Airport Dad is UK's top travel personality
Research from Manchester Airport reveals four distinct traveller types based on pre-flight habits.
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Includes named source Richard Jackson and percentages attributed to Manchester Airport research.
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More than four in ten Britons identify as the 'Airport Dad', a personality type characterised by managing passports and checking departure boards, according to new research from Manchester Airport. This finding comes from a poll of 2,000 individuals.
The research, part of Manchester Airport's 'Holiday Mode: Activated' campaign, categorises travellers into four distinct types based on their pre-flight behaviour. Following the 'Airport Dad', the 'Switch-Off Specialist' seeks a quiet place to relax or observe others. The 'Terminal Foodie' prioritises starting their holiday with a meal or drink, while the 'Shopaholic' enjoys browsing airport retail outlets before departure.
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Airport Habits and Preferences
The study suggests that airports have evolved beyond mere transit points, offering a wide array of dining and shopping experiences. Over one in ten people (13%) feel their holiday begins upon arrival at the airport. Almost a quarter (24%) enjoy food or drink in the hour before boarding, and 14% incorporate shopping into their ideal pre-flight routine.
Data from the poll indicates that 42% of travellers typically arrive at least three hours before their flight. During this time, 23% engage in people-watching, 22% relax with coffee, and another 22% browse shops. The 'Airport Dad' personality specifically sees 52% checking departure boards and 35% keeping travel documents organised.
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Manchester Airport's campaign encourages passengers to embrace a holiday mindset from the moment they enter the airport. An interactive quiz is available for travellers to discover their airport personality type and explore the airport's amenities.
Terminal 2 Enhancements
The departure lounge in Terminal 2 has undergone a significant expansion as part of a £1.3 billion transformation. It now features the Great Northern Market food hall with six kitchens, a premium boutique mall, and an airport-first Fever-Tree cocktail and champagne bar. Retail outlets such as LEGO and Pandora are also present.
To coincide with the summer 2026 season, passengers can enter a competition for prizes tailored to their airport personality, including shopping, dining experiences, and holiday packages. Richard Jackson, Retail Director at Manchester Airport, stated that the quiz celebrates diverse travel personalities and highlights the airport's offerings.
Whether you're an Airport Dad, a Terminal Foodie, a Shopaholic or someone who simply likes to switch off, there's something for everyone at Manchester Airport.
Richard Jackson, Retail Director at Manchester Airport
Questions this report answers
+What are the four airport personality types?
The four airport personality types are Airport Dad, Switch-Off Specialist, Terminal Foodie, and Shopaholic. These categories are based on travellers' pre-flight habits and preferences, as identified in a study of 2,000 people by Manchester Airport.
+How has Terminal 2 at Manchester Airport changed?
Terminal 2 has been expanded with new dining and shopping options as part of a £1.3 billion transformation. It now features the Great Northern Market food hall, a premium boutique mall, and an airport-first Fever-Tree bar, along with retail outlets like LEGO and Pandora.
+What does the 'Holiday Mode: Activated' campaign offer?
The campaign encourages passengers to adopt a holiday mindset from arrival, offering an interactive quiz to discover their airport personality type. It also highlights the airport's expanded dining and shopping amenities, with prizes tailored to different travel personalities available in a summer 2026 competition.
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