Optimal Flight Booking Times Revealed Amid Rising Airfare

A recent report from HappyOrNot sheds light on the best and worst times to book flights, revealing that early-morning departures are preferred by travelers. With rising airfare due to global fuel shortages, understanding these trends can help travelers make informed decisions. The analysis highlights Wednesday as the best day for flying, while late-evening flights, especially on Sundays, receive the lowest satisfaction ratings. This information is crucial for those looking to optimize their travel experience amidst ongoing challenges in the aviation industry.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 21, 2026, 14:48 IST

Understanding Flight Preferences

Many travelers find the experience of waking up in the middle of the night, hailing a cab, and heading to the airport while still groggy to be far from ideal. Instead, a more appealing option for numerous individuals is to opt for evening flights or overnight journeys. However, with the current surge in airfare due to rising fuel costs, it may be wise to consider late-evening flights as a viable alternative to those early morning departures. A recent report from HappyOrNot highlights the best and worst days for flying amidst the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, which has contributed to increased travel costs.

HappyOrNot, a feedback platform commonly found in airports, hospitals, and retail outlets, collects customer opinions through its distinctive smiley face terminals. The report analyzed data from January to May 2026, as noted by the Daily Mail.

Best Times for Booking Flights

The analysis indicates that early-morning flights have garnered the highest levels of passenger satisfaction since the onset of the global fuel crisis. Interestingly, Wednesday emerged as the most favorable day for travel. The data revealed that flights departing at 4 AM received the highest satisfaction ratings, followed closely by those at 7 AM and 8 AM. In fact, 4 AM flights were labeled the 'happiest', while 8 AM and 7 AM flights achieved a remarkable customer satisfaction rate of 87.8%. Wednesday flights also scored impressively at 86.6%.

Worst Times for Booking Flights

Conversely, the analysis from HappyOrNot indicated that late-evening and overnight flights received the lowest ratings. Sunday travel plans were particularly unsatisfactory, with Sunday flights scoring only 84.1%. Notably, flights scheduled for 11 PM were deemed the worst, achieving a satisfaction score of just 78.7%, while 10 PM flights fared slightly better at 80.1%. Miika Mäkitalo, CEO of HappyOrNot, commented on the findings, noting that despite the ongoing jet fuel crisis, travelers continue to plan their journeys. He stated, “These findings suggest that travelers still have some control over their airport experience.” Additionally, data collected from June 2025 to May 2026 revealed that August was the least favorable month for travel, with a satisfaction score of 82.4%. Other peak holiday months, such as December, also recorded lower satisfaction levels at 83.4%.