For many airports, the most busy time of operation is during the workday (between 8 am and 5 pm). Crowds often begin tapering off around 6 pm with some of the least busy times being in the late evening. If it's at all possible to leave in the evening, we recommend taking a flight at around 9:30 pm or later.

"Decent" flight times are subjective but generally prioritize your circadian rhythm and arrival utility. Most travelers consider mid-morning departures (between 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM) to be the "sweet spot" because they allow for a normal wake-up time while getting you to your destination by mid-afternoon—perfect for hotel check-ins. For long-haul east-bound travel (e.g., US to Europe), overnight "red-eye" flights departing between 8:00 PM and 10:00 PM are often considered decent because they allow you to sleep on the plane and hit the ground running the next morning, though they require a full day of adjustment. Conversely, business travelers often prefer the first flight of the day (6:00 AM) to maximize their working hours, despite the early alarm. Avoid "decent-looking" flights that arrive late at night (after 11:00 PM), as public transit options often vanish and you end up paying for a night of accommodation without using most of it.