What time of day is it best to fly with a toddler?

I am planning a vacation and based on a previous experience would like
to avoid flying after my daughter's bedtime - she threw a huge tantrum
when I couldn't let her walk in the aisles (drinks were being served).
It was the first time we were flying and I found it extremely
uncomfortable. She was about a year and a half old then, and sitting
on my lap.  This time she'll have her own seat, now that she's two
years old.

I'm wondering if maybe the tantrum was a one-off, and it's really
better to fly when the child will sleep.

What's been your experience?