Top U.S. Airports for early morning & late night flights

Delta Air lines terminal FPhoto byJohn Paul Van Wert via Delta Air Lines

Waking up early only to find your flight delayed can be incredibly frustrating, especially when options for food and coffee are limited and your sleep schedule is disrupted.

To help travelers avoid such inconveniences, Upgraded Points has identified the best U.S. airports for early morning and late-night flights.

Upgraded Points examined data from the Bureau of Transportation Statistics across the 50 busiest U.S. airports, looking at the percentage of flights that depart before 8 a.m. and after 8 p.m., as well as the frequency and length of delays.

"Flying during off-peak hours, like early mornings or late nights, can significantly enhance your travel experience," said Alex Miller, founder of Upgraded Points.

"These times often mean fewer crowds, shorter security lines, and lower costs. Additionally, flights during these hours tend to have fewer delays, which can make your travel plans more reliable."

Top U.S. Airports for Early Morning Flights:

SouthWest Florida International Airport Fort Myers, FloridaPhoto byvia SouthWest Florida International Airport

1. Cleveland Hopkins International Airport: 13.88% of early flights are delayed, with an average delay of 4.44 minutes.
2. Kansas City International Airport: 14.22% of early flights are delayed, with an average delay of 8.19 minutes.
3. Southwest Florida International Airport: 12.42% of early flights are delayed, but they generally depart 2 minutes ahead of schedule.
4. Austin-Bergstrom International Airport: 16.37% of early flights face delays, with an average delay of 3.26 minutes.
5. Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport: 21.73% of early flights are delayed, with an average delay of 7.01 minutes.

Top U.S. Airports for Late-Night Flights:

1. Indianapolis International Airport: Only 0.3% of late flights are delayed, with an average early departure of 5 minutes.
2. Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport: 31.72% of late flights experience delays, with an average delay of 7.53 minutes.
3. Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport: 39.48% of late flights are delayed, with an average delay of 11.91 minutes.
4. Salt Lake City International Airport: 33.47% of late flights face delays, with an average delay of 8.85 minutes.
5. Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport: 35.67% of late flights are delayed, with an average delay of 9.8 minutes.

For those aiming to avoid disruptions, scheduling early morning or late-night flights could be a smart choice, providing a more peaceful airport experience and a better chance of timely departures.