Travel & Stay

Elevate your in-flight dining experience with a Fortnum & Mason picnic

Available to purchase at Heathrow's Terminal 5 location, the long-established British epicurean destination offers travellers a luxury alternative to in-flight dining: an indulgent in-flight picnic

BY /
21 January 25
Elevate your in-flight dining experience with a Fortnum & Mason picnic

Often over-promising and under-delivering, even the best looking in-flight dining menu can make a seasoned travelled weep.

And, let's be honest, nothing ruins a long-haul flight more than inadequate eats and sad snacks.

Luckily for those travelling out of Heathrow Airport Terminal 5, an elevated in-flight dining experience awaits in the form of luxury, curated picnic baskets at Fortnum and Mason. With a cute name — hamperlings — these on-the-go, curated epicurean delights will have you forever re-thinking your in-flight dining choices. 

The luxury food and goods retailer, Fortnum & Mason, has opened its first standalone airport store at Heathrow Terminal 5.  The opening completes a busy 12 months for the company, which in November 2013 opened its first new store in more than 300 years at St Pancras International Station, and then its first standalone store outside the UK in Dubai in March 2014.  The opening of a Fortnum & Mason bar at the Heathrow Terminal 5 will follow on December 5.
The luxury food and goods retailer, Fortnum & Mason, has opened its first standalone airport store at Heathrow Terminal 5. The opening completes a busy 12 months for the company, which in November 2013 opened its first new store in more than 300 years at St Pancras International Station, and then its first standalone store outside the UK in Dubai in March 2014. The opening of a Fortnum & Mason bar at the Heathrow Terminal 5 will follow on December 5.
Fortnum and Mason heathrow terminal 5 via heathrow web 1

Image via Heathrow Airport

Despite these exquisite in-flight picnic baskets originally being launched in 2016 (arguably well ahead of the curve), the very cute and very demure hamperling has recently seen a surge in popularity, which in the most part has been driven by social media.

Fortnum & Mason's hamperlings are elevating the BYO in-flight snacks beyond the mangy packaged sandwich coupled with an over-inflated bag of crisps, to an open-faced smoked salmon and caper sandwich, a foie-gras and caviar plate for two or a Ploughman's selection perhaps, complete with dessert of course.  Renowned for its unparalleled quality and refined taste, Fortnum & Mason has curated a collection of gourmet hamperlings designed to transform ordinary journeys into extraordinary culinary adventures, before you even reach your final destination.

Available for purchase at the iconic aqua-green Fortnum & Mason store within Heathrow Terminal 5, these meticulously crafted baskets are brimming with delectable treats. Indulge in a symphony of flavours with a selection of fine cheeses, expertly cured charcuterie, vibrant seasonal salads, and decadent desserts, all prepared with the finest ingredients and presented with impeccable attention to detail.

Whether embarking on a short-haul flight or a long-haul adventure, these picnic baskets offer a touch of luxury that transcends the ordinary. Enjoy a truly memorable in-flight dining experience, savouring the exquisite flavours of Fortnum & Mason while soaring above the clouds. This unique offering provides discerning travellers with an opportunity to indulge in a touch of British refinement and elevate their journey to new heights.

About Fortnum & Mason 

Embodying British heritage and tradition, Fortnum & Mason consistently strives to offer shoppers a high-end, luxury experience.

Established in 1707, it has become a cornerstone of British high society, renowned for its exquisite selection of gourmet foods, fine teas, and elegant homeware. An iconic British brand synonymous with luxury and refinement, Fortnum & Mason holds Royal Warrants from the King, the Queen Consort, and the Prince of Wales, signifying its esteemed position as a purveyor of goods to the British Royal Family.

As a purveyor of the finest goods, Fortnum & Mason has embraced the numerous changes in the landscape of retailing over the centuries and has transcended the role of a traditional retailer, offering visitors a unique and memorable experience - whether that be in the flagship store at Picadilly or within the Terminal 5 location in Heathrow Airport.


Hamperlings, from £30
Available at Fortnum & Mason, Heathrow Airport Terminal 5
@fortnums  @heathrow_airport