Travel seems to generate more joy than irritation: people at airports tend to report positive moods.
Data from HappyOrNot, the company behind the mood-rating kiosks installed at 160 airports across 36 countries, shows that travelers most often select the highest satisfaction option. Passengers are more likely to press “delighted” or “very happy” than the lower choices.
According to HappyOrNot, 62 percent of respondents press the happiest button. Another 17 percent select “happy,” 7 percent choose “sad,” and 14 percent select the least positive option.
“The small hours on the weekend are the worst time to travel, while mornings mid-week are consistently the happiest times,” said Heikki Väänänen, CEO of HappyOrNot.
He explained that 8 a.m. and 9 a.m. are the happiest travel times, while 2 a.m. and 3 a.m. register the lowest satisfaction. Midweek travel—Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays—tends to be the most pleasant, whereas weekends, particularly Saturday and Sunday, see lower mood scores.
Location within the airport also affects mood: travelers tend to be happiest at security checkpoints and least happy at baggage claim during the early morning hours.
Väänänen emphasized that the ratings provide dual benefits: they supply airports with detailed, actionable data and give travelers a simple way to share feedback, helping them feel both heard and valued.