British Airways recently announced a third daily flight between London’s Heathrow Airport and Newark Airport. Normally I wouldn’t pay much attention, except that the Newark to London service is going to be a so-called “daylight flight” that departs Newark at 7:55 am and arrives into London at 7:55pm.

Why do I Love Daylight Flights?

I believe it to be the best way to manage jet lag…

A standard overnight flight from the East Coast to London takes about 7 hours. And unless the flight departs extremely late, I usually spend several hours wide awake until I feel tired enough to sleep. (even in Business Class)  By the time I feel like sleeping, the plane is approaching London.

Because it’s morning in London, I could either go straight to bed – and really screw up my body clock – or suffer through a rough day of trying to stay awake until nightfall.

Or…

I can book a one-night stay near the airport, and make it to the plane with little hassle. Because I am generally well rested, I can then work on the plane or watch a movie or two. I would arrive into London in the evening. By staying up until 2-3 am London time, I can go to bed and sleep through the night.  By the time the next morning rolls around, my body clock is basically adjusted to London time.

For the added cost of one hotel night, I enjoy a much more pleasant trip to London…

Where Can I Find a Daylight Flight?

London seems to be the main destination for daylight flights to Europe. I cannot recall seeing one to Continental Europe, mainly because the extra hour time difference makes it even harder to depart North America at a reasonable hour and touch down at a reasonable hour (before the airport closes).

British Airways

British Airways usually offers daylight flights from:

• Boston
• New York JFK
• Newark

American Airlines

I have seen daylight flights from:

• Chicago
• New York JFK

United Airlines

I believe that United offers daylight flights to London from:

• Newark
• Washington Dulles

Virgin Atlantic

• New York JFK

Air Canada

• Toronto

Are You a Fan of Daylight Flights?

Do you share my point of view? Or is it simply not worth it to spend a night at an airport hotel and “waste” a whole day on an airplane?  Let us know in the comments section…