 2 one way trips and not a round trip, they would only refund the outbound flight. How the hell am I...

    I just had a scheduling change from Air Canada which changed my 9:30 am flight to Montreal to 6:30 pm. Since we would have lost a day of our 3 day trip, we did not accept the change. The Airlines solution was to refund the trip, but because they are now booking trips as 2 one way trips and not a round trip, they would only refund the outbound flight. How the hell am I supposed to get home when I never went?

    The airlines are given far too much freedom to reschedule flights. In my opinion. When I purchase a ticket, it is a contract made with the airline. They should be required to adhere to their end of things. This is why they are the most hated industry today. I have chosen to drive to any destination within 10 hrs of my home because of their unscrupulous business practices.

  4. Bill n DC Diamond

    I just dealt with a couple schedule changes on AA. I was in the morning nonstop DCA LAX to connect in Flagship First to SYD (yea for seats that swivel, lol!) and was switched to the afternoon nonstop which cut into my lounge time plus taking away any hope if the later flight goes inop
    There were still award seats on morning and CSA switched me back. AA doesn’t want to route you with...

    I just dealt with a couple schedule changes on AA. I was in the morning nonstop DCA LAX to connect in Flagship First to SYD (yea for seats that swivel, lol!) and was switched to the afternoon nonstop which cut into my lounge time plus taking away any hope if the later flight goes inop
    There were still award seats on morning and CSA switched me back. AA doesn’t want to route you with a long layover which is probably okay for most, but Lounges
    A different trip to JFK was delayed by 90 minutes, but earlier flight was to early, so no switching. Cut down on my T8 lounge hopping - I’m in First on JAL to HND - and/or sunset beverage at the TWA Hotel roof top bar

    On the other hand a friend’s ORD FRA BEN layover in FRA got greatly reduced :-)

  5. Joshua Member

    I’ve also had schedule changes go horribly wrong.

    Last year my wife and I used virgin points to fly AF business from ORD to CDG. Booked the flight one year out speculating Covid would simmer down.

    Three months before the flight AF cancels the flight and reissues the flight 2.5 hours earlier. When I check the AF app on a whim I see my flight is canceled. No new tickets or flihg assigned....

    I’ve also had schedule changes go horribly wrong.

    Last year my wife and I used virgin points to fly AF business from ORD to CDG. Booked the flight one year out speculating Covid would simmer down.

    Three months before the flight AF cancels the flight and reissues the flight 2.5 hours earlier. When I check the AF app on a whim I see my flight is canceled. No new tickets or flihg assigned. I only see the same flight on google flights 2.5 hours earlier.

    I call AF and they tell me it’s a Virgin problem call them. Virgin says I should be on the flight, they don’t understand why I’m not, call AF. AF again tells me you were ticked by Virgin call them. I call virgin again, who send the issue up their chain with no improvement. They say there is no award space available on the new flight. Best they can do is refund my points.

    As a last ditch attempt I sent a physical letter to both the CEO of AF and Virgin explaining what happened. Two weeks later I’m magically back on my AF flight. Never received any explanation on what happened.

    1. Rado Guest

      How did you get a hold of the CEO? Do you have an address to send the letter to, similar situation on my end booked for my honeymoon and they changed the plane from the new A350-900 to an old 777 and would like to change the route

  6. Michal Guest

    Agreed that flight change on award booking can be blessing. Last week LH cancelled DBV-FRA flight which was part of my DBV-FRA-LIS-MIA award ticket. Called Lifemiles and was rebooked on TK within 20 minutes DBV-IST-MIA for 3 pax in J...

    Does anybody knows if change of aircraft would be the same as change of schedule?

  7. JASON LEWIS Guest

    Just in the FWIW mode, I have never had a problem with bookings on Alaska when they change my schedules…which in fact happens several times a year (due in part to the fact that I book so many flights so far out). Often it’s a few minutes, and it’s no problem. BUT…whenever the change affects the ability to make a connection, or the arrival time is too late to (e.g.) make a meeting, etc., it has been a very easy fix due to the Customer Service agents @ AS.

  8. Alfredbali Guest

    Just had a successful flight change with Air France yesterday following a 1 day schedule change on an award ticket by the operating airline KLM.
    Air France agent could change my second leg from KLM flight to a more convenient AF flight.
    Very happy with AF/Flying Blue customer service which i find consistently excellent, unlike other airlines CS (Turkish Airlines and Qatar Airways I'm looking at you...).

  9. simmonad Guest

    Bangkok Airways changed all my flights and they offer one alternative only. I had to deal with them via web chat to change the flights to times which were suitable for me and, for the second set, the operator had the temerity to say that the change fee would be waived on this occasion - even though they're the party who screwed up my schedule!

  10. Sean M. Diamond

    Not always true that you can rebook without fare difference in case of schedule change. That is largely only a US / EU practice. In many parts of the world you can only rebook without penalty in the same booking class if available, and sometimes you will have to pay to rebook even if the schedule change initiated by the airline makes your connections unworkable.

  11. Joshua Member

    Booked a flight to Maui with American using BA avios. Commuter to LAX to OGG. Had a two hour 30 minute layover in LAX. They move the OGG flight forward to allow for a 39 minute layover. No chance even if on time I could make it from the eagles nest at LAX to the main terminal and make the flight to OGG.

    I called AA and they were happy to change my flight...

    Booked a flight to Maui with American using BA avios. Commuter to LAX to OGG. Had a two hour 30 minute layover in LAX. They move the OGG flight forward to allow for a 39 minute layover. No chance even if on time I could make it from the eagles nest at LAX to the main terminal and make the flight to OGG.

    I called AA and they were happy to change my flight to connect in PHX to OGG with a 3 hour pad instead of tempting a misconnect. No fuss, no trouble. I just told them the flights I wanted and they said okay.

  12. Willem Guest

    I had my JNB => EWR Polaris original flight pulled from the schedule. Despite booking with MileagePlus, I was initially only offered Premium Plus for 15k more miles (lol) before asking to escalate and telling the supervisor phone rep: “If I paid $5k for the flight there would be no problem changing to the previous day in the same cabin class”. They agreed and I was re-ticketed 5 minutes later…

  13. Weymar Osborne Diamond

    How do aircraft swaps affect this? I had an avios award ticket for JAL First Class from Tokyo to Chicago this summer, but that flight has been swapped out for a 787 and subsequently I was downgraded to Business Class.

  14. Patti Guest

    Every time we book travel, we make a guess how many times our flights will change.

    We especially love those flights that change to landing after our connecting flight has departed.

    We made reservations for a major international trip with multiple connections on Saturday for flights in Septemberand October. Only took Singapore Air 3 days to hit us with the first schedule change.

    1. Daniel B. Guest

      That happened to me several times, most recently with a LifeMiles ticket (before United). They never notified me, but fortunately I checked all our reservations once a week. They said the ticket became worthless so I had to cancel it. They refunded everything but $25 booking fee.

  15. Daniel B. Guest

    When it worked to my advantage: had to have an AA award web-special positioning flight from ORD to BNA. The 5.00pm departure was 8k, the 8.30pm 13.5k. The 5.00pm I would have never made it, but I still booked it hoping for a schedule change. A month later it happened, and as a result, I was able to change it free to the 8.30pm flight.
    When it messed up my itineraries: DOH-IAD-CLT-BNA. IAD-CLT was...

    When it worked to my advantage: had to have an AA award web-special positioning flight from ORD to BNA. The 5.00pm departure was 8k, the 8.30pm 13.5k. The 5.00pm I would have never made it, but I still booked it hoping for a schedule change. A month later it happened, and as a result, I was able to change it free to the 8.30pm flight.
    When it messed up my itineraries: DOH-IAD-CLT-BNA. IAD-CLT was brought forward, so no longer a valid connection. AA rebooked us for IAD-CLT-BNA for next day. Inconvenient, since have to stay overnight at IAD.

  16. Alec-14 Gold

    Just had flight changed for Qatar booked with BA Avios. Automatically rebooked for a day later, called BA and was able to easily get a day earlier even though no award seats open.

  17. Laurel Guest

    Not sure how generous other airlines are but UA IME is quite generous with partner award schedule changes if they themselves fly there. I had a ticket TPE-ICN-YVR-SFO booked with MileagePlus operated by OZ/AC and when a schedule change caused it to be impossible to fly the originally ticketed itinerary, they put me in Polaris on TPE-SFO with no extra mileage collection.

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Joshua Member

I’ve also had schedule changes go horribly wrong. Last year my wife and I used virgin points to fly AF business from ORD to CDG. Booked the flight one year out speculating Covid would simmer down. Three months before the flight AF cancels the flight and reissues the flight 2.5 hours earlier. When I check the AF app on a whim I see my flight is canceled. No new tickets or flihg assigned. I only see the same flight on google flights 2.5 hours earlier. I call AF and they tell me it’s a Virgin problem call them. Virgin says I should be on the flight, they don’t understand why I’m not, call AF. AF again tells me you were ticked by Virgin call them. I call virgin again, who send the issue up their chain with no improvement. They say there is no award space available on the new flight. Best they can do is refund my points. As a last ditch attempt I sent a physical letter to both the CEO of AF and Virgin explaining what happened. Two weeks later I’m magically back on my AF flight. Never received any explanation on what happened.

1
Sean M. Diamond

Not always true that you can rebook without fare difference in case of schedule change. That is largely only a US / EU practice. In many parts of the world you can only rebook without penalty in the same booking class if available, and sometimes you will have to pay to rebook even if the schedule change initiated by the airline makes your connections unworkable.

1
Lisa Griffis Guest

I have had three schedule changes with Delta Airlines on a trip I booked with mileage way in advance so I can actually use my rewards. Stopovers or slight time delays I can live with, but changing departure dates is a disaster for those traveling to Africa for a safari tour. On the last such change Delta put me on a flight one day ahead of my bush flight from land. I explained that my dates need to be locked in and it was fixed. Two weeks later I had to go thru the timely fix again for the same reasons. I researched and found out that my original flights were still being offered for sale! I was told it was ai based computer programming the causes the changes. Not acceptable.

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