10 Things British People Do in Airports That No One Talks About
10 Things British People Do in Airports That No One Talks About
If you’ve ever been to a British airport, you might have noticed some unique, unspoken traditions that many Brits stick to while waiting for their flights. From arriving super early to packing their own sandwiches, let’s take a fun look at the 10 quirky things British people do at airports.
1. Getting there three hours early, then sitting in silence for two
It’s almost a ritual. Many British travelers arrive at the airport with bags of time to spare, often three hours before their flight. Why? Maybe it’s the fear of missing the flight or just being super prepared. Once checked in, they find a seat and sit in pin-drop silence, often absorbed in their own thoughts or just people-watching. This extra time also serves as a mental buffer to calm any travel anxieties and get adjusted to the airport atmosphere.
2. Packing sandwiches in clingfilm “just in case”
There’s something comforting about having a homemade sandwich wrapped tightly in clingfilm tucked away in your hand luggage. Many Brits pack these snacks as a cost-effective alternative to pricey airport food. It’s also about the comfort of having something familiar from home to eat, which can be especially reassuring if the flight gets delayed.
3. Moaning about airport prices while buying the overpriced full English
It’s a common scene: British travelers grumbling about the cost of everything at the airport but then queuing up to buy an overpriced full English breakfast. It’s part of the airport experience, after all. Despite the moans, the allure of bacon, eggs, and beans often proves too hard to resist, providing a filling start to any journey.
4. Grabbing every available copy of the free Metro, even though it’s old news
Even if the news is from yesterday, grabbing a copy of the free Metro newspaper is part of the airport routine. It’s about having something to flip through while waiting, even if the news isn’t fresh. It’s also a handy way to pass time and catch up on any missed headlines.
5. Casually judging other people’s passport photos in the queue
Let’s face it, standing in the queue can be boring. So, it’s not unusual to find Brits glancing over at the passport photos of fellow travelers. It’s a silent, harmless activity that passes the time and adds a bit of silent amusement to the monotony of waiting.
6. Buying a magazine they’ll never read, out of habit
In the world of smartphones and free WiFi, buying a magazine might seem outdated, yet many British travelers often find themselves purchasing one at the airport. It’s more about the habit and the tactile feeling of flipping through glossy pages than actual reading.
7. Saying “not long now” repeatedly while watching the gate board not change
As the waiting drags on, it’s common to hear Brits reassuring themselves and others that their flight will be called soon by saying “not long now”. Even when the gate board hasn’t changed in a while, this repeated phrase helps maintain a sense of anticipation and patience.
8. Staring at the duty-free Toblerones but never buying one
The giant Toblerone bars are a staple of airport duty-free shops around the world. British travelers often pause to admire these tempting Swiss chocolates but usually walk away without buying. Perhaps it’s the thought of carrying it around or the idea of buying something just because it’s there.
9. Clutching their passport like it’s a winning lottery ticket
For many Brits, holding onto their passport tightly is non-negotiable. It’s their golden ticket to getting abroad and back. The fear of losing it can make them grip it as if it’s a precious stone, constantly checking to make sure it’s safe.
10. Queuing at the gate 40 minutes early—just to stand there with their coat on
Brits are known for their love of queuing and the airport gate is no exception. Many prefer being first in line, even if it means standing for an extra 40 minutes with their coat on, ready to go. It’s about securing a good position and the peace of mind that comes with being prepared and first in line.
We are Mary and Eric, the founders of Be Right Back, a blog dedicated to romance around the globe and at home.
We are Mary and Eric, the founders of Be Right Back, a blog dedicated to romance around the globe and at home. With over 10 years of experience in dating and traveling to romantic places, we share our favorite date ideas and romantic destinations to help couples level up their relationships. Having lived in and traveled through the USA, we also share our favourite things to do in the States.
With 70,000 monthly readers and 16,000 followers on social media, Be Right Back is your go-to resource for romantic trip ideas and couple activities at home and abroad.