Travel Data Insights from Opodo Uncover the Airport Habits That Unite (and Divide) Travellers

Leading online travel agent, Opodo, part of the eDreams ODIGEO family (which also includes brands like eDreams, Go Voyages, Liligo and Travellink) has shared its latest poll uncovering traveller’s airport habits and what drives us crazy – from cutting queues to leaving trash behind, the global poll of 9000* respondents included 2000 from the UK, reveals all.

Check In:

Opodo asked respondents how early they arrive at the airport: do they wait around or push it to the last minute? Globally:

59% feel much more comfortable arriving earlier than needed, even it if means waiting around
36% report that they arrive when the airline suggests
4% arrive just before take-off, preferring to cut it fine rather than waste time
Within the UK…

The majority (58%) of UK respondents agree that they prefer to arrive earlier than needed, followed by 36% of those preferring to arrive based on the airline’s recommendation
On the flip side, 5% live on the edge, waiting until the last minute to arrive at the airport
6% of men prefer to wait until the last minute compared to just 3% of women
Londoners are most likely to push it to the last minute: with 9% of respondents saying they wouldn’t mind running through the airport to catch their flight, compared to just 1% of those in the South West
Take-off

Opodo’s poll asked how respondents feel about pre-boarding rituals – sitting and waiting to be called by group or queuing immediately. The data reveals:

‘The Sitter’

Globally, 48% report staying seated until their group is explicitly called – they watch the crowds forming and judge others silently
Comparing responses per market: 66% of Portuguese report judging those standing in an endless queue, compared to just 36% Italians
Within the UK, 51% agree they prefer to sit and wait for their group to be called
By age group: 55% of those 65 and over are keen to wait compared to just 29% of respondents aged 18-24
At slightly more than the global figure, 51% of British men and women agree to stay seated
54% of those from East of England, Northern Ireland and the South East prefer to stay seated
‘The Hoverer’

Globally, 23% self-categorise as ‘Hoverers’ – standing near the queue ready to merge when the time is right
Within the UK the figure is similar – 22% reporting to be Hoverers, and this breaks down further as:
24% of women and 20% of men within the UK
By region: 30% of those in the East Midlands, 26% of Northern Ireland, and just 25% of East of England
‘The Pre-Queuer’

Globally, 12% of those polled agree that they join the unofficial queue for their group to secure a good spot
By market, 15% of Germans and Italians, and just 9% of Brits consider themselves a pre-queuer
In the UK, 24% of respondents aged 18-24 prefer to get in line early to pre-queue compared to 7% of those 65 and over
‘The Anti-Queuer’

Globally, 11% of respondents say they prefer to board last, not bothered about when they will get on the plane – they know their seat is waiting for them
By market: 18% of Italians, 17% of French, 14% of Spanish, and 12% of Brits feel the same
In the UK: 17% of Scotland, 16% of Wales, just 14% of London and North East report that they prefer to wait until the last minute
What drives travellers crazy?

Finally, Opodo asked what irritates travellers the most, whether it’s cutting into queues, leaving trash behind or the noise of a rolling suitcase. The data reveals:

Respondents agree they are most irritated by:

People cutting in line at security or boarding
48% of global respondents
51% of British and French respondents
People who block a seat at the airport with their belongings while the seat is empty
45% globally
52% of Brits, 50% of Portuguese, and just 35% of Italians find this annoying
Leaving trash behind at gates or seats
42% globally
49% of French, 47% of Germans, 46% of Spaniards and 35% of Brits feel the same
Someone speaking loudly on the phone or on loudspeaker
40% globally
37% of Brits agree this is most irritating
A person who stands so close to the baggage claim they could kiss it
19% globally find this annoying
25% of Brits and Germans and just 12% of French are bothered by this behaviour
Rolling luggage that squeaks or crashes into others
9% globally
13% of Brits, 10% of Spanish
Within the UK, 18% of men can’t take the noise, versus 10% of women
For more on airport travel habits, head to the Opodo website.