Yes, this is a fact. I know some airlines, including Delta, definitely do this. It not only makes their metrics look better, but guests are happier when they arrive ahead of schedule.
I don’t think it is just to look better though. The airlines have learned that they have to plan for common sources of delays which are beyond their control. For example, if the queue to taxi for take off is long, it means guests might be sitting in a tarmac waiting for 30+ minutes…but this isn’t Delta’s fault.
Ha - reading that specific sentence I am not sure why I didn’t see the comparison to start with!
I think it is a logical way to do things - when there are connecting flights, early is way better than late, for the whole system holding together.
Yeah this is why I’ve generally always been one to take morning flights home, even though it means one isn’t maximizing time at the vacation destination.
It does help temper my expectations when I fly in the afternoons!
My flight home on Southwest was delayed by 40 minutes or so on the 14th. A couple that flew in to make the connection said they circled the airport until they were so low on gas they had to fly into Tampa to refuel before coming back to MCO.
Afternoon flights from MCO can also be impacted by afternoon ground stops. JetBlue claims they routinely stop flights from leaving for about an hour every day at certain times of the year. Often it has been a scramble to get into “line” for the opening.