In 2 years I think I took something like 125 flights. Some trips were for less than 48hrs, fly after work Friday night and jet home late Sunday eve. The time constraints made it so important for me to make the most of my time in my destination. How? Well, choosing your flight time is crucial.
I was pretty much always on the first or last flight of the day. A dawn flight was always the best option out of London on a Saturday morning (don’t cringe, I’m about to explain why!), whilst coming home, anything after 7pm was preferred. In Australia, the same deal applies. Why? Watch (or should I say, read) and learn…
Less Risk Of Delay
Most of the time, early morning flights aren’t delayed, because you don’t have to wait for your plane to arrive. It’s likely been there at the terminal all night, ready and raring to go.
You Get An Extra Night’s Sleep In Your Own Bed
I’ve always been one to struggle with sleeping in foreign places. I’ve certainly improved thanks largely to the amount of travel I’ve done where my own bed simply wasn’t an option, but old habits die hard and I still love my own bed. Also, if you’re on a budget, it means one less night where you need to pay for a hotel room.
It’s Usually Cheaper
I’ve noticed that the first flight of the day is almost always the cheapest option. I can only assume it’s because not as many people are willing to book the dawn flight when it means a 3am alarm. But I’m telling you, you got this.
More Time In Your Destination
There’s nothing worse than a flight in the middle of the day. You can’t do anything in the morning and then you lose the afternoon. Taking the first flight means you might even arrive in time for brunch with the whole day ahead of you.
A Quieter Travel Experience
There’s no doubt that flying can bring out the worst in people. We’ve all sat next to a screaming child, an arguing couple or a disgruntled customer… But I’ve noticed that with early morning flights, people tend to be more subdued; they’re probably tired from getting up so early! With fewer flights and fewer people it also means that the airport is generally less busy at that early hour.
OK, have I convinced you yet? If you’re intending to book an early flight next time you travel (well done you!) consider these three crucial tips to make life a little easier.
Pack The Night Before
There’s no way you’ll have enough brain power to decide on what shoes will go with what dress at 4am. Trust me, pack your suitcase before you go to sleep.
Set 2 Alarms
And I don’t just mean on your phone. Set one on your phone and one on a physical clock (yes they still exist!). When it comes down to waking up at 3 or 4am, you really don’t know what you’re capable of doing. You might switch off your alarm and fall straight back to sleep. Been there, done that. Set your wake up so it’s unusual; maybe it’s a different sound, or you put your alarm across the room so you actually have to get up to turn it off.
Tell Your Hotel
When you take a dawn flight, typically you’re going to arrive at your accomodation well before check-in time. Whilst your room might not always be available, I find it’s always worth letting them know ahead of time to see if they can accommodate your request. Many times I’ve been able to check into my room before 10am.
Well then… guess I might see you on the next 6am flight!
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Photos by Krissie.