The reality of flight schedule changes

Jan 24 2025 MFR travel team

The change of flight schedule can affect even the sanest person on Earth. But the frequent travellers are used to that and handle things like pros. Such changes can disrupt our plans and cause discomfort to our travel. However, we’ve got you covered with tips and tricks that can help to minimize the impact and navigate the changes effectively.

My story: Changing flights and lessons learned

Now let’s travel back in time a little! The year is 2023, end of September. It’s my time to travel to Helsinki from Sofia via Copenhagen. Everything was carefully planned, days off arranged, hotel stay is paid for and the transport to the departure airport is also arranged. Flight is scheduled to depart early in the morning and arriving in Copenhagen at 08:30. This would have allowed me to get to my connection flight just in time. But low and behold, the airline had other plans for me.

A month prior to the trip, the airline notified me of a schedule change: my flight to Copenhagen was moved to the late afternoon. In that moment, panic settled in! What would I do now? What are my options? After reviewing carefully my options, I decided to accept the schedule change and even though having to reschedule my connection flight to the next day and arriving at 22:20 in Copenhagen the night before.

But thankfully that I work for MYFLYRIGHT, I had the biggest support from my colleagues who helped me find the best alternative solution for my problem. The experience in the company have taught me how important it is to prepare and having backup plans if anything goes wrong with my trip.

Fast-forward to arriving at Sofia Airport. The new challenge, 40 minutes delay of the flight. What now? I had to sit and wait through it all. The flight was delayed and that was a fact, which is why I chose to remain calm and just wait patiently at the gate. Some more songs later and boarding begun. At least it did not disrupt my plans too much, because flight still managed to arrive on time at the destination.

Yes, I did not receive any compensation for these inconveniences, but it shaped my patience for flights and the importance of understanding my passenger rights. Now I am ready to handle changes further on, to the best of my abilities.

One more reschedule, one more lesson

Time goes by, trip is successful. Now we jump further in time and come to December 2024. Christmas holidays are coming near and trip planned to Copenhagen is already set in motion, just patiently waiting for the flight. Could you guess what happened? Yes, my flight was once again rescheduled, just a month prior to the trip. Notification came to my email and first instinct, screenshot it, because it is very important to keep any evidence safe and sound. This time things are different – I’m better prepared, calmer and carefully considered all offered options:

• Request a refund: If you’re unhappy with the schedule change, you can ask for a refund.
• Choose another flight: Airlines often allow passengers to select a different flight that better suits their needs.
• Accept the new schedule: If the new timing works for you, you can simply adjust your plans accordingly.

I chose the best option for me, which was to accept the new schedule since it worked well for me and my plans. Always choose the option that fits your needs best.

Tips for handling flight schedule changes

We are aware that the flight changes can be very stressful and annoying, but the with the right approach to the situation, you will be able to minimize the inconvenience. Let us introduce you to some tips:

1. Stay calm and assess your options

Upon receiving the notification, it’s the best to stay calm and not panic. Evaluate your plans and choose what will work for you. Airlines typically offer three options:

• Refund: Request a refund if the change doesn’t work for you.
• Alternative flight: Select another flight that aligns with your schedule.
• Accept the change: If the new schedule is convenient, adjust your plans accordingly.

2. Know your rights under EU 261 Regulation

Traveling within, to or from Europe, remember the EU 261 regulations. In case of delay, cancellation or overbooking, you might be entitled to compensation in these specific scenarios:

• Notice period: You’re eligible for compensation if notified of a schedule change less than 14 days before departure and it causes significant inconvenience.
• Specific timeframes: For changes 8–14 days before departure, compensation applies if you arrive more than four hours late. For changes less than seven days before departure, compensation applies if the delay exceeds two hours.

3. Build flexibility into your itinerary

To avoid stress, include buffers in your travel plans. Avoid scheduling critical events or meetings immediately after a flight.

4. Contact the airline directly

Once you decide how to proceed, contact the airline as soon as possible. Airlines may offer additional solutions, such as ticket changes, accommodation, or upgrades.

5. Recheck your flight before departure

Flight delays or last-minute changes can happen. Use airline apps or websites to track your flight and set up alerts for updates.

6. Seek professional help if needed

If managing multiple flight changes or claiming compensation feels overwhelming, consider seeking assistance from a service like MYFLYRIGHT. These professionals can help you understand your rights and handle claims efficiently.

Flight schedule changes are an inevitable part of travel, but staying informed, flexible, and prepared can minimize their impact. Remember that platforms like MYFLYRIGHT can assist with compensation claims under the EU 261 regulation.

With the right mindset and a solid backup plan, you can make your travel experience smoother, no matter the challenges. Safe travels!