Airports are rarely the highlight of any journey, and a new global survey by online travel agent Opodo has quantified the behaviours that drive travellers to distraction. From queue-jumping to seat-hogging, the study of 9,000 respondents reveals a continent-wide spectrum of pet peeves and boarding habits.
Check-in Timing: Early Birds vs. Last-Minute Adventurers
The survey asked travellers about their arrival habits. A clear majority—59%—prefer to arrive with ample time to spare, even if it means waiting around. Another 36% follow airline recommendations, arriving two to three hours before departure. Only 4% cut it fine, arriving just before take-off. In the UK, 6% of men are last-minute arrivals, compared to just 3% of women.
Boarding Styles: Sitters, Hoverers, and Anti-Queuers
Opodo categorised respondents into four boarding types. The most common is 'the sitter' (48% globally), who stays seated until their group is called. This varies by country: 66% of Portuguese, 51% of Britons, and 36% of Italians adopt this approach. 'Hoverers' (23%) stand near the queue, ready to join. 'Pre-queuers' (12%) join unofficial queues early, with 15% of Germans and Italians doing so, versus 9% of Britons. 'Anti-queuers' (11%) board last, knowing their seat awaits. Italians (18%) and French (17%) are most laissez-faire about boarding early, while 14% of Spaniards and 12% of Britons wait until the last minute.
Top Irritants: Queue-Jumping and Seat-Hogging
Queue-jumping at security or boarding is the top annoyance, cited by 48% globally and 51% of British and French respondents. Second is people blocking seats with belongings (45% globally; 52% of Britons, 50% of Portuguese, but only 35% of Italians). Leaving rubbish behind annoys 42% globally, with 49% of French, 47% of Germans, and 46% of Spaniards finding it particularly irksome—but only 35% of Britons agree. Loud phone conversations bother 40% globally (37% of Britons). Standing too close to baggage claim irritates 25% of Britons and Germans, but only 12% of French. Squeaky or crashing luggage is the least bothersome, at 9% globally (13% of Britons, 10% of Spaniards).
These findings highlight how airport etiquette varies across Europe, reflecting broader cultural norms. For travellers seeking a smoother experience, understanding these habits can help—whether you're a sitter or a hoverer. For those looking to avoid the fray, Europe's best airport hotels for runway views offer a serene alternative. Meanwhile, broader travel trends are shaped by factors like climate change and air pollution, which affect air quality and health. As geopolitical tensions influence energy costs, heat pump adoption rises in the UK, reflecting shifts in travel and lifestyle priorities.
