We also arrive on a Saturday and leave on Friday - but we stay for 2 weeks so the loss of one day isn't an issue for us. Plus our flight leaves later in the afternoon so we get to stay in our timeshare till it's time to go to the airport. Not having to leave the timeshare at 10am is a plus for us. The Friday airport is busier than a Thursday but not at all like a Saturday. Having said all this, if I had only 1 week on the island I would probably choose a Sat. departure just to get the full Friday. The time of your return will influence how early you need to be at the airport to check your luggage and go thru security.