For many people, traveling is about making compromises. Though you might be able to save money with a certain flight, it’s very likely that you’ll have to sleep on the plane or have a large layover in exchange for the low price. For this reason, it’s understandable that you might want to focus instead on which flights are more convenient.
Those looking to avoid the large crowds both at the airport and on flights should instead focus on the times of day that are less crowded. To help you understand which times of the day are more efficient for avoiding crowds, check out our tips the next time you fly.
Know When to Fly
If you’re looking to fly without experiencing huge crowds, you should be aiming for flights that leave anywhere between 7 and 8 in the morning. Many airports are located within or close to cities that don’t begin lifting noise limitations until around 5 or 6 a.m., so there quite a bit of flights taking off and landing just before 7 am. On the other hand, many airports also see the majority of their flight traffic between 10 and 11 in the morning. By booking a flight that leaves between 7 and 8, you’ll be able to sandwich yourself in-between two busy times at the airport to make sure that you don’t run into massive crowds.
Another reason why flying in the morning is beneficial is that there are often less delays in the morning than there are at later times during the day. In order to decrease the chances of delays happening to your plane, it’s important to before 8 a.m. This is due to the varying amounts of air traffic — with more planes on various runways, the chances of human error or technological issues holding up a given flight increase.
Be Willing to Making Some Compromises
Though you’ll likely find more cheap plane tickets that take off between 7 and 8 in the morning than you would later in the day, it’s important to note that you’ll have to rise extra early. Many airports require you to be there at least two hours before your flight, so it’s possible that you’ll have to get up at 4 or 5 a.m. to be at the airport on time.
That said, most people will prefer the inconvenience of am early wake up over having to be surrounded by lots of other people and fighting through crowds, so they don’t mind making the compromise.
Related: Some of the Least-Crowded Spring Break Destinations Where You Can Ditch the Masses
Consider Flying Later at Night
If you’re unable to travel early in the morning, it’s important to know alternative least crowded flight times. For many airports, one of the busiest time of operation is during the workday (between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.). 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, consider flying around 9:30 p.m. or later.
Of course, this comes with the associated consequence of having to either get to your destination late at night or sleep on the plane, but avoiding the crowds is the main benefit of these travel times. On top of the late travel times, you’ll be able to arrive at an airport that’s almost entirely empty, allowing you to avoid the crowds as you land.
FAQs:
Q: How far in advance should I book a flight to get a great price?
A: Generally, booking a flight 1-3 months in advance for domestic travel and 2-6 months in advance for international travel can help you find great prices.
Q: Which days of the week should I fly to avoid crowds?
A: Tuesdays and Wednesdays tend to be less crowded travel days, while Fridays and Sundays are often busier.
Q: Are red-eye flights a good option for avoiding crowds?
A: Yes, red-eye flights (late-night departures, usually after 10 pm) tend to have fewer passengers and a quieter airport experience.
Q: Can I speed up my airport experience?
A: Yes, using online check-in, TSA PreCheck, or Global Entry can cut down waiting time at security checkpoints.
Q: What’s a great way to get to the airport early in the morning?
A: Consider booking a rideshare, taxi, or airport shuttle the night before. If driving, check parking availability in advance.
Q: Are smaller airports less crowded than major hubs?
A: Yes, regional or secondary airports often have fewer crowds and shorter security lines, which can help you enjoy a smoother travel experience.
Do you prefer to fly when it’s not crowded? Have some tips or tricks on finding the least crowded flight times? Tell us about them in the comments section below!
