While many passengers might be hesitant to book the first flight of the day, dreading the loss of precious sleep, the advantages of choosing first flights may outweigh the initial tiredness. Early morning departures can set the stage for a smoother travel experience, with significantly lower chances of delays compared to later flights.
Photo: Ann in the uk | Shutterstock The chances of delays are less
Most first flights of the day are operated using aircraft that have landed at the airport the night before. This provides a significant advantage, so any necessary maintenance can be completed overnight, ensuring that the aircraft is in optimal condition when it's time for departure.
Maintenance teams work during these quieter hours to perform routine checks and address any issues, allowing for a smoother and more reliable flight experience. In the rare event that first flights experience delays, passengers can typically expect to receive notifications the night before their scheduled departure.
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When aircraft land in the evening, airlines conduct maintenance checks overnight. This proactive approach allows them to identify potential issues and update flight schedules in advance, keeping passengers informed and better prepared for any changes. By notifying them before they arrive at the airport, passengers can adjust their plans accordingly, whether that means getting a little extra rest, making alternative travel arrangements, or simply avoiding the hassle of arriving only to find out their flight has been delayed.
In contrast, flights that encounter maintenance issues upon landing often present a different scenario. In these cases, airlines typically notify the flight crew and passengers only at the moment of landing, just before the flight's scheduled boarding. This can create a stressful environment, as passengers may be left scrambling for information or options at the last minute.
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This week, Air Canada shared that it is offering flexible rebooking due to a possible pilot strike. The airline is just one of several that have shared that it is easing its policies due to industry woes. Other than the height of the pandemic, there hasn't really been a uniform approach regarding rebooking policies within the market. With passenger interest in mind, should there be a consistent and lenient system when it comes to rebooking in general? Let us know what you think below!
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Another key benefit is that it increases the passenger's chances of being rebooked on another flight if the original flight is canceled or the passenger misses their scheduled departure. Airlines are more likely to have available seats on later flights earlier, allowing passengers to reach their destinations.
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Moreover, booking an early morning flight is especially advantageous for passengers who have connecting flights. It tends to provide a broader range of flight options to make connections if disruptions occur. Since airlines typically operate more flights earlier in the day, passengers who book the first flight will likely find it easier to secure alternate routes if necessary.
Additionally, midday flights come in from various cities, which can introduce multiple variables that could lead to delays. Crew scheduling, unpredictable weather changes, unforeseen maintenance requirements, and air traffic control restrictions often affect these flights. For instance, a flight from a distant city might be delayed due to thunderstorms, snow, or even a backlog at the airport, which can create a ripple effect on following departures.
Photo: Adam McCullough | Shutterstock Fewer air traffic control delays
The on-time departures of the first flights of the day are often aided by the quieter airspace in the early morning hours. This period typically sees a reduction in air traffic, allowing planes to take off with minimal delays. Airports can efficiently manage takeoffs and landings at this time, contributing to a smooth start for travelers eager to reach their destinations.
However, as the day progresses, the air traffic changes, which can lead to complications, especially during peak travel times. As more planes join the airspace, delays can occur on the tarmac. Passengers may find themselves waiting in line for takeoff clearance or, upon reaching their destination, circling in a holding pattern until they receive permission to land.
Less turbulence during flight
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) National Severe Storms Laboratory, thunderstorms tend to occur more frequently in the afternoon due to warmer temperatures and increased atmospheric instability. This pattern creates a higher turbulence risk for flights scheduled later in the day.
Related The 10 Airline Routes Most Likely To Experience Turbulence
While airlines take precautions to avoid and manage it, turbulence can pose a risk to passengers and crew. Due to a combination of factors, including topography, jet streams, and storm activity, some of the world's airline routes are more likely to experience turbulence events. The website Turbli tracks turbulence data and uses it to rank routes and airports. It measures turbulence in units of eddy dissipation rate (edr), representing "the speed at which turbulent structures break down and dissipate their energy into heat." The measures Turbli uses are 0-20 light for light turbulence, 20-40 moderate, 40-60 strong, 60-80 severe, and 80-100 for extreme turbulence. Based on a year's worth of data, the annual rankings show the average edr over that time frame. The routes with the highest average turbulence in 2024 globally were: 1. Mendoza (MDZ) - Santiago (SCL) with an average edr of 24.684 2. Cordoba (COR) - Santiago (SCL) edr 20.214 3. Mendoza (MDZ) - Salta (SLA) edr 19.825 4.
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"Thunderstorms are most likely in the spring and summer months and during the afternoon and evening hours, but they can occur year-round and at all hours," said the NOAA National Severe Storms Laboratory, "Along the Gulf Coast and across the southeastern and western states, most thunderstorms occur during the afternoon. Thunderstorms frequently occur in the late afternoon and at night in the Plains states."
As a result, taking the first flight of the day can be a smarter choice for travelers who wish to avoid potential bumps in the sky. Early morning flights typically benefit from calmer weather conditions, allowing for a smoother journey. This strategy enhances comfort and increases the chances of arriving at your destination on time, as afternoon storms can often lead to delays and cancelations.
One of the busiest times at the airport
While it may seem convenient to catch an early flight, it's essential to remember that airline counters and security checkpoints typically do not open before those flights depart. Many airlines schedule their first flights between 5 and 6 in the morning, often leading to a rush of travelers eager to start their journeys.
As more passengers arrive for these early departures, the ticket counters can become congested, with long lines forming as people check in and drop off their baggage. To make the most of your early morning travel experience, consider arriving at the airport with enough time to check in comfortably and clear security without feeling rushed.
Additionally, utilizing online check-in options can significantly streamline your travel experience. Passengers can bypass the long lines often found at ticket counters by checking in online before arriving at the airport. This saves valuable time and allows passengers to plan their arrival at the airport more effectively.
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Furthermore, suppose passengers choose to travel with only carry-on luggage. In that case, they can eliminate the need to check in bags, which typically involves additional waiting time at check-in and baggage claim areas. Passengers can enjoy a smoother journey by packing efficiently and adhering to airline regulations for carry-on items.
While an early flight can offer the advantage of being among the first to arrive at your destination, it's wise to prepare for the hustle and bustle of the early morning airport scene. With a little planning and flexibility, you can turn what could be a stressful experience into a smoother start to your travel day, making that first flight something to look forward to rather than a hectic scramble.
Fewer food options
For passengers who enjoy having a meal before their flight, keep in mind that many restaurants may not open until later in the morning, particularly during the early hours of the first flights. This can limit dining options at the airport. As a result, travelers might find themselves with only a few choices available to them, which could be less than satisfying.
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To ensure a more enjoyable start to the journey, it would be wise to consider packing a meal or snack beforehand. This way, travelers can have something nourishing on hand that suits their taste. If packing a meal isn't feasible, be prepared to settle with options that are available at that time.
In summary: booking the first flights of the day
Opting for the first flight of the day can offer a wealth of advantages for travelers, making it a compelling choice despite any initial reluctance stemming from the prospect of waking up early. One of the primary advantages of booking an early flight is the reduced likelihood of delays.
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Morning flights typically utilize aircraft parked overnight at the airport, allowing ample time for thorough maintenance checks and inspections. This proactive approach enhances the airline's ability to provide timely updates to passengers, reducing the last-minute stress often accompanying air travel. With fewer variables at play, early flights stand a better chance of departing on time, which can be crucial for those with tight schedules.
In addition to a smoother travel experience, flying in the early morning can increase your chances of securing alternative routes if rebooking becomes necessary. This is beneficial for travelers with connecting flights, where disruption can ripple throughout the journey.
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Moreover, early morning flights typically benefit from quieter airspace, leading to smoother takeoffs and landings. With less air traffic in the early morning, pilots can navigate more efficiently, often resulting in quicker travel times. In contrast, flights scheduled later in the day are prone to delays caused by the cumulative effects of increased air traffic and potential weather-related disruptions, such as thunderstorms.
So, taking that first flight can boost the likelihood of an on-time arrival at the destination. Another noteworthy aspect is the overall airport experience. While it's true that airport counters and security are busy in the early morning, the early hour may also afford you a quieter atmosphere as you navigate through the terminal.
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In conclusion, while taking the first flight of the day may initially seem daunting due to the early wake-up call, the numerous benefits -- including reduced delays, easier rebooking options, smoother travel experiences, and a quieter airport environment -- make it an appealing choice. For those seeking to maximize comfort, minimize the risks of cancelations, and enhance the likelihood of a timely arrival, an early morning flight could be the best way to embark on their next journey.