Train operator Gatwick Express is to run extra early morning and overnight train services on a trial basis.

The additional services aim to provide for people who are catching early flights out of London on Saturdays, and returning late on Sunday nights, and follow a similar trial announced by Stansted Express earlier this month.

The new services will depart from London Victoria at 03:40 on Saturdays and from Gatwick Airport at 04:35 on Sundays.

Gatwick Express operator GTR, which has been in public ownership since the end of May, argues that the new train times “tap into the trend for ‘bed to boarding’ style, which is being led by Gen Z travellers.”

The operator commissioned a survey, in which more than a third (33%) of British respondents aged between 18-29 say they have travelled to the airport in pyjamas. More than half (53%) of the age group agreed that it is acceptable to do so for an early morning flight.

In a striking generation gap, the corresponding figure for Gen X was 13% and for Boomers just 4%.

People who travel to the airport wearing pyjamas cite several benefits of doing so. 44% like that it allows them to stay in bed longer, and 40% that it makes them more relaxed before their holiday.

38% said that it saved them time getting ready, 37% that it allowed for a more comfortable journey, and one third (33%) welcomed having one less thing to think about before leaving home.

Gatwick Express passengers will also benefit from discounted airport lounge access and Fast Track security.

40% of British holidaymakers say that long security queues at the airport are their biggest cause of stress, and a quarter worry about traffic, so travelling by train will remove a lot of anxiety from the journey.

Gatwick Express is celebrating the launch of the new train services and extra benefits today by giving its passengers travel essentials kits, including items such as portable chargers, passport holders and mini toiletries.

“We know that annual leave is precious and when the time comes to get away, every minute counts. Our new services will help people maximise their holidays by connecting them to early morning and late-night flights over the weekend. These new customer enhancements are part of our wider strategy to drive growth to key airports on our network.

“With direct, 30-minute services between London Victoria and Gatwick Airport, access to Gatwick’s premium airport lounge and Fast-Track security, Gatwick Express is the best way to travel for a stress-free start to your holiday whether you’re in pyjamas or not!”

Louis Rambaud, Chief Customer Officer at GTR