If you book a 6AM domestic flight, for example, you'll need to arrive at the airport by 4AM. Depending on how far you live from the airport, this could mean getting on the road around 3AM or 3:30AM; traffic should be minimal at this time, as should check-in and security lines.
Generally speaking, most airlines advise that you arrive at the airport at least 2 hours prior to a domestic flight, and at least 3 hours prior to an international flight.
The probability for a delay is at its lowest (20% or below) from 6am – 11am. Early morning flights have less runway traffic, planes ready to take off from the night before, and fewer planes already in the air. Days of the week can impact the ticket price, along with delays.
Arrive 3 hours before your flight's departure time to allow for check-in, baggage drop, clearing security and customs, and to explore the airport before you fly.
The early bird may be known for catching the worm, but it also catches the best flights. In fact, people who get the first flight in the morning can usually expect a smoother trip, friendlier staff, a cleaner plane and, often, a cheaper ticket.
How long before my flight do I need to arrive at the airport? The suggested times are two hours before a domestic flight and three hours before an international flight. If you are travelling by car, please allow for extended delays during peak hours. The peak traffic times are 6.30-9.30am and 4.30-6.30pm.
TSA and the airlines recommend that all travelers arrive at the airport at least two hours in advance of their flight departure time to ensure they have enough time to check in with their airline and go through security.
Adelaide, Essendon, Gold Coast and Sydney airports have curfews between 11pm and 6am. While most aircraft operations are prohibited during this period, emergency aircraft, some small jets, propeller-driven aircraft and freight movements are allowed.
“Roughly, you've got a 30% less chance of getting a long delay or cancellation if you go out in the morning,” said Kathleen Bangs, a former commercial airline pilot and current spokesperson for the flight-tracking site FlightAware.
Red eye flight is generally referred to as a flight that departs late at night and arrives early in the morning.
Best Day of the Week to Fly Domestic
While it's important to note that the best day of the week to fly varies based on the route, typically, the best days of the week to fly are Tuesdays and Wednesdays. The general rule is that mid-week flights will be cheaper and quieter.
If you're not checking luggage, the carrier advises you to arrive at the airport at least 60 minutes before your scheduled departure time. If you're checking luggage, it's 90 minutes. For international flights, give yourself two hours, says United.
Early morning on-time performance is all thanks to the thin air traffic. As Forbes explained, airspace is less likely to be crowded in the morning, as all the previous days' flights have long landed. But as planes build up and wait for takeoff, air traffic controllers begin to delay departures and landings.
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.
How early should I get to the airport for a domestic flight? The TSA recommends getting to the airport two hours before a domestic flight, but there are certain factors that could influence whether you should leave earlier or later to catch your flight.
The TSA and airports want you to get there earlier, each for its own reasons. The agency does not like to be rushed with screenings, even if there's a long security line. Airports want you to take advantage of their incredible shopping and dining facilities, which you can't do if you're rushing to the gate.
“During the holidays, we are expecting Thursdays, Fridays and Mondays to be the peak days for passenger traffic, with Fridays in particular predicted to be heavy.
How Long Should You Arrive Before a Domestic Flight? When flying domestically to other parts of Australia, you should arrive about an hour before the flight's departure time. If your plane is scheduled to leave during a peak time, you should arrive earlier to ensure that you can get through the lines on time.
Sydney Airport opening times are: T1 International is open every day from 2:30AM to 11:00PM (0230 to 2300). Customs opens for departures passenger processing at 4AM daily (0400). T2 Domestic and the T3 Domestic Qantas terminal open every day from 4AM to 11:00PM (0400 to 2300).
Earlier in the day is the safest time of day to fly. More accidents occur later in the day when the pilots are tired, especially when the weather is bad and there have been delays.
There are plenty of 5 a.m. departures, and also some 1 a.m. departures. But the difference between 5 a.m. and 4:50 a.m. is huge, psychologically. The CO flight you mentioned is basically a red-eye, but a domestic lower-48 flight leaving at 1:50 AM is indeed unusual.