Quick Read
- EasyJet launched its Twilight Bag Drop service at Manchester Airport, allowing passengers to check luggage the night before their flight.
- Manchester Airport Group data reveals a 144% year-on-year rise in matcha tea sales at Manchester Airport, reflecting Gen Z preferences.
- Gen Z travelers are increasingly using AI to plan trips and favoring European city breaks over traditional package holidays.
- Two unruly passengers were removed by police from a Jet2 flight to Manchester Airport following a mid-air brawl.
MANCHESTER (Azat TV) – Manchester Airport is at the forefront of adapting to evolving passenger needs, introducing new services aimed at streamlining travel while simultaneously observing significant shifts in traveler behavior, particularly among Generation Z. These developments, including EasyJet’s expanded Twilight Bag Drop service and a notable surge in wellness drink consumption, reflect a broader industry trend towards personalized convenience and changing consumer preferences for flights originating from or arriving at the bustling UK hub.
On February 17, 2026, EasyJet, a prominent budget airline, officially expanded its popular Twilight Bag Drop service to Birmingham Airport, following a successful launch last month. This service, already available at Manchester Airport and six other major UK airports, allows passengers with early morning departures to check in and drop off their luggage the evening before their flight, free of charge. This initiative aims to alleviate the stress of early morning queues and enhance the overall airport experience, enabling travelers to proceed directly to security on the day of their flight.
Streamlining Departures from Manchester
The Twilight Bag Drop service at Manchester Airport offers a significant advantage for passengers, particularly those on morning flights. By allowing pre-flight baggage drop-off between 4:00 PM and 8:00 PM the previous evening, EasyJet aims to reduce congestion and improve efficiency. This not only saves valuable time for travelers but also includes a benefit of discounted parking in the Premium Set Down car park at Birmingham Airport, though specific parking benefits for Manchester Airport users were not detailed in the announcement. This service underscores EasyJet’s strategy to combine affordable travel with enhanced convenience, positioning itself as a leader in customer-centric operations, as reported by Travelandtourworld.com.
Gen Z’s New Pre-Flight Rituals at Manchester
Beyond operational enhancements, Manchester Airport Group (MAG), which operates Manchester, London Stansted, and East Midlands airports, has revealed intriguing shifts in passenger preferences, especially among Generation Z travelers. A study by MAG indicates that younger passengers, born between 1997 and 2012, are increasingly opting for healthier pre-flight choices, swapping traditional pre-flight pints for matcha lattes. Manchester Airport specifically saw a 144 percent year-on-year rise in matcha sales, reflecting a broader trend towards wellness influencing travel habits. Sales of smoothies also collectively grew by over 650 percent year-on-year across MAG airports, suggesting a budget-savvy approach by Gen Z, who often integrate these into meal deals. Andrew MacMillan, MAG Chief Strategy Officer, noted that these consumer trends significantly impact the travel industry, with Gen Z curating airport experiences influenced by AI and social media, as highlighted by AOL.com.
Furthermore, Gen Z travelers are increasingly utilizing artificial intelligence as virtual travel agents to plan their holidays, with one in four MAG passengers under 25 either having used or intending to use AI for trip planning. Their preferred destinations are often European city breaks, a departure from the ’18-30s’ package holidays favored by previous generations. This demographic is also influencing retail choices, with items like the viral Stanley Cup selling briskly at airport outlets such as JD Sports.
Addressing Disruptions on Manchester-Bound Flights
While efforts are underway to enhance the travel experience, occasional disruptions underscore the challenges in maintaining passenger decorum. A recent incident on a Jet2 flight bound for Manchester Airport highlighted this, where two unruly passengers were removed by police following a violent brawl mid-air. The altercation was reportedly triggered by racist remarks made during the journey, leading to the airline banning the individuals for their ‘appalling behaviour,’ according to the Manchester Evening News. Such incidents stand in stark contrast to the industry’s focus on creating smoother, more enjoyable travel, reminding stakeholders of the ongoing need for vigilance and enforcement of passenger conduct policies.
The confluence of technological adoption, evolving consumer health preferences, and continued efforts to streamline airport processes suggests a future where Manchester Airport will increasingly focus on tailored services to meet the diverse and dynamic needs of its global passenger base.