BA offers airport shopping tips

As duty free stores at major airports in Europe and

North America tempt passengers with extravagant decorations and discounted prices during the holiday season, British Airways has compiled a list of tips to help those passing through airports make the best of their travel and shopping experience. These tips focus primarily on major US airports and

Britain’s flag carrier has taken a look at some of the most popular items on sale.

BA’s cabin crew, pilots and ground staff have found a handful of American airports to be especially conducive to value-oriented shopping, including New York JFK’s Terminal 7, as well as international airports in Philadelphia, Orlando and

Miami. The most popular pieces of merchandise purchased by BA employees included scarves, a range of perfumes and colognes, chocolates and other sweets, as well as electronic gadgets. In each case, however, these airports received top marks for the diversity of stores and products available, as well as the overall convenience of the shopping experience.

British Airways recommends that passenger tight on time due to work and other engagements buy their holiday gifts at airport stores, rather than in overcrowded shopping malls. Not only can this be more convenient, but the UK’s flag carrier points out that one may frequently find products at airport stores that may not be available elsewhere, and they also often better reflect the heritage, traditions and local industry of a given city. BA also asks passengers not to gift-wrap presents before passing through security, as personnel in the UK and the

US are likely to ask travelers to open any wrapped boxes or packages. As a word of caution, BA also urges passengers not to purchase either fruits or dairy products, as these items may cause problems when passing through customs and immigration.

www.britishairways.com