I have an onsite interview on Monday 20th and I have the option to fly in the night before or day of. The interview doesn't start until 10:30 and the flight is only 1.5 hours, although I'd have to get up a couple hours before I usually do. I'd be able to prepare and sleep at home which would be a little better.Flying in the night before I'd be able to get up later and not have to worry about flight delays but it would cost the company at least $100 more and I'd have to figure out a way to steam/clean the suit to keep it looking its best(which I've had problems with in the past).
Which is recommended?
Go the night before, pack
Go the night before, pack your suit nice and forget about airline delays. What problems did you have with your attire?
If you go the morning of the interview, a 1 1/2 hour flight can have all sorts of issues beset it
regarding the
regarding the suit/shirt:
I am not an experienced traveler, but while you have shower in the morning, leave the suit hanged in the bathroom. The steam produced during the shower/bath will somehow iron your suit or shirt.
Reduce your risk
I concur with Tim, fly the night before. This will reduce the risk of something going wrong, which could completely through off your morning. I am not sure how your suit would look better flying in the day of? If packing it makes it a mess, wear it instead.
I would not worry about the extra cost. If I were the hiring manager, I would generally have expected you to fly in the night before, unless it was better for you not to (kids, etc). If they balk at the additional cost, I might look at them a little more closely as well.
The time in question I got
The time in question I got in at 11pm so didn't have time to find a place to steam. The suit was ok but the shirt seemed a bit too crinkly even after the shower steam. They are a billion dollar company so they'll probably be fine with it. They have approved a hotel and mentioned it in the email so it'd be tough of them to ding me for it
Given the time of year, the
Given the time of year, the night before could even be cutting it too fine. A candidate that is here today for research position interview was delayed over four hours due to weather conditions at the connecting airport - it was supposed to be a quick 1.5 hour flight too. Evening flights can be pushed to the next day easily due to weather or mechanical issues.
Your personal situation will dictate how early you can get away, but an earlier arrival is better, in my experience.
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