A travel influencer was left stunned after visiting the Wetherspoons at Gatwick Airport at 4am, describing the bustling scene as a 'very British sight'. The video she shared online has since gone viral, amassing over 122,000 likes.
Early Morning Airport Rituals
Many Britons are familiar with the early morning flight struggle, often opting for a pre-flight pint or breakfast at Wetherspoons to save money. The budget pub chain is a popular choice for travelers seeking affordable food and drinks before boarding.
Australian travel influencer Kiaya, who runs the @kiaya.travels account with 14,900 followers, captured the moment she arrived at Gatwick's Wetherspoons at 4am. Her footage showed a queue of customers outside and the pub completely full inside, with some already enjoying alcoholic beverages.
On-screen text read: 'Every table full at 4am in the airport, oh to be British.' The caption on Wetherspoon's official Instagram account added: 'Nothing like a 'Spoons breakfast before my flight!'
Viral Reaction
The post resonated with viewers, who flooded the comments with enthusiasm. One user declared: 'Nothing slaps harder than a pre-flight 'Spoons breakfast and a pint to be honest.' Another said: 'What more could you want at 4am? I'm here for it.' A third simply stated: 'We love Wetherspoons.'
Wetherspoon outlets at Gatwick Airport typically open between 3am and 5am and close between 9pm and 11pm. There is one location in the North Terminal (airside) and two in the South Terminal (one landside, one airside).
Expert Advice on Pre-Flight Drinking
While a pre-flight pint is a cherished tradition for many Britons, travel experts caution against it. Flight attendant Dashiell Horowitz of Air Transat, speaking with Omio, explained that alcohol affects you twice as much in the air due to lower cabin pressure. He advised eating a substantial meal instead to ensure rest during the flight.
Dashiell noted: '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.'
