Early morning flights are more punctual because airports are less crowded and air traffic is minimal. So there are fewer delays since check-in and security lines are shorter. There is generally less turbulence on an early morning flight than on a daytime flight and there are fewer delays. And early morning flights are often less expensive. For example, the 6 a.m. Delta Economy flight from Prague to New York City costs 9,714 Czech crowns (€397) for the round trip, while the price of the 14.30 flight is the equivalent of €554.
Why Early Morning Flights Are Worth It
How You Save Money
Early morning flights are often less expensive. Airlines know that demand for these flights is lower compared to midday or evening flights, so they often offer lower fares to incentivize travelers to fill those seats.
Example: American Airlines
A one-way American Airlines flight on September 10 from New York to San Francisco costs $129 at 6 a.m., but $199 at 7:30 a.m. and $279 at 5 p.m. However, prices can fluctuate from day to day according to how an airline’s algorithm adjusts prices in real time based on demand and other factors. So you could find later flights that cost the same as the early morning flight. In addition, some airlines may prioritize other flight times and offer them at the same or even lower price as early morning flights.
More Punctual Departures
Early morning flights are more punctual because airports are less crowded and air traffic is minimal at that time. So there are fewer delays since check-in counters are less crowded and security lines are shorter. In addition, the airplane has usually been at the airport overnight, so there is no waiting for a delayed plane to arrive, be unloaded and refueled. Flights departing in the late morning to early evening (around 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.) are often delayed due to increased traffic volume.
Fewer Delays, Fewer Risks
While all flights are very safe, early morning flights are generally considered the safest time to fly due to fewer delays and less turbulence. [See “Turbulence,” below.]
Cooler, Calmer Mornings
Unless it’s winter, early morning weather is usually cool and pleasant, making for a more comfortable and less stressful traveling experience.
The Upgrade Benefit
The first-class cabin on popular routes is often booked up weeks in advance and the few remaining seats usually go to top-tier passengers paying very expensive walk-up fares. But elite travelers don’t usually fly early mornings because they can afford not to. This means shorter upgrade lists and a better chance of obtaining an upgrade.
The Downsides of Early Morning Flights
Early morning flights may be punctual and cheap, but they are not all upside, especially if you or someone you’re flying with is a day person.
The Inconvenience
Waking up at 3 a.m. is not easy, especially if you have kids or lots of baggage. Elderly passengers will also be uncomfortable with an early wake-up and pre-dawn trip to the airport.
Getting to the Airport
Public transport to the airport will either not be running after 1 a.m. or it will be scarce, and taxis and Ubers will probably be more expensive than during the day. This is especially true during off-peak seasons.
Limited Food & Shops
Shops and restaurants will probably not be open or you will have a limited choice of what to eat or buy.
Arriving Tired and Jet-Lagged
Traveling on two or three hours of sleep is no picnic. You’re not alert, and you’ll be tired when you get to your destination, which makes your first day on holiday a mixed experience at best. And if you have to connect with a ferry to take you to your dream island, you may have to spend much of the waiting time in a tired funk.
| Pros of Early Morning Flights | Cons of Early Morning Flights |
|---|---|
| Cheaper fares (e.g., Delta Prague → NYC €397 vs €554 later) | Waking up at 3 a.m. is difficult |
| More punctual (less air traffic, shorter lines) | Limited public transport to the airport |
| Less turbulence → smoother flights | Airport shops/restaurants often closed |
| Cooler, calmer weather | Arrive tired/jet-lagged, first day less enjoyable |
| Better upgrade chances (shorter upgrade lists) | Harder for families/elderly travelers |
The Case for Red-Eye Flights
Late night (or “Red Eye”) flights offer some of the same benefits that early morning flights do.
Benefits of Red Eye Flights
Saving Money
Flight tickets are often cheaper. For example, for some 00:15 departures, United Airlines charges €193 for a one-way Economy ticket from New York City to Paris, compared to €314 or €331 for most other flights.
Punctuality
Red Eye flights are usually more punctual for the same reasons as early morning flights: less crowded check-in and security lines and less air traffic. The same 00:15 flight from New York City to Paris takes 6 hours 55 minutes, while the daytime flights are over 7 hours in duration.
Daylight Savings
Late night flights save your daytime hours, so you’ll have much or most of the day of arrival to settle in, conduct business or lie in the sun.
Sleeping In
If you’re able to sleep on a plane – not everyone can – you can get enough sleep during the flight to arrive at your destination alert and cheerful.
Disadvantages of Red Eye Flights
Sleep
As stated above, not everyone can sleep comfortably, or at all, while in the air. This means that some people will arrive groggy and irritated, putting a damper on that first day at your destination.
Old and Young
Elderly passengers and families travelling with children may find overnight travel exhausting. And tired children are often restless and could be cranky if they don’t get enough sleep.
Getting to the Airport
As with early morning flights, taxis and Ubers may be limited and/or costly.
Early Morning vs. Red-Eye Flights
While the money savings are often similar to those of early morning flights, late night flights have some potential inconveniences that make them the less preferable option.
The Benefits of a New Day
Early morning flights benefit from the fresh start to the day. Planes are already at the airport and crew members are fresh and well-rested. The opposite is true of late night flights.
Punctuality
Late-night flights are often delayed due to the “domino effect” of earlier delays. Since many aircraft and crews operate multiple flights throughout the day, delays earlier in the day can impact later flights. Late-night flights may also be more susceptible to delays from weather, mechanical issues, crew limitations, and airport operations.
So, Should You Fly Early in the Morning?
Both options can be budget friendly, but passengers who prefer to be on time generally choose early morning departures.
| Factor | Early Morning Flights | Red-Eye Flights |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Often cheaper | Often cheaper |
| Punctuality | Very reliable (fresh crews, planes already at airport) | Less reliable (domino effect of earlier delays) |
| Turbulence | Low (calm morning air) | Low (overnight cool air) |
| Comfort | Fatigue from early wake-up | Fatigue from sleeping (or not) on plane |
| Airport Access | Limited public transport; taxis expensive | Same issue |
| Upgrade Chances | Higher (elites avoid mornings) | Normal/competitive |
When Is Flying Smoothest?
Flying has never been safer or more comfortable, but there’s always a chance that your plane can pass through some rough weather and be shaken and rattled. Turbulence can be nerve-wracking. It is one of the most unpredictable of all the weather phenomena that are of significance to pilots. Basically, it can be described as an irregular motion of the air resulting from eddies and vertical currents. It may be as insignificant as a few annoying bumps or severe enough to momentarily throw an airplane out of control or cause structural damage.
But early morning and late night flights are generally less affected by turbulence than daytime flights because the ground is cooler at night and in the early morning, leading to less rising warm air and fewer vertical currents. Because there is less turbulence and fewer delays, early morning flights are considered the safest time to fly. There is also less turbulence on late night flights, but there is a greater chance of delays.
Why Daytime Flights Are Bumpier
During the day, the sun heats the ground, causing warm air to rise. This rising air creates pockets of turbulence, making daytime flights bumpier.
Why Early Morning & Night Flights Are Smoother
After the sun sets and overnight, the ground cools down. This leads to less rising warm air and a more stable atmosphere, generally resulting in smoother flights.
“Red-eye” flights
Flights that depart late at night and arrive early in the morning are often cited as being the smoothest due to the reduced turbulence.
Afternoon flights
Afternoon flights are statistically more likely to encounter turbulence, as the day’s heating effect on the ground is at its peak.
NB: While these are general trends, turbulence can be unpredictable, and weather conditions can vary significantly.
1. What are the benefits of early morning flights?
Early morning flights are usually cheaper and more punctual because airports are less crowded and planes face less air traffic. For example, a 6 a.m. Delta Economy flight from Prague to New York costs €397 round trip, compared with €554 for a 14:30 departure. Shorter check-in lines and aircraft already at the airport also improve reliability.
2. What are the drawbacks to early morning flights?
Early morning flights require very early wake-ups, which can be challenging for children and the elderly. For instance, a 5:50 a.m. Lufthansa flight from Vienna to Berlin may require leaving home before 4 a.m. Public transport is limited at this hour, taxis are more expensive, and many airport shops or restaurants are closed. Travelers may also feel fatigued upon arrival, affecting the start of a trip.
3. Do “Red Eye” flights have the same advantages as early morning flights?
Red-eye flights can be cheaper and have shorter check-in lines, but they are often more prone to delays. For example, a 23:30 Delta flight from New York to Miami may face cascading delays from earlier flights, crew duty limits, or mechanical issues. They are generally less reliable than early morning departures, which typically avoid these complications.
4. Which airlines offer early morning flights?
Many major airlines, including budget carriers, operate early morning departures to maximize aircraft use and accommodate business travelers. For example, Ryanair and EasyJet often schedule 6 a.m. flights on popular European routes, while full-service airlines like Lufthansa or Delta may also offer pre-dawn departures for long-haul connections. Availability depends on the route, so always check airline schedules or use flight search engines that allow filtering by time of day.
5. Are early morning flights always cheaper and faster?
Not always. While early morning flights are often less crowded and more punctual, prices and durations can vary by airline, route, and season. For example, a 6:10 a.m. Lufthansa flight from Vienna to Rhodes with two stopovers may take 10 hours 25 minutes and cost €186, while a later direct flight could be both faster and cheaper. Always compare schedules for your specific route, but in general, pre-dawn departures face fewer delays.