How do I know when to break my fast on a plane?
In most cases, you break your fast when the sun has actually set from where the plane is. Not by your home clock or your destination's clock. If you can't tell, wait a few extra minutes, or use your travel allowance, break the fast and make the day up later.
Follow the sunset you can see
The Prophet ﷺ said, "When night falls from this side and the day vanishes from this side and the sun sets, then the fasting person should break his fast" (Sahih al-Bukhari 1954). On a plane, that means the sun disappearing below the horizon from your seat. At cruising height you can see farther, so sunset in the air may come a little later than it did on the ground. See Is it okay to fly while fasting? for the full picture of fasting on a flight.
A simple way to decide
- Look outside. Ask the person in the window seat, or open the shade briefly, and check whether the sun is still visible above the horizon.
- Check a tool. Many flight and prayer apps calculate sunset for the plane's current position, and the flight map on the seat-back screen may show the day and night line.
- Add a safety margin. If clouds, the wing or a closed shade stop you from being sure, many scholars advise waiting a few minutes rather than guessing.
- Don't delay without reason. The Prophet ﷺ said people stay on the right path as long as they hasten to break the fast (Sahih al-Bukhari 1957).
Different flights, different situations
- Flying east: the day passes quickly and you may meet the sunset earlier than your body expects.
- Flying west: you chase the sun, so the day can feel very long.
- Long overnight flights: if the sun seems to set very late or not at all, you can take the traveler's concession.
- You broke your fast on the ground and the sun reappears after takeoff: many scholars say you don't have to stop eating again, since your fast for that day has ended.
Travelers are allowed to skip fasting and make up the days later, as the Quran says: "whoever is ill or on a journey, then [let them fast] an equal number of days [after Ramadan]" (Quran 2:185). If tracking the sunset becomes stressful, take that option. See Can I skip fasting while traveling?
Be ready for iftar in the sky
Airline meal times don't follow sunset, so plan ahead. Pack dates and a bottle of water, and ask the cabin crew early if they can keep your meal for later. Many airlines offer a Muslim or halal meal if you request it when booking. See What is iftar and how do I break my fast?
- Break your fast at the sunset you can see from the plane.
- Use the window, a flight app or the flight map, and add a few minutes if unsure.
- Westbound flights can make the day long; the traveler's allowance is there for you.
- Pack dates and water, and ask the crew to hold your meal.
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