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Booking a vacation is always exciting, and studies show that just planning a trip or picking a hotel can boost your mood before you even travel. If your daily routine feels a bit monotonous, travel can add a sense of adventure and enjoyment to life. But deciding the best time to fly isn’t always easy.
If you fly too early, you might feel tired when you get there. Fly too late, and you could lose valuable vacation time. Weekend flights are usually pricier, but weekday flights might use up your paid time off. To help, we asked travel experts and editors to share their tips on the best times to fly. You can also check out our guide on when to book flights, how to find cheap flights, and the best times to avoid cancellations.
The best time of day to fly depends on your priorities. If saving money is your goal, try flying late in the evening. But if you want to avoid busy airports, an early morning flight is the way to go.
Early Morning Flights
Morning flights have many perks. You’ll avoid rush hour traffic and long security lines. Plus, you’ll be first to grab coffee when you get to the airport, and if you’re flying a short distance, you’ll have the whole day ahead of you when you arrive. Early flights also tend to be more on time, as they’re the first flights out of the airport. “If you’re flying short-haul, morning is the best time because planes are usually punctual,” says Paul Charles, a former Virgin Atlantic director.
Midday Flights
Flying midday is a less stressful way to travel. You won’t have to wake up super early or deal with late-night arrivals, and you’ll feel refreshed when you arrive. It also gives you time to get excited as you join other travelers heading out on their adventures. “I used to take early and late flights, but now I prefer flying mid-morning and returning around lunchtime,” says Sarah James, Condé Nast Traveller UK’s deputy digital editor.
Evening Flights
Evening flights are a great option if you’re looking for a cheaper fare. Flights in the evening or early morning tend to cost less. They’re also a good choice if you want to travel after work and arrive later in the night. “I prefer evening flights for short trips so I can leave after work,” says Abigail Malbon, CNT’s global audience growth manager.
Best Day of the Week to Fly: Tuesday
Flying on certain days can affect the price and airport crowd size. According to Kayak, mid-week flights, especially on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, are often more affordable because they’re less popular. “Tuesdays are the best days for flying for leisure,” says Charles. “You avoid weekend travelers and families, so you get better seat availability.”
Friday Flights
“If I’m going on a weekend getaway, I prefer flying on Friday after work and returning late on Sunday,” says Sophie Knight, Condé Nast Traveller UK’s visuals editor. These flights are usually more expensive, but if you’re flexible, you can find cheaper deals.
Best Month to Fly: October
“The best month to fly for leisure is October,” says Charles. “It’s after peak season, but the weather is still nice in Europe and getting warmer in Africa. Plus, flight prices are more affordable.” Just avoid the last week of October when prices rise for the half-term holiday.
February
“I like to travel in February to escape the gloomy UK weather,” says Malbon. “It’s great to leave behind the rain and enjoy some sunshine.”
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