• 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 airport pub pint, once a cornerstone of the British travel experience, could be on its way out. New research reveals that Gen Z travellers are rewriting the rules of pre-flight rituals, choosing smoothies, water and all-day dining over alcohol and time-specific meals.

A survey of 1,073 UK travellers 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 are happy to eat around the clock

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, said:

“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.”

She added:

“Regardless of whether you’re a smoothie sipper, a pint loyalist or a round-the-clock eater, the best way to take the stress out of travel is to plan ahead. That includes securing comprehensive travel insurance in advance – so you can enjoy your pre-flight rituals with total peace of mind.”

---