• Nearly a quarter (22%) of Brits have admitted to being attracted to someone they’ve seen at an airport, citing a smile (79%), hairstyle (44%) and travel outfit (40%) as some of the traits they find the most attractive
• Almost a quarter (22%) of 18-44-year-olds have exchanged details with a love interest while travelling
• A third (32%) said they’d like their partner/ spouse to meet them at the airport following a trip, in a bid to create a Love Actually moment
• To celebrate all things love and romance this Valentine’s Day, London Luton Airport is hosting a competition for one lucky couple to win flights to Paris
Almost a quarter (22%) of Brits said they have been attracted to someone they’d seen at an airport, as four in five* (79%) agree that they found a person’s smile the most attractive quality, according to new research.
Interestingly, two-fifths (40%) revealed that being kind and considerate to other travellers would make someone attractive at an airport, showing how compassion can be just as desirable as looks.
The research, commissioned by London Luton Airport, revealed that one in seven (14%) Brits have exchanged details with a love interest while travelling, rising to almost a quarter of 18-24-year-olds who have demonstrated the importance of being glam whilst they travel, with ‘airport make-up’ videos boasting over 15.5 billion views on Tik Tok.
Over half surveyed (55%) swapped contact information with someone they found attractive in a hotel or hostel, while a fifth (22%) traded numbers while they were in an airport.
Grand gestures are just as important, with a third (32%) of Brits saying they would like their partner/spouse to meet them at the airport following a trip or holiday, illustrating the influence of popular films like Love Actually on public romantic gestures.
Every year, London Luton airport is a big part of many love stories, from Daran and Joanna Snoxell who met 24 years ago working as ground operations staff, to the many engagements that take place in the arrivals area.
Last February, Debora Delcheva, who works as cabin crew, was surprised by her now fiancée, 23-year-old builder Atanas Dimitrov, as he got down on one knee and popped the question in the London Luton Airport arrivals area as she landed from Vienna.
The surprise proposal, which was recorded and can be viewed here, was made possible by airport staff and Atanas’ friends and family. The couple, who are due to get married in June 2023, are also welcoming their first child, a baby girl, at the end of February.
Clare Armstrong, Head of Guest Experience at London Luton Airport, commented: “London Luton Airport is proud to have been a part of many love stories over the years involving, passengers, staff and even celebrities.
“Each year we receive requests via our social channels to help facilitate grand gestures including Debora and Atanas who got engaged in our arrivals area last year.
“Our aim is to deliver a simple and friendly passenger experience, so we love to play a part in these special moments.”
To celebrate that love is most definitely in the airport this Valentine’s Day, and to help the 30% who said that a holiday is a great way to show that you love someone, LLA is hosting a competition and the winner will receive two return flights to Paris.
To enter the competition*, and be in with a chance of winning, follow London Luton Airport on Instagram ‘@ldnlutonairport’, tag a loved one on its Valentine’s Day competition post, like the post and share to your story.
Entries will close at 12:00 GMT on 17th February 2023 – the more tags the more entries. For more information click here.
