Gen Z travellers turn Manchester Airport into a runway for their pre-flight photos and outfits
Posted: 24 September 2025 | Gabriel Higgins | No comments yet
A survey shows nearly half of Gen Z plan a special ‘airport outfit’, with a third taking photos as part of their holiday ritual.
A new survey from Manchester Airport (MAN) reveals that Gen Z travellers are leading a trend of treating the terminal as a style destination. Nearly half (47%) of Gen Z respondents plan a dedicated ‘airport outfit’, and one in three (33%) take photos or selfies upon arrival, using the airport as a backdrop for social media content.
The research also highlights how airports signal the start of a holiday. The average traveller mentally switches into ‘holiday mode’ 50 minutes before arriving at the terminal, with over half (53%) feeling this shift before even stepping inside. Once there, specific rituals build excitement. Browsing World Duty Free is the UK’s top pre-flight tradition (41%), followed by buying a coffee or a pre-flight drink (40%) and shopping for last-minute travel essentials (26%). Other popular rituals include taking photos (25%) and wearing a special airport outfit (21%).
Jennifer Byrne-Smith, Director of Customer Operations at Manchester Airport, said: “This survey confirms what we’ve long recognised, people love to get their holiday started at the airport, whether it’s indulging in a pre-flight meal, picking up a luxury item at World Duty Free or simply taking in the airfield views and enjoying the atmosphere.
Join us live: Shaping the Next Generation of Hold Baggage and Air Cargo Screening
Join us live for an insightful webinar on 11th December at 14:00 GMT, in collaboration with Smiths Detection, as we explore the strategic balance of operational efficiency, regulatory compliance, and sustainability in high-volume security environments.
This session offers a focused look into future-proofing your security strategy.
Key learning points
- Cost Reduction: Strategies to minimize bag travel time while simultaneously reducing operational costs.
- Regulatory Roadmap: Insights into the next wave of regulatory changes and their impact on future investment decisions.
- Sustainable Systems: Practical approaches to building sustainability into security systems and lowering the total cost of ownership (TCO).
- Scalable Solutions: Real-world examples of scalable systems supporting current airport growth and preparing for tomorrow.
Register now for expert insights, case studies, and actionable strategies on operational efficiency!
“That’s why we’ve committed to a significant investment worth £1bn in enhancing the passenger experience across our terminals, from upgraded dining and retail options to more comfortable and efficient spaces, ensuring every journey starts on a high.”
The findings underscore the airport’s role in building anticipation for a trip. With travellers viewing the terminal as an integral part of their getaway, Manchester Airport is investing to ensure it provides a world-class experience from the very beginning of the journey.
Stay Ahead in Aviation — Subscribe for Free!
Get exclusive access to the latest aviation insights from International Airport Review — all tailored to your interests.
✅ Expert-Led Webinars – Learn from industry leaders
✅ Weekly News & Reports – Airport updates, thought leadership, and exclusive interviews
✅ Event Invitations – Be part of the International Airport Summit
✅ Partner Innovations – Discover the latest industry trends
Choose the updates that matter most to you. Sign up now and stay informed, inspired, and connected — all for free!
Thank you for being part of our community. Let’s keep exploring the future of aviation together!
The International Airport Summit is open for registration!
Date: 19 – 20 November 2025
Location: JW Marriott Hotel Berlin
At our flagship event of the year, we will dive into the future of airport operations, with expert-led sessions on passenger experience, innovative smart technologies, baggage handling, airside operations, data, security, and sustainability.
This is where global airport leaders come together to share insights, challenges, and real-world solutions.
Limited complimentary passes are available for eligible professionals – first come, first served!
Related topics
Digital transformation, Duty Free, New technologies, Non-aeronautical revenue, Passenger experience and seamless travel, Retail
Chief Executive Officer
CEO
Chief Operating Officer
Head of Operations, Safety and Emergency
Chief Strategy Development Officer
Head of Operations
Airport General Manager
CEO
Chief Executive Officer