Is It Better to Fly Out on Friday Night or Saturday Morning? The Ultimate Weekend Travel Guide
Planning a weekend getaway by plane is one of the easiest and most rewarding ways to escape the daily routine. Just two or three days away can feel like a proper holiday.
But there’s one question that always divides travellers: is it better to fly out on Friday night, right after work, or on Saturday morning?
The choice might seem minor, but it has a real impact on your budget, travel time, comfort, and overall experience.
Let’s explore what truly makes sense — and how to protect your trip from flight delays or cancellations.
Flying Out on Friday Night: More Time, but One Extra Hotel Night
Many travellers prefer to fly on Friday night for a simple reason: to make the most of the weekend.
Arriving at your destination in the evening means you can wake up on Saturday ready to explore without wasting a single hour in transit.
From a timing point of view, it’s definitely the best option — you get two full days at your destination.
However, there’s a trade-off: flying Friday night usually means paying for one more night at the hotel, even though you’ll likely arrive late and just go straight to bed.
There’s also the issue of energy. After a long week at work, catching a late flight can be tiring, especially if there are delays or tight connections.
On the bright side, Friday-night flights often cost less. After 8 p.m., ticket prices tend to drop as demand falls. So, if you can handle a late arrival, it’s a great way to save money and gain time.
Flying Out on Saturday Morning: Less Stress, but Higher Fares
Flying on Saturday morning appeals to those who value rest and relaxation.
After a long week, having Friday evening free to pack and sleep well makes travelling the next day much more enjoyable.
Plus, you save a night of accommodation, which can make a big difference for couples or small groups.
However, Saturday-morning flights are usually more expensive.
This is one of the busiest travel slots of the week, and airlines take advantage of the high demand. Prices can be 30–40% higher than Friday-night options.
Airports are also much busier, with longer queues, heavier air traffic and greater chances of delays.
In short, flying on Saturday morning means losing a few hours of your weekend, but travelling in a more relaxed, stress-free way.
So, What’s More Worth It?
In most cases, Friday-night departures are more convenient if your flight is cheap, the destination is close, and you don’t mind arriving late.
It’s the perfect choice for a city break or a short getaway where every hour counts.
Meanwhile, Saturday-morning flights suit travellers who prefer to rest, take things slow and avoid the rush — even if it costs a bit more and means a shorter stay.
The key difference lies in the balance between cost, comfort and time.
Fly Friday to save on tickets but pay for an extra night; fly Saturday to save on hotels but spend more on the fare.
Neither choice is wrong — it simply depends on your travel style.
And If Your Flight Is Delayed? Don’t Worry — DelayFlight24 Has You Covered
Whether you fly on Friday night or Saturday morning, delays and cancellations can happen.
Weekends are some of the busiest times for air travel, and disruptions are common.
That’s where DelayFlight24 comes in.
This platform helps passengers claim up to €600 in compensation for delays over three hours, cancelled flights or denied boarding due to overbooking — all under EU Regulation 261/2004.
The service is completely free.
Just enter your flight details on the DelayFlight24 website, and their team of experts handles everything — from contacting the airline to securing your compensation.
On top of that, you get real-time updates, multilingual support and stress-free claim management.
It’s the perfect backup for frequent flyers and weekend travellers alike.
Before You Book…
If your goal is to make the most of your time, flying out on Friday night is the way to go — especially when fares are low and hotels are affordable.
If you prefer a more relaxed start, Saturday morning is ideal: you’ll travel rested, skip the extra hotel cost, and begin your break refreshed.
And remember — if a delay or cancellation threatens your weekend, don’t let it ruin your plans.
Check if you are entitled to compensation in just a few minutes.
Travelling smart means travelling stress-free.
