Best Times to Call Airlines Without Waiting on Hold for Hours

Trying to reach an airline can feel like an endurance test—especially when you’re stuck listening to the same hold music for hours. Whether you need to rebook a flight, request a refund, or resolve a travel issue, calling at the right time can dramatically cut your wait. With some strategic planning, you can avoid peak hours and get through to an agent quickly, saving yourself time, frustration, and possibly money.

This guide shares the best times to call airlines, which days to avoid, and expert tips for faster customer service.

5-Step Quick Checklist

1. Call early mornings (6–8 AM) or late nights (after 9 PM).
2. Avoid Mondays, Fridays, and holidays.
3. Use airline apps for quick fixes or live chat.
4. Leverage social media or international numbers.
5. Sign up for loyalty programs for priority service.

When Is the Best Time to Call an Airline?

Early Morning (6:00 AM – 8:00 AM Local Time)
Most airlines report the lowest call volume first thing in the morning, often right when their call centers open. Calling early gives you a better chance of speaking to an agent without a long wait.

Late at Night (After 9:00 PM)
If mornings aren’t an option, calling late in the evening—especially for airlines with 24/7 customer service—can also yield shorter wait times. After 9 PM, call volume tends to drop sharply.

Midweek (Tuesday or Wednesday)
Tuesdays and Wednesdays are typically the quietest days for airline call centers. Avoid Mondays and Fridays, which are peak days for rebooking and weekend travel issues.

During Off-Peak Travel Seasons

• January through early March
• Mid-September to late October

These months often see fewer travelers, meaning less traffic to customer service lines.

Quick Reference Table: Best Times to Call

When to Avoid Calling Airlines

Mondays and Fridays
These are the busiest days due to weekend travel issues and end-of-week adjustments.

Lunchtime (11:00 AM – 2:00 PM)
Midday is a common break time for passengers, creating a surge in call volume.

Holiday Periods

• Thanksgiving week
• December 20 – January 3
• Spring Break
• Summer holidays

Unless your issue is urgent, avoid these times.

Airline-Specific Tips

American Airlines

• Best time: 6–8 AM (Central Time)
• Reliable callback feature—always opt for it if available.

Delta Air Lines

• Best time: Before 7 AM or after 9 PM (Eastern Time)
• Use the Fly Delta app for live chat or messaging support.

United Airlines

• Best time: 7–9 AM (Central Time)
• Elite members enjoy priority lines with shorter waits.

Southwest Airlines

• Best time: 6–8 AM (Central Time)
• Try direct messages on Twitter/X for quick help.

JetBlue

• Best time: 7–9 AM (Eastern Time)
• Online chat and text support are often faster than calling.

Alaska Airlines

• Best time: Early morning or late evening (Pacific Time)
• Schedule callbacks via the Alaska app.

Pro Tips to Skip the Line

Use Airline Apps
Most apps let you:

• Change or cancel flights
• Rebook missed connections
• Request refunds or credits
• Chat with virtual or live agents

Call International Numbers
International customer service lines (like the UK or Canada offices) sometimes have shorter wait times for U.S. bookings. Check the airline’s website for global contact numbers.

Leverage Social Media
Airlines actively monitor platforms like Twitter/X, Facebook, and Instagram. A polite, public tweet often speeds up responses.
Example:
“@Delta I need help rebooking a missed flight. Can someone DM me? #travelhelp”

Join Loyalty Programs or Use Airline Credit Cards
Elite members and airline credit card holders often get access to priority phone lines.

Opt for Callbacks
If offered, always select the callback option instead of waiting on hold. You’ll keep your place in line and get a call when an agent is free.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I call airlines at night?
Yes, many airlines offer 24/7 phone support. Late-night calls usually have shorter waits compared to midday hours.

Is chat faster than calling?
Often yes. Live chat or text messaging support can resolve simple issues in minutes, especially for flight changes or refund requests.

What is the best day of the week to call?
Tuesdays and Wednesdays tend to have the shortest wait times.

Can travel agents or third-party sites help faster?
Only if you booked through them. Otherwise, you’ll need to contact the airline directly.

Final Thoughts

You don’t have to spend hours on hold to resolve your travel issues. By calling during early mornings, late evenings, or midweek—and leveraging tools like airline apps, social media, and callback features—you can connect with an agent faster and with far less stress.

When it comes to customer service, timing is everything. A well-timed call can save you hours and get your travel plans back on track sooner.