People are just realising that airport duty-free is mostly a scam

There are only two real bargains to be had 

Airport duty free shopping began in 1947 at Shannon Airport in Ireland and was created to entice transatlantic passengers during refuelling stops with tax-free goods. 

The concept spread rapidly through Europe and Asia, marketed as luxury bargains. 

By the 1980s–90s, duty free had become a global retail staple, though today its “deals” are often more myth than reality.

Perfume and aftershaves, for example, are rarely cheaper at the airport - even with the tax lobbed off. 

Despite being stacked floor-to-ceiling at airports and often being one of the first things you see when clearing security, the luxury items are actually one of the worst offenders when it comes to cost. 

Studies show that you'll often get more bang for your buck if you buy your spray in Boots or online. 

Which? found popular perfume, Paco Rabanne 1 Million, was £56.50 at Heathrow duty free, while Boots had it for £51.99. That’s not a saving; that’s just airport markup with better lighting.

Sunglasses, another classic impulse buy, are also typically better value outside the terminal, with brands like Ray-Ban often costing a whopping 20 per cent less on the web. 

And as for those giant novelty Toblerones and tubs of Celebrations? Supermarkets routinely undercut duty-free on chocolate, especially during seasonal promotions. 

Some people seem to be waking up to the great big duty free scam, with one person posting on Reddit: “Duty‑free is the biggest sucker deal in retail.”

Another person added: “Duty free shops aim to have savings to the local market ... Duty paid items will have little or no savings”, while a third person chimed in: “The most surprising thing… Usually duty free is about double the price.”

That said, there are still some items that tend to be cheaper in duty free. 

Alcohol can work out cheaper, but normally only if you’re travelling beyond the EU, where you can take advantage of tax-free rules and stronger tipples, and makeup regularly comes out ahead, with certain brands and bundles undercutting the high street. 

Commenting on the trends, gifting expert Justin Gilchrist, CEO of UK based online gift company WellBox says: "Many people feel the pressure to bring gifts home for colleagues and loved ones when passing through the airport. Thanks to highly effective marketing at duty free, this isn’t an accident. 

"Airports already take enough of our cash through parking, drop-offs, food and bottled water, so consider swinging into the supermarket on the way home instead. Particularly if you haven’t travelled outside of Europe.

"In reality, gift recipients are much more likely to enjoy something they actually want, so whether you’re picking up a colleague Christmas gift or something for a loved one, take your time and consider a more thoughtful gift instead.

"Shiny and duty free, doesn’t mean it’s good value or a thoughtful gift."