In the realm of air travel, an expert opinion has emerged suggesting that passengers should consider forgoing their pre-flight shower, particularly when embarking on an early morning flight. While the idea of waking up early to catch a plane may initially deter some individuals, this advice, backed by research and insights from industry professionals, aims to provide passengers with a more enjoyable and stress-free travel experience. This article explores the reasons behind this recommendation and offers additional tips for smooth and efficient air travel.

Morning Flights and Passenger Happiness

Research conducted by Happy or Not, a customer feedback company known for its "smiley face" customer feedback terminals found in airports worldwide, has shed light on the correlation between flight time and passenger happiness. Based on responses from a staggering seven million customers surveyed across 30 countries, the data indicates that passengers who fly around 4am tend to be the happiest during their journey. In fact, an impressive 85.2% of early morning travelers reported feeling content during their flights.

Benefits of Early Morning Flights

Several factors contribute to the positive sentiment experienced by passengers on early morning flights. One key advantage is the relatively lower number of travelers during these hours, resulting in a less crowded and potentially less stressful environment. With fewer people to contend with, passengers can navigate through airports more efficiently and experience shorter queues at security checkpoints and boarding gates.

Preparation Tips for Early Morning Flights

While early morning flights can provide a smoother travel experience, waking up at such an hour may prove challenging for some individuals. In light of this, travel experts offer helpful suggestions for preparing oneself before facing the day. One notable tip is to skip the pre-flight shower. According to Nicky Kelvin, editor at the travel site The Points Guy, showering the night before the flight allows passengers to save precious time in the morning. By eliminating the need for a shower before departure, travelers can enjoy extra moments of rest and relaxation in bed.

On-Time Performance and Flight Choices

Apart from the preparation aspect, flight timing also plays a crucial role in ensuring a punctual departure. Scott Keyes, founder of Going.com, a renowned travel resource, reveals insights into flights with the best on-time performance. Keyes advises travelers to consider early morning flights or nonstop options, as they statistically exhibit higher chances of departing on time. 

In fact, booking an early morning flight can improve on-time performance by up to 20%, based on Keyes' observations. Data published by Going.com further supports this claim, indicating that 86% of flights scheduled between 6 a.m. and 7 a.m. arrived on time, while only 66% of flights between 10 p.m. and 11 p.m. maintained their schedule.

Additional Pre-Flight Tips

In addition to skipping the pre-flight shower and considering early morning flights, travel expert Hayley Smith offers another valuable suggestion: avoiding the pre-flight pint. While it may be a customary tradition for some to indulge in a drink before boarding, Smith advises against it, especially for long-haul flights. Alcohol consumption before a flight can leave passengers feeling tired and groggy, potentially compromising their overall comfort during the journey. Instead, Smith recommends waiting until arrival or enjoying a drink part-way into the flight, while also emphasizing the importance of staying hydrated.

Conclusion

By following the expert recommendations discussed above, passengers can enhance their overall travel experience, particularly when embarking on early morning flights. Skipping the pre-flight shower can provide extra moments of rest, while booking early morning flights increases the likelihood of a punctual departure. Additionally, refraining from consuming alcohol before the flight and prioritizing hydration contribute to passenger comfort throughout the journey. By incorporating these tips, travelers can make their early morning flights more enjoyable, increase the chances of an on-time departure, and ultimately have a smoother journey to their destination.