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New research from Heathrow Express¹ has revealed the surprising – and sometimes alarming – measures Brits take to catch early morning flights. From skipping basic hygiene and meals, to forgetting passports, and compromising home security, it seems the pressure of getting to the airport on time is prompting some extreme sacrifices.

Topping the list of the most common early-morning compromises were showers, with one in four (28 per cent) Brits admitting they’ve skipped washing to make a flight on time and one in six (16 per cent) admitting to leaving the house without brushing their teeth. In the rush, some Brits are even risking home security – with one in ten (10 per cent) admitting they’ve knowingly left without properly locking up, leaving windows open (just under one in five, 19 per cent) and not setting alarms (one in seven, 14 per cent).

The study, commissioned to mark the launch of Heathrow Express’s new 4:34am departure from London Paddington – its earliest-ever train to the airport and the first service of the day to arrive at Heathrow, running Monday to Saturday – also revealed just how chaotic early flights can be – particularly among Gen Z travellers (18-24s), with nearly one in three (29 per cent) admitting they’ve forgotten their passport entirely in the scramble to get to the airport.

According to the research, breakfast is another casualty of an early morning flight, with just over one in six (17 per cent) Brits admitting to usually skipping it, and one in five (20 per cent) saying they’d rather get a few extra minutes of shut-eye than sit down to eat. But those missed meals are taking a toll – 67 per cent of travellers admit they’ve boarded a flight feeling irritable or unwell after skipping breakfast, with that figure rising to 79 per cent among 25-34-year-olds.

Gen Z travellers are among the most likely to head to the airport empty-stomached – part of a broader shift in pre-flight routines, as 55 per cent of travellers across all age groups now replace their morning meal with just coffee – especially prevalent in cities like Gloucester (75 per cent), Newport (67 per cent) and Glasgow (61 per cent). Meanwhile, one in seven (15 per cent) admit to relying on chewing gum or mints instead of a proper meal.

But it’s not just individuals feeling the fallout. Skipping breakfast is becoming an actual relationship issue, with over one in six (17 per cent) travellers admitting they’ve had a tense moment with their partner over missed meals – and just under one in five (19 per cent) confessing they’ve been “silently fuming” when their travel buddy failed to factor in food.

With more than 400 flights leaving Heathrow before 7am every single month, early morning air travel has become part of the travel routine for thousands. And with so many Brits boarding flights bleary-eyed and empty-stomached, Heathrow Express stepped in to restore some early morning order – and flavour – with a little help from Quaker and food-loving TV personality David Templer (‘Temps’). To celebrate its earliest-ever service, passengers travelling on the 4:34am train on Monday 19th May were treated to two exclusive oat-based breakfasts – made with wholesome Quaker oats and dreamt up by David himself.

Drawing on his love of travel and morning rituals, the oat recipes were inspired by exciting, global flavours – made for busy mornings and grab-and-go convenience. From a Tropical Oat Bowl made with chilled overnight oats, coconut milk, pineapple, mango, and passionfruit – finished with toasted coconut, chia seeds, and a squeeze of lime – to Mexican Mocha Energy Balls blended with dates, cocoa, espresso, cinnamon, cayenne, and dark chocolate, each recipe brought a taste of David's travels to the breakfast table.

David Templer, influencer and Made in Chelsea star, said: “I’m always looking for ways to make life more efficient – and nothing says efficient like a 15-minute train to the airport and breakfast already sorted. These oat breakfasts were designed for those early starts when you’re short on time but still want something that hits the spot – both nutritious and delicious. Just because you’re moving fast doesn’t mean you have to skip the good stuff. I’ve always loved travelling, and these brekkies were inspired by some of my favourite foodie moments from around the world – a quick, flavour-packed passport for your tastebuds.”

Over a year in the planning, the new early start service is Heathrow Express’s answer to the growing number of early flight-takers – many of whom are crying out for a more efficient, less stressful way to start their journeys. With a non-stop, 15-minute connection between London Paddington and Heathrow Airport², it takes the pressure off even the earliest of mornings – no traffic jams, no cramped tubes, just a smooth, premium ride that gives passengers time back to focus on what matters.

And it’s not just fast – it’s smart. By booking 45 days or more in advance, travellers can snap up a one-way ticket for just £10³, making Heathrow Express the go-to choice for those who want speed, comfort and reliability without the hefty price tag – and with kids under 15 travelling free, it’s an even smarter choice for families⁴. It also comes with onboard toilets – a welcome perk, given that one in five Brits (20 per cent) have ended up paying to use the loo at the airport after skipping a bathroom break to make it out on time.

Aoife Considine, Business Lead at Heathrow Express, said: “We know early flights can turn mornings into a scramble, and that often means the important things – like breakfast – get pushed aside. By looking closely at how and when our passengers travel, we identified a clear need for earlier services to help reach 6am departures. Our new 4:34am train is designed to make those early flights easier to catch. With just a 15-minute journey from Central London to Heathrow, it’s a smarter, more efficient way to travel – so you can arrive calm, prepared, and with time to start your day right.”

Whether heading off on a business trip, a weekend city break or a long-haul family holiday, passengers can expect spacious seating, free Wi-Fi and generous luggage space – making it the fastest, smoothest, and most stress-free way to reach the airport.

With early wake-ups ranked as the most stressful part of flying for one in three Brits, and transport delays causing anxiety for over half (52 per cent), the new 4:34am Heathrow Express service gives flyers a much-needed moment of calm at the start of their journey.

Tickets are available exclusively online or via the Heathrow Express mobileapp⁵, and with no set travel time, you can board any train on your booked day.