Going on a much-needed holiday should be a time of relaxation and enjoyment, but for three in five (59%) Brits, the journey to the airport can be a major source of stress ahead of their trip.

Unexpected travel delays (48%) and carrying heavy luggage (26%), are among the main causes of stress, according to new research from London Luton Airport (LLA). In fact, one in four (25%) even questioned booking a holiday when they thought about how much luggage they would need. And that’s not surprising when we consider that British holidaymakers are set to take a whopping 921,795 tonnes of luggage abroad this summer. *

To demonstrate the new, stress-free connection between Central London and LLA via the Luton Airport Express, the airport has teamed up with American Football team, London Blitz, to help make journeys on the new service even easier, whilst giving the players an additional opportunity to stay fit.

On the 10th June, the airport will offer a complimentary luggage-carrying service for passengers boarding the new Luton Airport Express train from London St. Pancras. The new 32-minute train service, which includes the new four-minute DART shuttle service between Luton Parkway station and the airport terminal, makes LLA more accessible than ever before.

With two-fifths (41%) of Brits saying they would feel less stressed if someone carried their luggage to the airport, the American Football team will be on hand to huddle up and do the heavy lifting, allowing passengers to start their holiday even earlier.

The news may come as welcome relief to the six in 10 (62%) holidaymakers who admit to squabbling with loved ones about overpacking, because they know they’ll end up carrying it for them.

On average, British holidaymakers have up to three items to carry on their journey, from suitcases to prams. A third (33%) usually regret how much they have packed when travelling to the airport. In fact, carrying luggage can be so overwhelming that one in eight (12%) admit it has nearly brought them to tears.

Clare Armstrong, Head of Guest Experience at London Luton Airport said, “We know that carrying heavy suitcases and bags can make the beginning of a holiday feel like hard work. And our research shows that luggage is one of the main causes of contention for travellers before embarking on their next adventure. That’s why we’ve teamed up with London Blitz to literally take the weight off holidaymakers’ shoulders this weekend. Our passengers will be able to start their holiday as soon as they board the new Luton Airport Express at London St Pancras. The service provides passengers with a simple, friendly and stress-free journey from the capital to London Luton Airport, leaving them with more time and energy to really savour the start of their holiday.”

The Luton Airport Express departs from St Pancras International every 30 minutes with an average journey time of 32 minutes. Tickets from £10pp each way, book in advance and find out more information at https://www.lutonairportexpress.co.uk/