My alarm went off this morning at 4:30 a.m., as I had a 7:45 a.m. flight home from Orlando, Florida. I was in Orlando with several of my colleagues for the Global Business Travel Association convention. They were set to leave later in the day, and I didn’t have a specific need for an early departure other than that the pricing was more attractive.
Whenever I have an early flight, I don’t sleep well, constantly waking up to check the time for fear of oversleeping. On the other hand, there is a peace of mind in knowing you’re probably on the first flight of the day, so there’s less chance of delays, and depending on flight duration, it’s likely you can arrive at your destination with a full day ahead of you.
All of this got me thinking about what time of day people prefer to fly. Are you more inclined to select the earliest departure, or do you prefer to fly later in the day? Do you just choose whatever works best, or does it depend on your destination?
I have to say, I thought the airport would be a bit calmer at 6 a.m., but all lines were long,
Photo 174359459 © Joni Hanebutt | Dreamstime.com
Photo 234447339 © Joni Hanebutt | Dreamstime.com
and there was traffic and congestion at the airport when I arrived, so maybe most people prefer early-morning flights — coming and going!
— Kim Krol Inlander, editor in chief
Read This Next
Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedMelt into Mediterranean Charm in Barcelona and Costa Brava
Usually regarded for its Modernist architecture, centuries of artistic influence and polarizing football team, Barcelona has come into its own as a growing tech hub. The capital of Catalonia hosts the annual Mobile World Congress each March, and its Poble Nou neighborhood cradles some of the world’s most recognizable startups like TravelPerk and Typeform.
Sponsored Content
Elevate Your Journey with TAP Air Portugal’s New Economy Prime
Exciting news ahead for TAP Air Portugal, as Portugal’s flag carrier prepares for the launch of its brand-new Economy Prime cabin, offering customers more space, additional privacy and a superior travel experience. Flights boasting the new cabin take off June 1; booking for Economy Prime is now available across all TAP channels and travel agents.
Daily
Sep 21, 2026Ireland’s Dromoland Castle Announces Landmark Transformation
This November, Dromoland Castle is set to close its doors for six months for its largest redevelopment in its 63 years as a hotel. Set to reopen in June 2027, the 16th-century property in County Clare will debut a one-of-a-kind transformation with updates to accommodations, public spaces, wellness facilities, culinary features and more.
Destinations
Sep 21, 20266 Reasons to Put Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on Your Travel List
It’s time to start dreaming of your next trip. Here’s some destination inspiration for you. Take a visual journey through Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, with us.
Sponsored Content
Global Traveler Hosted Trip on the Transcend Connect
JOIN GLOBAL TRAVELER ON ITS NEXT TRIP!
Daily
Sep 21, 2026Women’s Retreats Now Available at Six Senses Kyoto, Six Senses Kanuhura
Designed to be a supportive experience for women of all ages, The Yin Way Retreat — The Way of a Woman is a new experience available to guests this year at Six Senses Kanuhura in the Maldives. It’s available Oct. 1 to 4 in the Maldives, and at Six Senses Kyoto in Japan Dec. 11 to 14.
Seven Seas Prestige to Feature New Spaces
September 2026
Sep 19, 2026Daily
Sep 18, 2026Windstar Unlocks Tower of London After Dark and Other New 2027 Experiences
Explore three different remarkable European destinations in 2027 with Windstar Cruises. The brand’s newest 224-guest, all-suite yacht, Star Explorer, debuts alongside complimentary Destination Discovery Events in Livorno, Dubrovnik and London.
Sponsored Content
Extraordinary Moments, Made to Keep
The Excellence Collection offers a curated collection of luxurious resorts across Mexico and the Caribbean, promising exceptional experiences for every guest and taste. From upscale suite concepts to a plethora of gourmet dining options, from wellness experiences to curated activities, The Excellence Collection guarantees all this and more.
September 2026
Sep 17, 2026High-Spirited Hong Kong: The Dynamic Hub Embraces Its Maritime History and Culture
It was known as the “Kai Tak heart attack” — the thrilling, terrifying final approach into Hong Kong’s Kai Tak Airport. Airliners were required to bank sharply at the last moment, dodging hills and apartment blocks to line up with a runway jutting out into Kowloon Bay. The airport is long gone, but international visitors are arriving at Kai Tak again, albeit more sedately. Their cruise ships dock smoothly at Kai Tak Cruise Terminal, a modern gateway designed by Sir Norman Foster.
ShareThis