Planning a trip can be overwhelming, especially when faced with high ticket prices, inconvenient departure times, and endless baggage fees. The timing of your flight can make or break your vacation—fly too early and you may struggle with jet lag; too late and you waste precious hours. Weekends cost more, but weekdays cut into your annual leave.
We consulted travel experts and editors to settle the debate on the best times to fly. Here’s their advice.
Best Time of Day to Fly
Early Morning
If you can handle an early wake-up, morning flights offer major advantages: lighter traffic, shorter security lines, and fewer delays. “Aircraft usually have better punctuality for the first flight out,” says Paul Charles, former Virgin Atlantic Director. “The later you fly, the more chance the aircraft was delayed earlier.”
Editor Charley Ward agrees: “I try to fly as early as possible to maximize holiday time.” Sarah Bannerman adds, “Hours are precious—being on the move while you’d be sleeping lets you hit the ground running upon arrival.”
Midday
Mid-morning or afternoon flights are less chaotic than late-night or early-morning departures. You skip the brutal wake-up and arrive refreshed, making the flight part of the holiday. Sarah James, digital editor, switched from early flights: “I used to opt for early out and late back, but it’s not worth it. You’re shattered your first day and exhausted the next week. Now I choose a mid-morning flight out and land at lunchtime when returning.”
Evening
Evening flights are often cheaper. Kayak data shows flights are typically cheaper if you fly early or land late. Abigail Malbon, global audience growth manager, says, “For short haul, I fly after work. For long distances, overnight flights let me sleep and adjust to the time zone.” Tamara, commerce producer, prefers mid-morning for long-haul but adds: “For trips under three hours, a post-work flight is perfect—you land with no time to be tired.”
Best Day of the Week to Fly
Tuesday
Tuesday is the best day for leisure travel. “Mid-week flights are less popular, so airlines lower prices to fill seats,” says Kayak’s Rachel Mumford. Paul Charles agrees: “Tuesdays avoid weekend city breakers and families, offering better seat availability.” He also suggests flying indirect for cheaper fares and a more enjoyable journey—like a walk through Singapore’s Changi Airport rainforest.
Friday
If you’re planning a weekend getaway, Friday flights help you save holiday days. Sophie Knight, visuals editor, says: “I hate wasting vacation days, so I book flights that maximize my time away.”
Ultimately, the best time to fly depends on your priorities: cost, convenience, or maximizing time at your destination. Consider setting price alerts and booking mid-week for the best deals.