It is best to fly on the weekdays. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays are the best. Be sure to buy your ticket at least one month in advance before the prices go up.
Jet lag can also be a drag and is worse flying east than flying west. A good system to reset your inner clock quick is to buy a high quality neck pillow (don’t waste any money on blow-up or inferior products, you will kick yourself later) and then bring some non-addiction forming sleeping pills. Tylenol PM works well. Right after the meal, make yourself comfortable, take a few sleeping aids, and then try to sleep for 3-4 hours. When you arrive you will be more refreshed and capable of staying up the entire day. Do not sleep the first day until at least 6pm. Sleeping on the plane and staying awake the first day will help a lot.
[baloon photo of Gladbeck by Larry and Linda]