Top Airports Offering the Best Duty-Free Booze
For many travelers, duty-free shopping is a highlight of the airport experience. It’s also your little reward for international travel.
Duty-Free shopping is your chance to pick up a last-minute gift, treat yourself to an expensive pair of new sunglasses, a tech gadget, or bottle of perfume you’ve been skinty about while at home. It’s also an opportunity to restock your bar with a premium bottle or two of pricy liquor. But where can you find the absolute best deals on alcohol?
The Whisky Masters, a premier online whisky retailer, has analyzed duty-free prices at major international airports worldwide, revealing the top destinations for the cheapest alcohol. Their analysis involved a comprehensive review of duty-free liquor prices at major international airports, comparing them against local market rates to determine the best value locations for travelers. Airports were selected based on their passenger traffic volume, while airports with restricted online liquor displays or insufficient data were excluded from the final ranking.
If you’re jetting off soon and hoping to grab a bargain on your favorite whiskey, vodka, or champagne, Whisky Masters’ founder, Daniel Ulfland explains why these three airports should be on your radar!
1. London Heathrow (LHR)
As one of the busiest airports in the world, London Heathrow offers a vast selection of duty-free alcohol at competitive prices. Travelers can purchase a variety of spirits, wines, and champagnes at World Duty Free, with savings against UK high street prices.
Heathrow also offers a Reserve & Collect service, allowing passengers to pre-order their favorite drinks online and collect them at the airport before departure. Duty-free allowances vary depending on your destination, so it’s worth checking before making a purchase.
2. Incheon International Airport (ICN)
Seoul’s Incheon Airport is known for its expansive duty-free shopping experience, covering everything from premium whiskeys to high-end cognacs. Shinsegae Duty Free, located in both Terminals 1 and 2, offers a wide range of alcohol brands at discounted rates. Incheon also boasts a user-friendly Click & Collect system, enabling passengers to secure their purchases before arriving at the airport.
3. Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG)
Paris CDG is another hotspot for affordable duty-free alcohol, with well-stocked stores featuring everything from fine French wines to international liquors. Travelers departing from CDG can take advantage of the Extime Duty Free Click & Collect service, which allows for online pre-orders and in-store pickups, often with exclusive discounts of up to 25% on certain products. Like other major airports, duty-free allowances depend on your travel destination.
Daniel Ulfland, founder of The Whisky Masters, commented: “As a seasoned traveler, I always recommend checking duty-free allowances before making a purchase. Regulations can vary widely by destination, and you don’t want to risk having to pay extra fees.
“Another effective strategy is to use Click & Collect services where available. Not only does this guarantee that your favorite spirits will be in stock, but you may also unlock exclusive online discounts. Finally, never assume that duty-free always means the lowest price—compare prices beforehand to ensure you’re getting the best possible deal.”
