Airports are often a dreaded destination. While many are anxious for their flights, factors of flight delays, flavorless in-flight
foods, and cramped seating have people on emotional rollercoasters. London Gatwick Airport has developed a “happy meal” to help passengers cope with their emotions by changing their diet. “Happy Meals” are foods with hormone-boosting ingredients. Nutritionist Jo Traverse, who helped the airport develop its menu, said “There are certain foods that will help the ‘happy’ chemicals in your brain to keep flowing.” By implementing foods that enhance neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine, customers are expected to have a “happier” experience at the airport and on their flight. Similarly with low levels of these chemicals, deficiency of Omega-3 leads to fatigue and mood swings.

London Gatwick Airport has already introduced the “happy meals” at eight locations in its north and south terminals. The meals included with hormone boosting ingredients are labeled with a smiley face emoji. Raymond Kallau, founder of the website Airline Trends, sees the new menu items as “indication of how the overall quality of food and beverages offered at airports has improved over the past years.”

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