- Just 27% of Gen Z opt for beer or lager before flights, compared to 36% of Millennials
- 30% of Millennials say “any time is fine” for alcohol, but only 19% of Gen Z agree
- 43% of Gen Z eat substantial meals at any hour, compared to 14% of Boomers
The classic pre-flight pint, once a cornerstone of the British travel experience, could be on its way out. As Ryanair’s CEO Michael O’Leary calls for a ban on early-morning airport drinking after a rise in disruptive passengers, research reveals travellers are already ditching the pre-flight pint.
Gen Z travellers are rewriting the rules of pre-flight rituals, choosing smoothies, water and all-day dining over alcohol and time-specific meals.
Research conducted by Avanti Travel Insurance shows a sharp generational split in food and drink choices at airports with younger flyers embracing wellness and flexibility, while older generations stick with coffee, alcohol and traditional mealtimes.
Gen Z lead the airport wellness revolution
Only 27% of Gen Z choose beer or lager before boarding, compared to 36% of Millennials (the biggest airport drinkers), and 25% of Boomers (60+).
Instead, Gen Z are embracing alternatives:
- 68% reach for water (vs 35% of Boomers and 63% of Millennials)
- 41% opt for smoothies or juices (vs 6% of Boomers and 36% of Millennials)
- 32% choose energy drinks (vs just 2% of Boomers and 29% of Millennials)
Coffee and tea remain steady favourites but grow more popular with age – from 44% of Gen Z to 64% of Boomers.
A generational divide on airport drinking
When it comes to alcohol timing, Millennials are the most relaxed – 30% say “any time is fine” for airport drinking.
Gen Z, meanwhile, show more polarised behaviours: 17% are happy with a pre-10am drink, yet 10% avoid alcohol completely.
Boomers are the most likely to abstain, with nearly a third (31%) skipping airport drinks altogether.
Gen Z will eat no matter what time it is
Younger travellers are also redefining how airports are used as dining spaces. Nearly half (43%) of Gen Z say they’ll eat substantial meals like fast food or main courses regardless of time – compared to just 14% of Boomers.
Traditional breakfasts still have their place, especially among Millennials and Gen X (18% each), but younger travellers are less tied to time-of-day eating.
Only 5% of Gen Z say their meal choice depends on the clock, versus 22% of Boomers.
Sarah Rodrigues, travel expert at Avanti Travel Insurance, explains:
“Airport dining is no longer one-size-fits-all. Gen Z treat airports as 24/7 wellness hubs – grabbing a smoothie or substantial meal at any time – while older travellers still prefer coffee and more traditional meal patterns. Millennials, interestingly, remain the biggest airport drinkers, leading the charge on pints at any hour.
For airport operators, the message is clear: catering to diverse traveller needs means balancing smoothie bars and energy drinks for younger flyers with traditional dining and coffee for older generations.
Regardless of whether you’re a smoothie sipper or a round-the-clock eater, the best way to take the stress out of travel is to plan ahead. That includes securing travel insurance in advance, so you can enjoy your pre-flight rituals with total peace of mind.”
Dr Asimah, medical expert at Staysure, warns:
“As a GP, I see patients who assume their travel insurance will catch them, whatever happens, but that’s not how it works. Most policies have exclusions around reckless behaviour and alcohol.
If you’re hospitalised and alcohol is deemed a contributing factor, your insurer can refuse the claim. We’re talking about medical costs that could bankrupt most families. That’s not a scare tactic; it’s just the reality of what emergency medical care can cost.
It’s also important to declare your medical conditions and have these covered on your policy. An insurer can also reject a medical claim if you haven’t told them about your health even if it’s unrelated to the reason you need treatment.”