I’m an aviation expert – here’s why you should book 5am flights during busy summer holidays
DURING busy summer holidays its wise to book the earliest flights you can get, an aviation expert has warned.
High temperatures can spark delays and discomfort as you wait on the tarmac, but those 5am flights are always cooler.
Brian Dilse, an aviation academic at the University of North Dakota, thinks its the best way forward.
He told the Washington Post: “No one likes to fly at 5 a.m., but it’s cooler then, and the plane should leave on time.”
High temperatures mean planes sometimes have to cut down on the weight they are carrying.
This can spark delays, and even see passengers bumped off their flights during the busy summer holidays.
Even worse – a really warm day can see you and your family sweating as you wait for a plane to take off on hot tarmac.
Planes take on heat not just from the sun, but from those onboard.
Hot air is thinner than cold air – affecting the thrust during take off and meaning the jet needs more room on the runway.
More room results in more speed, and the only way to tackle this in airports with shorter runways is to cut the weight onboard.
Bob Thomas, an aeronautical science professor, said: “The only way to make a takeoff possible on shorter runways would be to lower the weight of the aircraft.”
As we head into the summer holidays and temperatures are naturally set to rise – this could cause a lot of headaches.
A flight attendant has also urged passengers to book the early 5am flight – even if you hate getting up at the crack of dawn.
Caroline took to social media to explain why – and gave a reason you might not have thought of.
The Fort Lauderdale worker said people often opt for evening flights hoping to dodge delays.
In an Instagram video, said: “I know you don’t want to wake up at three in the morning to catch a 5 am flight.
“But I promise you the earlier your flight is, the smoother everything is going to go.”
Passengers can also get cheaper and improved chances of getting a better seat.
This is because of the increased demand for seats on flights at more convenient times.
