Then Why Do Planes Fly Back During the Day?
This is where the pattern becomes even more interesting.
A plane flying from Europe to North America often leaves in the morning or early afternoon.
For example, a flight from London to New York might depart during the day and arrive in New York in the afternoon.
Passengers remain awake for much of the journey, arrive at a reasonable local time, and can then adjust to the local schedule.
Meanwhile, the same aircraft can eventually be prepared for another flight.
This creates a kind of daily rhythm across the Atlantic.
Eastbound traffic tends to dominate overnight.
Westbound traffic tends to dominate during the day.
