Scheduling a Flight-When is the Best Time?

The best time to schedule a flight depends on many things. The most important thing to consider is leaving yourself enough time to get to the airport to make your flight and then enough time to make any connections. Here are some things you should consider when scheduling your flight.

Transportation to the airport

Depending on where you live, you have to consider the amount of time it will take you to get to the airport. If you are using mass transportation such as a bus or subway or even if you use a transportation service, you have their schedule to consider. This includes stops to pick up other people. If you are driving there, you need to allow enough time for traffic delays particularly during rush hour.

How much time to get to the airport

Always add an hour cushion. If it usually takes you an hour to get there, then give yourself two hours. It's stressful enough to travel without the added worry of trying to hurry for an unexpected delay.

Give Yourself Enough Time for the Airport Process

If you are taking your own vehicle, don't forget to leave enough time to park your car and get to the terminal. Once in the terminal, you will also need time to check-in. Even if your printed your boarding pass at home, you will still have to check in bags if you have them. If at all possible, travel with a carry-on so you can skip this step. Most people tend to pack to much anyway. Airlines are starting to cut people off from taking their scheduled flight if they have not checked in 45 – 60 minutes before the scheduled departure time. Also allow yourself enough time to get through security. If your traveling during a peak time, give yourself at least 30 minutes to get through security. Depending on the size of the airport and where your gate is located, you will need to allow yourself enough time to get to the gate once you've made it through security.

Take the First Flight of the Day

The first flight of the day is generally your best bet for avoiding delays. Those delays have a domino effect and get worse throughout the day.

Scheduling a Connecting Flight

Avoid a tight connection by making sure your layover is at least two hours. Problems with weather, having to go through customs, or any number of things that can cause a delay in your flight from arriving will leave you scrambling if you miss your connection. Sometimes, your connecting flight may be the only one out to your destination for a day or two. If you also book directly from the airline and not an online ticket service, you will get priority re-booking if your flight is canceled.

Leaving yourself enough time to get to the airport and through the airport check-in process as well as taking the first flight of the day and booking directly through the airline is your best bet to consider when scheduling a flight.