Why Early Morning Flights Should Be Your First Choice.
Experienced travelers know that choosing the right flight can significantly impact the travel experience. After traveling most of my life and many years on stand-by flights. I can and do try to fly early in the morning whenever possible. Early morning flights, often called "kickoff flights," offer numerous advantages that can enhance your journey from start to finish. In this blog post, I’ll share why early morning flights should be your first choice and how they contribute to a smoother, more enjoyable travel experience.
1. On-Time Departures and Arrivals
Airlines strive to maintain excellent on-time performance records, and early morning flights play a crucial role. These flights are less likely to be delayed because they are the first flights of the day. With fewer preceding flights, there's a reduced risk of delays caused by cascading scheduling issues.
Pro Tip: Airlines schedule their first flights of the day to set a positive tone for their on-time performance. By choosing an early morning flight, you’re more likely to experience timely departures and arrivals, ensuring your travel plans stay on track.
2. Smoother Security and Check-In Processes
Airports are typically less crowded in the early morning, leading to shorter lines at security checkpoints and check-in counters. This means you can breeze through these processes with minimal stress and have more time to relax before your flight.
Pro Tip: Arrive at the airport at least 90 minutes before your domestic flight and 2 hours before an international flight to take full advantage of the quieter, more efficient early morning operations.
3. Reduced Turbulence
Turbulence is often less severe in the early morning due to the more stable atmospheric conditions. Cooler morning air leads to less thermal activity and a smoother flight experience.
Pro Tip: If you’re a nervous flyer or simply prefer a more comfortable journey, opting for an early morning flight can significantly reduce the likelihood of encountering turbulence.
4. Better Aircraft Availability and Maintenance
Early morning flights typically use aircraft parked overnight and thoroughly checked by maintenance crews. This increases the likelihood of flying on a well-maintained plane, reducing the risk of mechanical delays or issues.
Pro Tip: Flights that depart later in the day may use aircraft that have completed multiple legs, increasing the potential for minor maintenance needs. By flying early, you benefit from fresher aircraft prepped for the day's operations.
5. Maximize Your Day
An early morning flight lets you make the most of your travel day. Whether heading to a business meeting, starting a vacation, or visiting friends and family, arriving early gives you a full day to settle in and enjoy your destination.
Pro Tip: Use the extra time gained by an early arrival to explore your destination, adjust to the local time zone, or simply relax and acclimate before diving into your planned activities.
Choosing early morning flights offers many benefits that can enhance your travel experience. From improved on-time performance and smoother security processes to reduced turbulence and better aircraft availability, early morning flights are designed to set your journey off on the right foot. Plus, arriving early means you can maximize your day and make the most of your time at your destination. Next time you book a flight, consider the advantages of those early departures. You’ll likely find that the slight inconvenience of an early wake-up call is well worth its many benefits.
Safe travels and happy flying!
