Fly smart: The best times and top airport experiences of 2025
With summer travel surging, new insights from HappyOrNot’s latest airport passenger feedback data reveal not just how travelers feel—but when and where their satisfaction peaks or plummets.
Analyzing over 9 million global feedback responses from Q1 2025, the findings offer actionable guidance for both travelers and airport operators seeking to optimize the airport experience. From the best hours to fly to the performance of different airport services, the data shows that timing and operational focus can make a measurable difference in traveler satisfaction.
✈️ Best times to fly: when satisfaction soars—and when it doesn’t
Time of day and day of the week play a major role in shaping the traveler experience. According to the data:
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Best times to fly: Early mornings, especially 4 a.m. and 7–8 a.m., score the highest satisfaction (84.8%)
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Worst time to fly: Midnight, with satisfaction dipping to just 79.3%
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Happiest travel day: Tuesday (84.2%)
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Least happy day: Sunday (81.9%)
For those looking to minimize stress and maximize ease, flying earlier in the day—and avoiding Sunday departures—may help ensure a smoother airport experience.
🛫 What’s working—and what’s not—at the airport in 2025
Beyond just when to fly, the feedback also reveals how travelers feel about different parts of the airport journey. The data identifies clear leaders and laggards across service areas:
Top-rated experiences:
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Food & Beverage – 95.2%
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Passport Control – 92.0%
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Customer Service – 88.7%
Middle-of-the-pack performers:
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Security – 85.2%
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Parking Services – 86.2%
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Staff Friendliness – 84.2%
Areas for improvement:
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Washrooms – 82.6%
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Check-in – 80.0%
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Amenities – 77.4%
These rankings offer airports a clear roadmap for where to maintain strengths and where to focus attention, particularly as peak travel season puts more pressure on infrastructure and staff.