How Flight Schedule Changes Can Be a Saving Grace For Travel

Booking flights is practically a full-time job for me, whether that’s for myself, my family, or folks I’ve met through writing. Along with the process of finding flights is the nerve-wracking decision of deciding to book — especially flights that are far in advance.

And while using miles can often mean making changes or cancellations for free, that’s not always the case. That’s why flight schedule changes are my best friend. Let’s talk about it.

Flight Change and Cancellation Fees

For the most part, flight change and cancellation fees evaporated in 2020. This is thanks to the ridiculous amount of schedule changes, cancellations, and government restrictions that took place. What was originally meant to be a temporary waiver from airlines such as United, Delta, and American evolved into a permanent change.

That’s amazing for travelers, since change and cancellation fees ranged as high as $250. But while these airlines have made these changes permanent, they’re also quite limited.

For example, you’ll still pay a cancellation fee for flights originating outside the United States on American, even if you’re just flying home. You’ll also often find that basic economy fares are completely non-refundable.

And that doesn’t take into account non-U.S. airlines, such as Air Canada and Air France, which will still charge you huge cancellation fees (or make your booking entirely non-refundable).

That’s where flight schedule changes come in handy.

How Flight Schedule Changes Save You Money

As a person who compulsively books flights that I might not make, I’m often at the mercy of airlines’ change or cancel fees. And while I try to mitigate this by using miles as much as possible, that doesn’t always protect me.

For example, earlier this year I had a flight to Mongolia booked using Aeroplan points. When the plans fell through, I needed to cancel my flights. Aeroplan, unlike United, charges you a cancellation fee on award flights (when you’ve booked their lowest fares).

I ended up eating the $150 CAD fee, which hurt more than I’d like to admit.

But there have been other scenarios where my flight plans didn’t work out, or I booked a flight I didn’t like because it was cheaper, and a schedule change saved the day.

Using Flight Changes to Save on Fees

Because I’ve had so many issues with change and cancellation fees, I tend to try and book flights as close-in as possible, when I know my plans are solid.

But that’s not always possible, especially when I’m trying to travel during the busy season, such as the holidays.

That’s why I keep a sharp eye on schedule changes for flights. Each airline handles schedule changes differently, but the important thing to keep in mind is that changes made by the airline can mean that you’re able to change or cancel your flight for free.

The exact amount that your flight needs to change in order to qualify will depend on the airline.

Delta, for example, used to let you make changes or cancel even if your flight time changed by a few minutes. Nowadays, their policy states that significant schedule change means you arrive or depart with a 3-hour difference. If this happens to you, you’re able to cancel your flight for a full refund — not just a flight credit.

Using Flight Changes to Get the Flights You Want

Another great way to leverage schedule changes is to use them to book the flights you actually want. Everyone knows, for example, that direct flights to your destination are more expensive than those with layovers.

Especially when you’re booking far in advance, there tend to be schedule changes that end up allowing you to alter your flight for free. This means you’re able to change the cheaper flight you’ve booked — the one with a layover — into the one you want — the nonstop option.

Of course, this method assumes risk and isn’t foolproof. You’d better be ready to fly that cheaper flight you’ve booked in case there isn’t a schedule change. But if there is? Enjoy that better flight at a cheaper cost. Just make sure to keep an eye on your email to see if you get any emails from the airline.

Final Thoughts

Oftentimes people look down on schedule changes as a nuisance, especially when it means they’re not actually getting the flight they wanted. But there are situations in which schedule flight changes can be a saving grace — especially if you need to cancel your flight and the airline charges a fee. Savvy travelers can also hope for a schedule change that’ll allow them to rebook better flights for less, though this isn’t a guaranteed win.