As the holiday season gets underway, the stress of getting away is at its peak for British holidaymakers.
Packing, travelling to the airport and checking in are at the top of the UK's air travel stress list, according to a new research commissioned by Airport Carparks and Hotels (APH).
The report revealed nearly half of Londoners (48.7%) have missed a flight, making them the most likely travellers in the UK to do so, despite their close proximity to Heathrow and Gatwick airports.
The results also found, one in three travellers in the capital said getting to the airport was the most stressful part of the holiday experience, with 18.5% citing traffic for missing their flight, while 14.2% said it was due to delays on public transport - making travel responsible for a total of 32.7% of stress.
While people look forward to getting away for some relaxation, it seems the stress for Londoners starts at home with packing (33.5%), followed by the checking-in process (30%).
Airports in particular were revealed to be a stressful location, with 28% feeling most stressed when waiting for luggage on the carousel and 28% feeling the strain over airport security.
Among the stress-busters, 50.5% of people revealed the most popular method was arriving at the airport in good time for their flight, with packing suitcases well in advance preventing headaches for 34.5% of people, while 29.8% found bringing entertainment to the airport helped.
Nick Caunter, managing director at APH said: "Holidays are meant to be a break away from anything that could cause you stress, but it’s ironic that the preparation can be the most stressful thing about them.
"Many of our customers tell us that the holiday feeling should start as soon as you park your car or arrive at the airport.
"Being prepared and organised is a large part of minimising potential stresses, and if for you that involves arriving at the airport the night before, or pre-booking a parking spot, then that's where we can help."
