An Australian traveller was left astonished when she arrived at Gatwick Airport at 4am and discovered the Wetherspoons pub completely packed with customers. The video she shared has since gone viral online, amassing over 122,000 likes on Instagram.
Early Morning Airport Scenes
Many Brits are familiar with the ritual of grabbing an early flight to save on costs, which often involves waking up at the crack of dawn. Fortunately, most major airports have establishments open early for coffee, snacks, or even the traditional 'airport beer' that many enjoy before boarding. Wetherspoons, known for its budget-friendly prices, is a popular choice for travellers seeking affordable breakfast, meals, or drinks.
The travel influencer, who has nearly 15,000 followers, posted a video showing people queuing to enter the pub. Another clip from inside revealed the venue was rammed with patrons, some already enjoying alcoholic beverages. Overlay text read: 'Every table full at 4am in the airport, oh to be British.' The caption on Wetherspoons' official Instagram account said: 'Nothing like a 'Spoons breakfast before my flight!'
Public Reaction
The post quickly went viral, with many users sharing their enthusiasm. One person commented: 'Nothing slaps harder than a pre-flight 'Spoons breakfast and a pint to be honest.' Another added: 'What more could you want at 4am! I'm here for it.' A third chimed in: 'We love Wetherspoons,' while another called it their 'favourite spot.'
Wetherspoon pubs at Gatwick Airport typically open between 3am and 5am and close between 9pm and 11pm daily. There is one branch in the North Terminal (after security) and two in the South Terminal (one before and one after security).
Expert Advice on Pre-Flight Drinking
Despite the popularity of a pre-flight pint, travel insiders have warned against it. Flight attendant Dashiell Horowitz from Air Transat advised passengers to eat a big meal to ensure they are tired and can rest on the flight. However, he cautioned against alcohol consumption. '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,' he said.
