YouTuber's Gruelling 50-Hour Ryanair Marathon Uncovers 'Cursed' Afternoon Flight Times
In a whirlwind test of endurance and budget airline efficiency, travel YouTuber Scott Manson embarked on an extraordinary challenge, completing eight Ryanair flights across Europe in just 50 hours. His marathon journey, documented on his channel Planes, Trains, Everything, spanned from Glasgow to Dublin, Edinburgh, Palma, Barcelona, Venice, Naples, Bergamo, and back to Edinburgh, offering a candid glimpse into the realities of low-cost air travel.
The Physical Toll of a Packed Itinerary
Reflecting on the intense schedule, Manson described the physical strain of lengthy terminal waits and extended periods aboard aircraft. "I have a sore back because of the number of hours I've spent on Ryanair seats, and I have dry lips because of the amount of time I've spent in airports," he reported. His random seat selections across the eight flights resulted in four middle seats, two aisles, and two windows, highlighting the unpredictability of such travel.
He also critiqued airport conditions, noting that Bergamo was the "most disorganised and crowded", while Venice disappointed due to overcrowding, limited food options, and a severe lack of seating. "Too many people, not enough seats," he summarised, painting a vivid picture of the challenges faced by modern travellers.
The '3pm Curse' and Delay Patterns
Despite bracing for chaos, Manson found that six of his eight flights were on time or early. However, the two delayed flights, both by 20 to 30 minutes, shared a common factor: they departed around 3pm. He dubbed this phenomenon the "3pm curse", theorising that budget airlines like Ryanair are more vulnerable to delays due to their tight turnaround schedules of only 20-25 minutes, leaving no margin for error.
Industry data supports his observations. Research from travel platform Going.com indicates that in 2022, 19% of flights experienced delays, with afternoon departures particularly prone to disruptions. A study by ZipDo reveals that 70% of flights departing before 8am have superior punctuality records compared to those after 10am. Morning flights between 7am and 10am achieve an 88% on-time performance, while afternoon departures from 10am to 1pm drop to 76%.
Why Afternoon Flights Face Greater Risks
An expert from Going.com explained the trend: "More importantly, the plane has been parked at the airport overnight; it's ready to go. Afternoon flights almost always use a plane that has to fly in from elsewhere, and if that flight gets disrupted, well, then your flight is at risk." Weather conditions also play a role, with calmer mornings typically minimising disruptions from storms or air-traffic congestion.
Despite these challenges, Ryanair's overall punctuality remains robust. In January 2026, the airline recorded an 88% on-time performance across 73,000 flights, with rates hovering between 89% and 90% in late 2025, underscoring its high-volume operations.
Key Takeaways for Travellers
Manson's adventure highlights practical advice for flyers:
- Opt for early morning departures to reduce delay risks, as data shows they are more reliable.
- Be prepared for crowded airports, especially in popular destinations like Venice and Bergamo.
- Consider the physical demands of tight schedules, including long waits and limited seating.
- Understand airline logistics; afternoon flights may be more susceptible to cascading delays due to aircraft rotations.
While Manson's journey was physically taxing, it provided valuable insights into the dynamics of budget air travel, reinforcing that timing can be everything when it comes to avoiding the so-called "cursed" afternoon departures.
