Having tried every evening departure over time I have to say the optimal departure that works for me is the BA114 2130 departure.

I get a full day’s work in and still have some time to get to the airport and have a quick bite to eat.

I force myself to wake up earlier on travel day to ensure that I am tired by the time of wheels-up. I then average about 5 hours of sleep on this flight and when I get home I get an hour’s nap in. I’m reset by lunchtime.

Having said that, I’m always tired over the next 2-3 days and need to go to be earlier than usual to compensate.

This all goes horribly wrong if I’m travelling with others as a drink or 3 kills any chance of success.