Dustin Gandof
Flying is a convenient and quick way to travel, but it can also be stressful, time-consuming, and expensive. Therefore, knowing when the best time of day is to fly can make a big difference in your travel experience. However, finding the optimal time to fly is not a straightforward task. It depends on various factors such as the airline, the route, the season, and your personal preferences.
According to the first search result, the best times of day to fly are very early in the morning and very late at night, such as a redeye flight. One rationale behind this is that these times have fewer passengers and flights, so there is less congestion at the airport and on the plane. Also, airlines tend to offer lower prices for these unpopular times to attract passengers. Another advantage is that you can save a day of traveling and make the most of your destination. For example, if you take a redeye flight from the east coast of the US to Europe, you can arrive in the morning and have a full day to explore the city.
However, there are also some drawbacks to consider. Firstly, you may have to wake up or stay up all night, which can disrupt your sleep schedule and affect your well-being. Secondly, you may have to deal with less comfortable seats, less meal options, and less entertainment on the plane. Thus, if you value your comfort and convenience over your budget and time, you may prefer to fly at other times of day.
The second search result provides some empirical evidence on the best and worst times to fly in terms of flight delays. According to their research, the most delays occur at 6 pm, which coincides with the peak travel time for many business and leisure travelers. The probability for a delay is at its lowest (20% or below) from 6 am to 11 am, which corresponds to the start of the business day, when the airport and the plane are still fresh and the weather is usually calm. However, the probability for a delay increases throughout the day, especially after 3 pm, when the weather, the air traffic, and the crew fatigue can accumulate.
Therefore, if you want to minimize the risk of flight delays, you may want to consider flying early in the morning or in the late morning, and avoid flying in the evening or at night. However, keep in mind that this does not guarantee that you will avoid all delays, as there are many factors outside of your control that can affect the flight schedule. Also, you should always check the flight status and prepare for contingencies such as cancellations, rebookings, and accommodations.
In conclusion, the best time of day to fly right now depends on your priorities, preferences, and circumstances. There is no one-size-fits-all answer, but rather a trade-off between cost, time, comfort, and reliability. Therefore, before you book your flight, do some research on the airline, the route, the season, and the itinerary, and consider the various factors that can impact your travel experience. With a little bit of planning and flexibility, you can make the most of your flight and enjoy your journey as well as your destination.
