Why the small changes in flight times?

[jackio Gold Contributor Find all posts View Profile Close jackio]

I received an email from Frontier saying there was a change in flight times for our Easter trip. Delta has done this to me many times. The time changes are less than a half our. Today they were pushed back about 20 minutes on each leg.
I was just wondering why these small changes would be necessary? It’s a non stop so it can’t be to combine flights with a layover.

[vintner Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close vintner]

I have noticed this too. I wonder if it has something to do with just handling traffic patterns, having to juggle one airline for other airlines to keep the flight patterns controllable. Or maybe flight crew issues. Otherwise, I really don't know.

[T. R. Oglodyte Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close T. R. Oglodyte]

I have noticed this too. I wonder if it has something to do with just handling traffic patterns, having to juggle one airline for other airlines to keep the flight patterns controllable. Or maybe flight crew issues. Otherwise, I really don't know.

Or they adjust (lengthen) flight times to keep their on-time arrival ratings high. This will especially be the case if airport congestion increases and they need to plan for more time sitting at a gate or on a tarmac awaiting clearance to take off.

[easyrider Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close easyrider]

Our upcoming Maui trip has two flight changes. The last change sucked as we end up in Maui at 10:50 pm. I was told it could be a pilot shortage and re-scheduling. Our recent trip to Loreto had three flight changes. Some of our friends decided to spend the night at LAX but we thought that we had enough time to make the connecting flights so we went for it. We made it to Loreto but our luggage didn't.

[chriskre Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close chriskre]

Or they adjust (lengthen) flight times to keep their on-time arrival ratings high. This will especially be the case if airport congestion increases and they need to plan for more time sitting at a gate or on a tarmac awaiting clearance to take off.

I think this is definitely it!
Especially if it's a one world alliance thing where they are trying to cancel and consolidate flights.
Makes them look "on time". Whateverrrrr.