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Southwest Florida Airport Is One Of The Best For Early Morning Flights

RSW Airport Gate C3 with a Boeing airplane. RSW is tops for early morning flights

If you live in Southwest Florida and you like early morning flights, you are in luck. Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) in Fort Myers, Florida was just ranked as one of the best airports when it comes to early morning flyers.

"Travelers looking to avoid crowded terminals or save on airfare often choose flights at non-peak times," said Keri Stooksbury, editor-in-chief at Upgraded Points. "Flying early in the morning or late at night can save money and reduce stress, but only if you know which airports are best equipped for these flights."

The Best and Worst Airports for Early Morning Flyers Upgraded Points

RSW Ranks High For Early Morning Flights

Because Fort Myers is a smaller airport, a lot of our trips include connecting flights. So, if you've got someplace you need to be it's imperative that you grab one of those early morning flights. And be ready to go time, because RSW has one of the best ratings for those early trips out of town.

The Best Airports for Early Morning Flights

  1. Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE)
    1. Percent of Flights Departing Before 8 a.m.: 38.5%
    2. Percent of Early Flights Delayed: 13.9%
  2. Kansas City International Airport (MCI)
    1. Percent of Flights Departing Before 8 a.m.: 39%
    2. Places That Sell Coffee: 1 per 1 million passengers (third most in the study)
  3. Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW)
    1. Percent of Early Flights Delayed: 12.4%
    2. Places That Sell Coffee: 0.79 per 1 million passengers

The Worst Airports for Early Morning Flights

  1. Miami International Airport (MIA)
    1. Percent of Early Flights Delayed: 31.6%
    2. Average Delay of Early Flights: 7 minutes
  2. Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC)
    1. Percent of Flights Departing Before 8 a.m.: 9.4%
    2. Places That Sell Coffee: 0.33 per 1 million passengers
  3. Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL)
    1. Percent of Flights Departing Before 8 a.m.: 4.7% (lowest in the study)
    2. Average Delay of Early Flights: 6 minutes

Fort Myers Has One Of The Best Airports In The Country

I love flying out of RSW, and have since the day they opened the current terminal. (For those of you that came here after 2005, the old terminal was - not great). It's nice that this study featured on two of the best parts when it comes to early morning flights out of Southwest Florida. Great coffee, and the planes are on time.

Top 8 Local Spots For A Burger In Fort Myers; Ranked

If I've said it once, I've said it a million times, there is a national holiday honoring just about anything.  And this month is no exception, it's National Hamburger Month in May, according to NationalToday.com.

What is a burger?  Merriam Webster defines a burger as similar to a hamburger, which is defined as ground beef or a patty of ground beef used in a sandwich split typically by a round bun.  Nowadays, you’ll find tofu burgers, turkey burgers, Impossible burgers, among other concoctions.  But, when it comes down to the best burger in Fort Myers, where should we go?

Burgers are a go to here in the US, whether you grab one from a food truck, at a drive thru or grill your own at a backyard BBQ at home.  Hamburgers, in my opinion, are best with cheese, fried egg, bacon, mustard and ketchup.  Yes, things get messy.

Where To Grab A Burger In Fort Myers

The folks over at Yelp! did the work for us.  If you're not familiar with Yelp!  they rank local restaurants and specific food and drink options based off of user reviews and recommendations.

I'd be remiss if I didn't mention a location that is loved by Southwest Florida locals, absent from this list.  We can't forget about Cabbage Key.  Their burgers are nothing fancy, but they are good and the atmosphere cannot be beat.  I also really enjoy the potato salad...a lot!

These Are The Top 8 Hot Spots For A Burger In Fort Myers

8. Whiskey Creek Station

11481 McGregor Blvd, Fort Myers, FL 33919

The Whiskey Creek Station is a family style restaurant that has been serving the local community under different owners. Previously named Clancey's Restaurant or Clancey"s Irish Pub.

Open Tuesday - Sunday 11am - 9pm and closed on Mondays.

7. Fat Katz Slider Bar

19800 Village Center Drive, Unit 200 Fort Myers

Fat Katz Slider Bar is sister restaurant to two local favorites, Fat Katz Sports Bar and Skinny Dogz Brunchery, both in Fort Myers.  The Slider Bar is located super close to FGCU, making this a favorite for college kids here in Fort Myers.

Open daily 11am - 9pm.

6. Lehne Burger

Two locations, one in Fort Myers and one in Cape Coral.  The hours vary at each location so make sure to check the hours here before you head over for a burger.

Always promising 100% fresh meat for their handcrafted burgers.  One reviewer said Jimmy Buffet probably ate a burger from Lehne's when he wrote 'Cheeseburger in Paradise'.  That's quite the compliment.

Check out their Burger Meets Craziness Tuesdays.  Order a double or bigger burger with a side and get up to seven toppings free.  On Wednesdays kids eat for $5.99 and on Thursdays you'll get a free milkshake with your burger and fries.

They've got many other specials throughout the week,  and you can read all about those here.

5. 10 Twenty Five

Two locations, one in Cape Coral and one in Downtown Fort Myers.

Providing a variety of unique homestyle scratch kitchen entrees, crafted cocktails & local craft beer.  10 Twenty Five is open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 11am - 11pm, on Friday and Saturday from 11am - 12am and Sunday 11am - 8pm.

I think they'll even let you bring your dog.

4. Motor City Coney Island

16571 S Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers

Motor City is open Monday through Friday from 7am - 10pm and Sunday from 7am - 8pm.

While I am typically a hot dog girl, these burgers look delish.  A quick glance at their menu has my mouth watering.  You'll find burgers like the MCC with chili, cheese, mustard and onions, which sounds like a hot dog, and a classic burger option so you can choose your own toppings.

And get this...$2.99 burgers on Mondays

3. Ford's Garage

3 locations in Southwest Florida - Downtown Fort Myers - Cape Coral - Estero

Ford's Garage does have arguably one of the best burgers in town.  I also really like their salads.   Ford's names their burgers using terms in the auto industry, just like in the name of the restaurant itself.  Think Jiffy Burger, High Octane Burger and Model A.   Take a look the full menu for the Fort Myers location here.

Ford's in Fort Myers is open Monday - Thursday 11am - 10pm, Friday from 11am - 11pm.  Saturdays for Brunch/Lunch from 10:30am - 3pm and dinner from 11am - 11pm. On Sundays they open again for Brunch/Lunch from 10:30am - 3pm, switching to dinner from 3pm - 10pm.

2. Buckingham Farms

12931 Orange River Blvd, Fort Myers, FL 33905

Buckingham Farms is a  full farm-to-table experience! Pick up your fresh produce, order an amazing meal, or reserve a beautiful wedding & event destination today. The produce is fresh, the meals are delicious, and the farm is a sight to see!

Open Tuesday - Saturday for breakfast and lunch and on Fridays, for dinner to go, from 5pm - 6pm.

1. Fat Katz Sports Bistro

10080 Daniels Interstate Ct, Fort Myers, FL 33913

Sister restaurant to Skinny Dogz and the new Fat Katz Slider Bar.  Fat Katz serves up unique cuisine that you won't find anywhere else. Whether you're craving a juicy burger, a piled-high sandwich, or some delicious wings, we've got you covered. We pride ourselves on our homemade recipes and use of fresh, high-quality ingredients.

Fat Katz is right near my house off of Daniels and I've been many times.  FAT KATZ BURGERS ARE AMAZING!

Open daily from 11am - 9pm.

Joe Winner spends his days combing through memes and off beat stories to bring you the side of Florida not always seen.