But departure time can have just as much impact on the experience.
A flight that saves money but arrives at an inconvenient hour may create extra transport costs, awkward accommodation arrangements or a difficult first day.
The best flight time is therefore the one that fits your whole travel plan.
There is no universal winner.
|
Departure period |
Potential advantage |
Consideration |
|
Morning |
Start journey early |
Requires early airport travel |
|
Afternoon |
Easier airport arrival for some travellers |
Can affect work/business schedules |
|
Evening |
Convenient after work |
May mean late arrival |
|
Overnight |
Can align with sleeping |
Some travellers find overnight travel tiring |
Your preferred option depends on your personal schedule and what happens after landing.
Your journey doesn't begin when you board the aircraft.
If you live outside London and are flying from a London airport, consider:
A flight that leaves at 7:00am may require you to travel to the airport in the middle of the night.
For some travellers, that is perfectly manageable.
For others, a later departure may be worth the trade-off.

Now look at the other side.
If you arrive in Ghana late at night, what happens next?
Do you have:
Your arrival time should influence your departure choice.
A useful way to compare flight schedules is to ignore the ticket price for a moment and look at your first 24 hours.
Ask:
When do I leave home?
When do I arrive at the airport?
When do I land in Ghana?
How do I reach my accommodation?
When can I realistically sleep?
This gives you a much clearer picture of which itinerary is actually convenient.
If Accra isn't your final destination, flight timing becomes even more important.
As explained in our guide to travelling beyond Accra, an inconvenient international arrival can create problems with domestic flights or road transportation.
If you're continuing elsewhere in Ghana, leave enough time between the international arrival and your next stage.
Airport procedures can take time, especially during busy travel periods.
For Heathrow, passengers should check the latest airport and airline guidance before travelling. Heathrow also provides specific information for connecting passengers and airport procedures.
For your return journey, check your airline's latest check-in requirements rather than relying on a general rule.
Imagine two options:
|
Flight A |
Flight B |
|
|
Ticket |
£450 |
£475 |
|
Airport transfer |
£40 |
£20 |
|
Extra hotel |
£80 |
£0 |
|
Other costs |
£30 |
£10 |
|
Approx. total |
£600 |
£505 |
The cheaper ticket can sometimes produce the more expensive journey.
This is why it is useful to compare the total travel experience, not just the fare.
Long-distance travel can be tiring.
If you choose an overnight itinerary, consider whether you'll actually be able to sleep during the flight.
You may prefer:
There isn't a single correct choice.
For a family visit, convenience may matter most.
For a business trip, arrival time may be the priority.
For a holiday, you may prefer a schedule that gives you a comfortable first day.
For an onward journey, connection time becomes critical.
The best time depends on your home-to-airport journey, desired arrival time, onward transportation and personal preference.
They can be useful for travellers who sleep well during flights, but they aren't automatically better for everyone.
No. Consider airport transfers, accommodation, arrival time and onward travel before deciding.
Follow your airline's specific check-in and airport guidance and allow enough time for transport delays and airport procedures.
Compare flight schedules and find an itinerary that fits your complete journey with Hi5Tickets.

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