On a previous trip to Europe, I arrived at 6:00 AM after a long overnight flight. I arrived early because the flight left around supper time. I did not get tired until the last few hours of the flight. The trouble is I arrived at the hotel at 8 AM and they told me I could not check in until 3 PM (7 hours later) so I had to wander the empty rainy streets for hours completely exhausted.

A few years earlier I took a flight to Europe that left at 10 PM so I did not arrive at my European destination until about 11 AM. By the time I got to the hotel I only had to walk the streets for about two hours before I could check into my hotel and nap. The trouble with that option was I could not sleep on the plane and was sick/tired for most of the flight because when I arrived onboard at 10 PM I wanted to go to bed.

Business or First class was not an option.

What is the best time for you to leave for Europe by plane?