This is another reminder to everyone, especially those flying Continental out of EWR, to check your flights frequently. I do it almost daily now because Continental has just changed our departing time for the 3rd time with no notification what-so-ever. Luckily it doesn't affect our connecting flight out of PR. That happened the last time!
Continental is not the only one that needs to be watched. ALL the airlines are guilty of making changes and not notifying their customers. You offer sound advise. Check you flights often regardless of what carrier you are traveling on.
If you've made seat requests because you're travelling with kids, be sure to check those did not change. Amazing that an airline will split up a family of 4 and seat kids next to total strangers.
Luckily my kids aren't little any longer but I have been checking the seat assignments. Yes, they had changed those as well. I was able to make changes so that we can sit together.
I use American and Delta. Both have flight status notifications that you set up for any changes to your flights. I do this for every flight when I first book it, but it can be done at any time. It works for me, never missed any changes that way. It also alerts me to gate changes before I arrive at the airport. I can set it up to email or call me when something changes. Do the other airlines not offer this?