Representative ImageNew research by TravelInsurance.com.au reveals that more than a third of Australian travellers (36%) prefer early morning or sunrise departures when flying overseas — more than any other time of day. The nationally representative survey of more than 1,000 Australians also found that 18% prefer to depart at midday, followed by 11% in the evening and 10% in the afternoon. Only 4% said they preferred red-eye (overnight) flights.
One in five (21%) Aussie travellers said they’ll fly whenever it’s cheapest, regardless of time. TravelInsurance.com.au CEO, Shaun McGowan, says the preference for early flights often comes down to cost and the convenience of arriving with time to spare.
“Early morning flights are the most popular because they’re often cheaper when you book online and help travellers feel like they’re maximising their time, especially if they’re getting to their destination on the same day,” he says.
“For example, many Asian destinations are just 6 to 9 hours away, and flying early means you can arrive in time for an afternoon check-in and still have time to explore or unwind before dinner. If you’re flying to Europe or the US, which require overnight travel, you might choose different.”
“It’s a trade-off — some people will sacrifice sleep for savings, while others choose a departure time that lets them hit the ground running. Either way, your flight time can shape the entire first day of your trip or how much you’ll struggle with jet lag.”
From dawn to dusk: Generational split in ideal flight times
The survey found Baby Boomers were the most price-conscious, with 26% saying they’ll fly whenever it’s cheapest. Gen X travellers showed a clear preference for early starts, with 39% choosing early morning departures.
Millennials were more inclined to fly out during the day, with 20% preferring midday and 13% favouring afternoon departures. Meanwhile, Gen Z were the most likely to opt for evening flights (13%), suggesting a preference for later travel times.
