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 FeedDaily
Nov 9, 2026Big Sky, Montana, Welcomes Luxury Vacation Rental Management
Making its Montana debut, InvitedHome, vacation rental and property management company, welcomes 10 luxury penthouses and condominiums to Big Sky. This opening marks the brand’s presence in 11 world-class mountain destinations, from Vail and Aspen, Colorado, to Park City and Alta, Utah.
Sponsored Content
Why Japan Is Best Explored by Sea with Princess
Japan is a destination that rewards repeat visits because no two regions — or seasons — feel quite the same. One moment, you’re wandering through centuries-old geisha districts in Kanazawa. The next, you’re watching neon reflections dance across Tokyo streets long after midnight.
November 2026
Nov 9, 2026Versatile and Vibrant, Modern Asti Spumante Is Not the Simple Party Fizz of the Past
I recall attending a New Year’s Eve party in my early 20s during which our host walked around at midnight filling guests’ flutes with celebratory toasts of “Champagne” or Asti Spumante. Now, the former wasn’t actually Champagne, just a cheaply made domestic Brut more suited to the budgets of people just entering the workforce. But those of us who liked our bubbly on the drier side preferred it to what we viewed as a sweet, simple Italian quaffer.
United States
Nov 9, 20266 Reasons to Put Bozeman, Montana, 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 Bozeman, Montana, with us.
Sponsored Content
Global Traveler Hosted Trip on the Transcend Connect
JOIN GLOBAL TRAVELER ON ITS NEXT TRIP!
Daily
Nov 9, 2026Google to Revitalize Chicago’s Thompson Center
The James R. Thompson Center is a 17‑story, 1.15 million-square-foot, postmodern office building at 100 W. Randolph Street in Chicago’s Loop, bounded by Randolph, Lake, Clark and LaSalle streets. Designed by Helmut Jahn and completed in 1985, it was originally the State of Illinois Center.
November 2026
Nov 5, 2026Review: Casa Gangotena
ARRIVAL/CHECK-IN: Facing one side of San Francisco Plaza in Quito’s Old Town, you’d be forgiven if you, at first, mistook the hotel for a palatial residence or estate, where the fourth or perhaps fifth generation of a family resides. Casa Gangotena, a Relais & Châteaux property, was, in fact, a home for many, built in the 17th century and later home to several presidents. The entrance reminds you you’re on very special grounds, from crown molding ceilings to opulent chandeliers to velvet couches, and staff guided me to check-in, beginning my very own regal stay.
Sponsored Content
What Actually Happens If You Get Sick or Hurt on a Cruise?
You’ve booked your cabin, mapped the ports and packed the sunscreen. Hopefully, you also bought some insurance. But have you ever thought about what actually happens if a medical emergency strikes mid-voyage?
Daily
Nov 5, 2026Discover a Festive European Fairytale at Rosewood Schloss Fuschl
Rosewood Schloss Fuschl invites guests and locals alike to experience the magic of its holiday season with curated activities, festive celebrations, culinary offerings and other creative workshops. The holiday season arrives Nov. 26 when the resort transforms into a winter wonderland surrounded by the unbelievable Austrian landscape.
ShareThis