When was the last time you saw a printed timetable? Fewer and fewer of these timetables are being printed by the airlines that still print them, relying on electronic means to do so. Their websites will often still offer printable versions in PDF format and other downloadable options.
But as David Grossman of USA Today writes, sold-out flights are not displayed on most reservation systems and thus as seats may open up, flights will appear and reappear from displays. Furthermore, since difference systems may update at different times from different sources, one system may show the flight as available when another still shows it closed.
One thing is for sure…knowing your timetable is another good tip for the smart traveller.