A TRAVEL expert has revealed why its best to either book the first or last flight of the day.
Research has indicated that passengers on early morning flights usually experience fewer disruptions than those on flights taking off in the afternoon and evening.
Figures from AirHelp show that of the scheduled flights from the UK and Ireland between 5am and 9am, 43 per cent were disrupted on average.
But between 10am and 2pm, this figure rose to 55 per cent on average.
Flights scheduled between 9pm and 10pm were the most disrupted with a disruption rate of 66 per cent.
However that disruption rate dropped to 56 per cent between 10pm and midnight.
Tomasz Pawliszyn, chief executive of AirHelp, said: “When booking flights, passengers may opt for the most cost-effective option, favouring cheaper flights over what day or time they travel.
“However, flying at peak times increases the risk of facing disruption and cancellations, as any issues early in the day will have a knock-on effect impacting the flights scheduled in the afternoon and early evening.
“If an early morning flight is not feasible, we advise passengers to book the latest flight available on the chosen day of travel as the risk of disruption tends to decrease again late at night.
“In all instances, it is important for passengers to know their rights to be best prepared in case disruptions occur.”
Scott Keyes, the founder of Going.com previously explained why a morning flight is more likely to take off on time than one later in the day.
He told Travel + Leisure: “The earlier your flight, the better your odds.
“That’s because weather is generally better in the morning, and also because the plane is usually already at the airport, rather than arriving from elsewhere, and thus at risk if that inbound flight were to get cancelled.”
It comes after it was revealed that opting for an unsociable, early-morning flight might also save you money and improve your chances of getting a better seat.
Frequent flyer Zach Griff told The Points Guy: “Families would likely have a hard time travelling with kids at 6am, and only those who don’t mind a 4am (or earlier) alarm can make these early-morning flights work.
“Airline revenue managers know this and that’s typically why the first flight of the morning is the cheapest one. There’s much less demand and that reality is often reflected in the fares.”
Last month, it was revealed what day is best to travel on to keep your stress levels at a minimum.
Meanwhile, we’ve rounded up some other ways to avoid travel chaos this summer.
Here is how to claim compensation if your flight is cancelled.
Here’s a sneaky way airports get you to spend more money.
And a designer has revealed why they make airport seats so uncomfortable.