Report reveals alarming statistics about airport drinking

The UK government has announced it will ‘look at’ airport drinking in a move to curb unruly in-flight behaviour.

Earlier this summer Cheapflights found that the majority of British holidaymakers (62 per cent) head “straight to the bar” as soon as they reach the airport departure lounge.

The research from the global flight search and travel deals website found that 8am is the earliest Brits deem it acceptable to have their first glass of beer or wine at the airport.

Andrew Shelton, managing director of Cheapflights, who commissioned the study, said: “At any other time, downing three drinks at 8am would be unthinkable, but some holidaymakers adopt an attitude of ‘it must be after lunchtime somewhere in the world’. As we move into peak summer holiday season and excitement builds for many ahead of a well-earned break away, it’s alarming to see the number of people who let it all go as soon as they’re through Security at the airport.

“An initiative to review alcohol consumption, judging by the results of this survey, to be welcomed. Holidays should be a time to de-stress – but not to the extent that it’s likely to spoil the fun for others, or to risk your own safety or chances of getting away and relaxing.”

The survey also revealed:

28 per cent admitted they have had “one too many” before getting on the plane with the average holidaymaker drinking THREE drinks at the airport bar – and a further TWO alcoholic drinks on the plane.

Twelve per cent of Brits say they or someone they know has been told that they can’t get on a flight because they’ve had too much alcohol

But 76 per cent of those studied claimed they would never usually drink in the morning – but it was perfectly fine to have a drink to mark the start of their holiday, regardless of the time.

59 per cent admitted they drink more on holiday than they would normally if they were at home.

And a staggering 82 per cent of those polled believe as a nation the UK has a less responsible relationship with alcohol than other countries.

91 per cent said that they found the whole pre-holiday experience incredibly stressful – with long queues (46 per cent) emerging as one the main bugbears. Seven in ten (69 per cent) travellers believe having a drink at the airport “takes you away from the stresses and strains of everyday life” – with 34 per cent saying beer is their preferred airport tipple, 25 per cent saying wine, 19 per cent preferring spirits, 8 per cent prosecco and a further well-heeled 7 per cent selecting champagne.

When asked if they realised that high altitude made the effects of alcohol in the system greater – 42 per cent said they had no idea, while 58 per cent said they did but they drank at the airport anyway.