Airline schedule changes are often frustrating. Suddenly a mid-morning flight shifts to one leaving before sunrise or a leisurely layover turns into a mad dash to the next gate.
Savvy travelers, however, realize that sometimes schedule changes – usually an hour or more – allow the freedom to make itinerary adjustments without paying hundreds of dollars in fees.
Airlines typically publish schedules 11 months in advance. Southwest Airlines generally keeps to its schedule but American Airlines, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines make many changes during that time. Some shift flights by a minute or two. But others dramatically alter itineraries, and that’s where fliers can benefit.
Let’s say a family is flying from Orlando home to Boston. They really want the 4:30 p.m. flight to get a few extra hours at the pool. But that flight is $60 more per person than the 9 a.m. flight. So they book the earlier, cheaper flight.
A few months pass and the schedule changes. That 9 a.m. flight now leaves at 7:15 a.m. Most passengers might grumble and accept the very earlier wakeup. But they shouldn’t.