As a frequent traveler, I am always looking for ways to keep costs down so I can travel more. One of my best travel tips is to take those pesky 6AM flights. Some people can’t fathom the idea. In my younger days, I would stay up all night and head to the airport after a night out. Now that I’m over 30 (eeeek) I usually try to sleep a bit before heading to the airport. There are so many reasons why 6AM Flights are the best, especially when traveling from NYC.
No Surge Pricing
That’s right. If you are taking a car service to the airport like Lyft, Uber, or Via, you are unlikely to encounter any surge pricing at 6AM. Via is now promoting flat fares of $21 to LaGuardia, $35 to JFK, and $45 to Newark. A recent trip to LaGuardia with Lyft only cost me $15+ tip. Don’t forget to tip your driver, especially if they help with your luggage! I find the prices with these car services do fluctuate and sometimes there are special promotions, so definitely check them all out before booking to find the best deal.
No Traffic
In addition to lower prices in the morning, you’ll also find the roads less crowded. An afternoon jaunt to JFK could take 1.5 hours on an average day. At 4am, it will be around 30 minutes from Manhattan. My second favorite method for getting to the airport after car services are buses. Unfortunately buses are a horrible option most times of day, but they run 24 hours and you can catch them in midtown Manhattan to all 3 local airports. When traveling to the airport during high traffic times, you’re often better off on the train, but it’s too much lugging bags around for me! Check out these articles, if you’re interested in learning more about how you can get to JFK or Newark Airports.
Short Security Lines
This is my newest Passport photo. It’s going to be with me for a long time!
Another advantage to an early morning flight is shorter security lines. I finally upgraded to TSA Pre-Check, but only because I am lazy and am totally grossed out by taking my shoes off at the airport. I would always slip on disposable socks. It’s never taken me more than 15 minutes to get through security in the early morning hours without pre-check. Half the time TSA pre-check isn’t even open that early.
Limited Delays
We can’t control the weather, and sometimes flight crews time out, but traveling early in the morning reduces the chance of a delay. It also increases the chance that you might find a same day fix to continue your travel plans. When my 6pm flight was delayed 6 hours and finally canceled the next flight out of NYC was in two days, so I had to catch a flight 24 hours later out of Philadelphia. These are really inconvenient alternative.
Sunrise Views
Need I say more? Sometimes during the summer, the sun has already risen before you leave the ground, but it still makes for beautiful lighting and stunning photos. These were captured on some recent 6AM Flights our of NYC.
Save on Hotel Night
Some people like to fly in at night, and wake up at their destination. I prefer to save on the hotel night. Â Be sure to rest a bit on the plane, and then depending on how far you’re flying, you can drop your bags at the hotel and start your adventure! On my recent trip to Florida, my flight landed 30 minutes early and I was out of the airport before 9 am, ready to start my day!
Have I convinced you to book a 6AM Flight for your next trip?
Love my suitcase? Click here to learn more about Raden Suitcases.
These are some good points. I find that early morning flights are also typically cheaper. The only issue I really have is that it means you arrive at your destination early too, and accommodations may not be ready for check-in yet. I guess in that case, you’ll just want to make sure they offer a luggage hold.
Yes, most places will at least hold your luggage! I try to travel light so I can grab lunch with my bags if needed.
I totally agree about 6 AM flights! I love them for all the reasons you stated! When traveling within the US it’s nice because you get to your destination early and still have the entire day to explore! I just drop my bags off at my hotel with the bell hop and GO!
It really does work out nicely!!
I’ve always avoided early flights out of NYC airports as I live in Stamford CT and have to train into Grand Central before going anywhere but it Ubers are that cheap so early I may try it out!
Have to tried the new airport yet?? Newburgh? I’d like to try it to Europe sometime as I hear the savings are great.
Thanks for sharing. I agree with you that sunsrise views in the plane are awesome. It’s been a while that I traveled to New York. I will keep your thoughts in mind when I come back. In Munich I don’t have the option of affordable car services. Cabs are not a good option as you always pay about 120 Dollars. Very interesting and informative read.
Ah, but in Munich you have reliable public transit!! Our train system is not direct to the airport, requires many switches with your bags, etc. if I had a good train option I would use that!
Wow! You’re so right, 6AM flights sound a lot better when you put it that way. No delays and cheap rides are totally worth it 🙂
So many upsides. And if you can make up some sleep on the plane it’s all good!
I used to hate those early morning flights but now you’ve convinced me to start booking them again! The sunrise point really got to me, there is nothing more beautiful!
Char xo || http://www.memoirsmusings.com
They are so beautiful!! I got a few new pics today but my window was a bit dirty!!!
I just had two super early flights! It is so much more exciting en route to your destination than the 6am flight home though, haha! Definitely great points and I’ll try to be more positive next time I’m rolling out of bed at 3am to get to the airport on time 🙂
True. But I did a 6am home today to get back in time for work. Allowed me to cherish one last night on the beach. Stay positive!
Since I have almost no direct flights from Norfolk the 6 am flights are my best option if I don’t want to spend all day travelling. I do love a good sunset view though.
My last flight was at 6am too, which wouldn’t have been as bad if the airport wasn’t 2hrs away! I’m a terrible morning person but for me, it’s the only thing worth getting up that early for 🙂
Oh yikes! When I leave my hometown we have an hour drive to the airport but my mom prefers the open road vs traffic.
Convinced me! Although I normally take 6am flights because of work. I got used to it after awhile lol
Cannot agree more with the sunrise view part. I have some beautiful pics of that time. Only thing is you might encounter free drunk elements at that time.
Lovely blog post 🙂