Schedule padding

In some cases, excessive padding may be intentionally added to make it unlikely that the schedule won't be met, or to prefabricate an earlier-than-scheduled completion.

It is important, therefore, to think about the probability and distribution of certain types of delay events and the desired degree of on-time performance when padding in public transport timetables is established.

In the United Kingdom, railway operators include schedule padding in the internal working timetables, shown as recovery time.

[3][4] Departure delays are easily caused by passengers arriving late at the gate or unexpected business at the airport.

When no delays are encountered, schedule padding can give the impression that a flight has arrived early at its destination.