The early shift, a late show or something in between?

Mid-morning departures have their merits when it comes to the ideal flight time to Europe, but not for Simon Calder

- Simon Calder

Among the many benefits claimed for Heathrow's controversial third runway proposal is this: “A better selection of flight times to the most popular destinations.” It's always good to have a choice, and offering multiple departures across the day is a passenger benefit. Yet is there a perfect time to fly?

You will have a view on this. Consider a three-hour flight to somewhere in Europe from a major UK airport. What time provides maximum benefit? My excellent colleagues have their opinions, which I shall bring you in a moment. But I have two preferences.

6am: Many aspects of a dawn flight are hideous: waking in the early hours, handling intermittent public transport or driving through the night, security queues longer than the Great Wall of China...

Yet once you arrive at your destination, all is forgiven: assuming a one-hour time difference, it's 10am. The whole day lies ahead of you, museums are opening, and the first delicious lunch is only a couple of hours away.

4pm: No need for an alarm. Whatever your chosen transport to the airport, it is likely to be quiet - as is the security queue. With that one-hour time difference, you will arrive in time for dinner and a drink before sleeping soundly ahead of your first day’s adventures.