An Australian travel influencer was left utterly gobsmacked by the behavior of British travelers at Gatwick Airport, where the Wetherspoons pub was absolutely heaving at 4am.
Early Morning Airport Rituals
Many Brits book early morning flights to save on costs, which means dragging themselves out of bed at an ungodly hour. However, most major airports have somewhere open to grab a coffee, snack, or the customary 'airport pint' that many Brits relish before boarding, regardless of the time.
For countless Brits, Wetherspoons is the go-to destination before a flight, provided there's one on site. The budget pub chain offers breakfast, meals, and drinks that won't leave your wallet feeling considerably lighter, making it an ideal spot for travelers.
Influencer's Surprise
Travel influencer Kiaya, who has amassed 14,900 followers on her @kiaya.travels account, posted a clip showing punters queuing to enter the pub at Gatwick. A further shot from inside revealed a thoroughly packed establishment, with some patrons already enjoying an alcoholic tipple.
Overlay text on the video read: 'Every table full at 4am in the airport, oh to be British.' The caption for the post, shared on the official Wetherspoon Instagram account, read: 'Nothing like a 'Spoons breakfast before my flight!'
Viral Reaction
The post went viral, 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 at 4am! I'm here for it.' A third proclaimed: 'We love Wetherspoons,' while another dubbed it their 'favourite spot'.
Wetherspoons at Gatwick
Wetherspoons pubs at Gatwick Airport generally open between 3am and 5am and shut between 9pm and 11pm each day. There is one outlet in the North Terminal (airside) and two in the South Terminal (one landside and one airside).
Expert Advice on Pre-Flight Drinking
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 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.'
