Top Reasons to Book Early Morning Flights for Your Travels

Waking up before dawn isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, but it’s worth it if you’re flying. Booking the first flight of the day offers significant benefits that enhance your travel experience.

Although it may be inconvenient to lose out on sleep, getting to the airport earlier generally leads to a smoother travel experience. Therefore, the sooner you arrive, the better.

According to Expedia’s 2023 Air Travel Hacks Report, morning flights tend to have lower chances of delays compared to those later in the day. Flights that leave after 3 p.m. are statistically more likely—by 50 percent—to face cancellations based on flight status data.

The timely performance of early morning flights is largely due to lighter air traffic. As Forbes has elaborated, airspace tends to be clearer in the mornings since previous day’s flights have already arrived. In contrast, as the day progresses, more flights accumulate, leading to potential delays from air traffic controllers.

Moreover, if you do face a cancellation or miss your flight, booking a morning flight increases your chances of being rebooked on another flight the same day.

In addition to reduced delays, early morning flights often experience less turbulence. Most thunderstorms occur in the afternoon, which means the skies are generally smoother earlier in the day.

Furthermore, if you’re seeking to save money, early morning flights could be the way to go. Data compiled by Kayak for 2023 indicates that the cheapest international flights from the U.S. tend to depart between 4 a.m. and 9 a.m., with these flights averaging 13 percent cheaper than those scheduled for early afternoon.

The takeaway is clear: It’s beneficial to rise early, particularly when planning international travel. By doing so, you can relax and enjoy your flight, knowing you’ve minimized potential travel complications.