Elise Green

Whenever possible, I always prefer to book the first flight of the day for my destination. Yes, getting up early sucks, but so do delayed flights, missed flights, crowded airports, etc. In fact, they are worse than losing out on a little bit of sleep. You know what they say…the early bird gets the worm. 

It’s not always possible to take an early morning flight (hello trans-Atlantic flights that always leave the east coast of the US in the late afternoon or evening for Europe), but whenever possible, it really is the best way to start a day of travel, and here’s why.

Airport Less Crowded

I find that the earlier I go to the airport, the less time the lines at ticket counters and security have had the opportunity to build up. The lounges are quieter, and there are more available places to sit at the gate. I’m a big fan of being at the airport early, because it just makes the whole experience of travel less stressful in general. 

Less Flight Delays

If you are taking the first flight of the day, chances are, your plane is already at the airport, because it was the last flight in the night before. Or it could just be coming in on an overnight flight. Either way, there is less chance for any flight delays because you won’t be waiting on a plane that’s coming from somewhere else that got delayed earlier. Your chances for a delayed flight significantly increase after 8:00am, so try to get the early flight. 

Cleaner Plane

If this is the plane’s first flight of the day, cleaning crews have had the chance to clean it properly, rather than a 10-minute rush job in between deplaning passengers and loading the next flight. Chances are that you are the first passengers on it since it has been cleaned, and that’s always a good thing. 

Flight Crew is Fresh

If you take the first flight of the day, it’s most likely going to be the flight crew’s first flight of their working day as well. Just think about how motivated and fresh you are when you first start your job for the day, as opposed to an hour before the workday is done and you are tired, burnt out, and ready to relax. I’d much rather have a crew that is rested and ready to go, rather than one who’s at the end of their shift, wouldn’t you?

Bonus: Early Fares Can Be Cheaper

Apparently, early morning flights are generally cheaper too (as are the red-eye flights) because nobody wants to get up super early (or fly through the night if they don’t have to). So, saving a few bucks is just icing on the cake here.