Airport distractions causing passengers to miss flights

A UK survey found two per cent of respondents had missed a flight because they were eating or shopping within the airport complex. Another 15 per cent had almost missed flights for the same reason. Photo / Thinkstock

Passengers are missing flights because they are too busy shopping or eating at airports, according to a survey.

More than three in five passengers buy duty-free items at airports, the poll by services company NCR Corporation found.

And around two per cent admitted they had missed flights as they were shopping or eating, with 15 per cent saying they nearly missed their plane.

Based on responses from 1000 UK consumers, the survey showed that of those who shop at airports, 21 per cent buy luxury goods or clothing, with 65 per cent opting for books, newspapers or magazines, and 60 per cent buying food and drink.

Despite the need to arrive up to two hours before international flights, consumers think retail feels rushed in the airport.

As many as 34 per cent think they do not have enough time to find and visit all the stores and restaurants they are interested in.

- PAA