A survey of 2,000 adults found that one in four have experienced the panic of running late to the airport, mirroring the McAllister family’s chaotic journey to catch their festive flight.
Luton Airport recreates Home Alone scenes with a twist
The mad dash to the airport, made famous by the classic Christmas film Home Alone, is a reality for many, with one in four travellers confessing they’ve been late for a flight.
A survey of 2,000 adults found that nearly 18% have felt the intense stress of being late to the airport, mirroring the McCallister family’s frantic race to catch their holiday flight.
A tired 13% admitted to oversleeping or hitting snooze on their alarm, much like the McCallisters who infamously left young Kevin at home. They also said a lack of sleep was the most significant cause of travel blunders.
In an effort to alleviate travel stress, London Luton Airport has recreated iconic scenes from Home Alone in a campaign encouraging passengers to plan ahead.
The video stars Kevin McCallister doppelganger Tyler Stringer who can be seen applying aftershave at duty-free, dancing with mannequins, and even pranking staff with a fake tarantula.
The study, commissioned by London Luton Airport, also discovered that despite 78%t of people making checklists before travelling, over half still forget crucial items such as boarding passes, passports, or medication.
Holiday-specific forgetfulness is also common, with 16% leaving Christmas presents behind and 14% forgetting cards.
Adding to the delay, almost 40% didn’t know that festive items like wrapped gifts, snow globes, and jars of jam are restricted at airport security.
In an extra attempt to keep passengers calm, the airport is also offering freebies such as toothbrushes, combs, and even phone chargers.
They’re also providing wake-up calls for those catching forty winks and sharing festive tips to help avoid disasters like not wrapping presents before security (yes, they will rip that paper off).
Clare Armstrong, who heads up guest experience at the airport, said: “Christmas comes with additional pressures and items to remember, so it’s no surprise that many travellers find themselves in a panic.
“Our campaign offers simple tips to help passengers plan their journeys, pack effectively, and set that all-important early morning alarm.”
London Luton Airport has shared some festive travelling tips:
1. Festive favourites
Airline policies vary widely so check airline guidelines before packing festive items, and if you are bringing presents, please don’t wrap them in advance because airport security staff might have to unwrap them for you to check what’s inside.
2. A list-mas miracle
Write that all important checklist in advance to ensure you bring key travel documents, confirmations, medication and gifts ready to go.
3. Silent night
Try to get seven hours of sleep before flying so you are wide-eyed and feeling fresh ahead of your trip.
4. Present panic
If you’re flying at Christmas and have forgotten a gift, do not panic! You can pick up any last-minute gifts or festive treats to save your holiday in Duty Free.
5. Ho Ho Go!
Secure a slot with our prebook security to dodge any last-minute hitches if you’re pressed for time.
