An Australian travel influencer was left stumped by Brits’ behaviour
Most of us have booked an early morning flight at some point in a bid to save on costs. However, this does mean dragging yourself out of bed at an ungodly hour to make it to the airport with time to spare.
Fortunately, the majority of major airports have somewhere open to grab a coffee, pick up a snack, or enjoy the customary ‘airport pint’ that many Brits relish before boarding – regardless of what the clock shows.
For countless Brits, Wetherspoons is the go-to destination before catching a flight, provided there’s one on site. Most travellers are well aware that airports don’t come cheap, making the budget pub chain the ideal spot for a breakfast, meal, or drink that won’t leave your wallet feeling considerably lighter.
However, one Australian visitor was left utterly gobsmacked upon arriving at Gatwick Airport to find the Wetherspoons there absolutely heaving – despite it being just 4am.
Travel influencer Kiaya, who has amassed 14,900 followers on her @kiaya.travels account, posted a clip showing punters queuing to gain entry to the pub. A further shot from inside revealed a thoroughly packed establishment, with some patrons already tucking into an alcoholic tipple, reports the Mirror.
Overlay text on the video read: ‘Every table full at 4am in the airport, oh to be British.’
The caption for the post, which was shared on the official Wetherspoon Instagram account, read: “Nothing like a ‘Spoons breakfast before my flight!”
The post proved an enormous hit, going viral and accumulating more than 122,000 likes. One viewer enthused: “Nothing slaps harder than a pre-flight ‘Spoons breakfast and a pint to be honest,” while another declared: “What more could you want a 4am! I’m here for it.”
A third proclaimed: “We love Wetherspoons,” while another dubbed it their “favourite spot”.
Wetherspoons pubs at Gatwick Airport generally open between 3am and 5am and shut between 9pm and 11pm each day. There’s one outlet in the North Terminal (airside) and two in the South Terminal (one landside and one airside).
While a pre-departure pint remains a cherished ritual for countless Brits, travel professionals have previously explained why it might not be the wisest choice. Speaking with experts at global travel booking platform Omio, Air Transat flight attendant Dashiell Horowitz offered his guidance to prospective passengers.
He suggested consuming a substantial meal to ‘make sure you’re tired and get some rest on the flight’, though he was considerably less enthusiastic about airport beverages.
Dashiell explained: “There isn’t much I would avoid if flying as a passenger except for anything that you know will upset your stomach!
“The one thing I would truly avoid is any alcohol before a flight. Most people don’t know it affects you twice as much whilst in the air, so you’re more likely to feel the effects than on the ground.”
Looking for more from MyLondon? Subscribe to our daily newsletters here for the latest and greatest updates from across London.
