The best time of day to fly is in the morning, before 8 a.m. Early morning flights are less likely to be delayed or go through turbulence, and they're often cheaper. There are advantages to flying at other times, too, so pick what works best with your travel plans.

The "best" time to fly depends on whether you prioritize price, comfort, or punctuality. For punctuality, the best time is the first flight of the morning (usually between 5:00 AM and 7:00 AM). These flights are statistically less likely to be delayed because the aircraft is already at the gate from the night before, and the "ripple effect" of air traffic control delays hasn't yet started. For comfort, mid-week afternoon flights (Tuesday and Wednesday) are often the least crowded, increasing your chances of an empty middle seat. For price, "Red-eye" flights (late night) or very early morning departures are typically the cheapest. From a weather perspective, morning flights are also better during the summer months to avoid the afternoon thunderstorms that frequently cause cancellations in tropical or temperate climates. Finally, for those who suffer from aerophobia (fear of flying), morning flights tend to be smoother, as the air is cooler and more stable, leading to less thermal turbulence than you experience in the heat of the afternoon.