Dec 19, 2018

Well-Traveled People Know These 10 Airports Have the Best Shopping

by Bianca Nieves

No matter how many frequent flyer miles you have, by now you already know what to wear to the airport and beyond—depending on the weather and destination, of course. Some of you might even already have an airport uniform settled, no matter what. You might also know what you always need to buy before your flight and the things you need to buy at the destination because they slipped your traveling mind once again. However, shopping at airports goes beyond snacks, Airborne, magazines, and weird food combos at ungodly hours, as well-traveled people know all too well. But if you’re a traveling enthusiast, you might have heard rumors that sometimes the best shopping is done at some specific airports around the world—10, to be exact.

So, whether you simply want some retail therapy to de-stress before your trip, you’re just killing time during a layover, or you want to bring your BFF a perfect souvenir, make sure you book your flights in these airports. However, even though shopping at these airport stores sure is tempting always try to plan ahead so you don’t end up spending over your travel budget. That being said, use your airport WiFi to compare prices online, know the duty-free limits of the place you’re traveling beforehand, and beware of fake liquor and perfume. Once you have those three things in mind, travel and shop wisely!

London's Heathrow Airport

There's a Harry Potter shop in Terminal 5. Need we say more?

Singapore Changi Airport

With 350-plus shops, a shopping spree in this airport is imminent. However, for every $S10 you spend, you earn a free ride on the world’s tallest airport slide. How cool is that?

Hong Kong International Airport

You might want to book multiple flights to this airport since it's home to not one, but two shopping malls.

Vancouver International Airport

Are you a savvy spender? Then the nearby designer outlet mall, McArthurGlen Designer Outlet, is just up your alley. Save up to 70% in stores like Coach, Armani, and Banana Republic.

Amsterdam Airport Schiphol

Beyond passport control, you can find 75 tax- and duty-free stores. From a mix of Dutch products to international brands, you’ll find everything from perfume and clothing to toys and electronics.

Seoul Incheon International Airport

It's home to the first Louis Vuitton airport boutique, so you can already imagine that this airport is a shopping mecca.

Dubai International Airport

All the luxury brands can be found in Terminal 3 (aka the biggest airport terminal on the planet). From retailers like Chanel, Hugo Boss, and Christian Dior to two Apple stores, you'll have plenty to browse.

Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Airport

As the largest airport in Southeast Asia, you can find a wide array of boutiques and world-famous brands, from Fendi, Burberry, Bvlgari, Cartier, and Dior to Hugo Boss, Swarovski, and Prada, that sell everything from perfume to cosmetics to jewelry.

Paris's Charles de Gaulle Airport

Take note: Boutiques that are usually seen along the Champs-Élysée (Hermès, Longchamp, Salvatore Ferragamo, Cartier, etc.) are also found throughout the airport’s three terminals.

JFK International Airport

Terminal 1 is where you'll find the majority of the luxury names, such as Cartier, Bvlgari, Hermès, and Salvatore Ferragamo. But in Terminal 4, you'll find Shake Shack, and really, sometimes that's all you need.