Why do arlines change schedules by piddling amounts?
Feb 4, 2008 | 6:41 pm
#1
Original Poster
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Join Date: Nov 2002
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Posts: 14,818
Why do arlines change schedules by piddling amounts?
My morning flight went for 6:53 to 6:57. I have often noticed that the schedules change by times of less than 10 minutes or so.
Why do they do that?
Why do they do that?
Feb 4, 2008 | 6:53 pm
#2
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: (MKE+ORD)/2
Programs: UAGM (former 1P), Hilton Gold (former Diamond), heading for dirt.
Posts: 289
At least they're updating it. It's probably the same amount of work to change it by 30 minutes as it is for 3 minutes and no one is questioning so small a change.
Chalk it up to insignificance and enjoy the extra four minutes. However, they might move it back so you have to keep watching!
Chalk it up to insignificance and enjoy the extra four minutes. However, they might move it back so you have to keep watching!
Feb 5, 2008 | 1:24 am
#5
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: Exile
Posts: 16,064
There are dozens of variables that come into play in airline scheduling. These include (not every variable applies in every case) block times, gate availability, runway slots, terminal capacity limitations, handling equipment availability, customs/immigration availability, noise curfews, crew rest periods, crew duty times, etc...
Feb 5, 2008 | 3:11 am
#7
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: Exile
Posts: 16,064
Slot allocations are made by 5-minute blocks but are limited only by 15-minute capacity limitations and then again by 60-minute capacity limitations. Sounds confusing, but you get the hang of it once you have been working with it for a while.
Feb 5, 2008 | 6:02 pm
#13
Join Date: Oct 2007
Posts: 637
The simplest answer is that the schedules are ultimately computer generated, and the computer program doesn't particularly care whether it is a 1 minute change or a 2 hour change. It would probably involve a good deal more work NOT to show the revised times.