The Airport Stress Test: What Really Bothers Travelers

Thoughts of sun, sand and relaxation? For many travellers, these thoughts fade long before they even board the plane. Instead of looking forward to their holidays, many air travellers are dominated by one thing: stress. A recent survey by «t-online» of 2255 people reveals which factors are particularly annoying.

The biggest stress factor, by far, is the crowds at check-in. A significant 32.4% of respondents said that waiting in line at the counters was their main source of stress—especially during peak hours when queues stretch endlessly into the terminal. With the clock ticking until boarding, check-in quickly turns into a test of patience.

Flight delays also cause many travellers a great deal of stress, with 21.3 per cent of respondents reporting that late flights significantly raise their stress levels. A delay can not only dampen the holiday mood but also put connecting flights at risk, turning a simple setback into a real ordeal. Long queues at baggage drop-off, security checkpoints and boarding also cause frustration.

But there is hope: if you plan well and build in generous time buffers, you can escape the stress at the airport. The key to a relaxed start? Arrive early, use online check-in and, above all, take a deep breath! After all, your holiday shouldn't turn into a test of endurance before you even take off.