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AIBU?

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Original poster

Duty free section at airports = hell

87 replies

Greenleavesandsunshine · 07/07/2026 08:30

I’m sitting waiting to take off on holiday. I’ve just been through the airport departures which was busy and a bit chaotic but ok. The duty free section was hell on earth. It was bright, it was loud, it smelled of perfume, some of the bright lights flashed. People, music, slippery floors.
Why does anyone actually stay and buy anything rather than running through at top speed. The duty free section is hellish AIBU?
Anyway plane is moving.

OP posts:
Thundertoast · 07/07/2026 09:04

I also dont understand the psychology of it, I know they want to keep people moving but surely people would buy more if it wasnt such a hellscape!

Yogaandchocolate · 07/07/2026 09:03

At Stansted you can pay to avoid the shops 😆

Rollercoaster1920 · 07/07/2026 09:00

I usually try on a few sunglasses, but never buy any! the smell is very overwhelming though.

pontipinemum · 07/07/2026 08:58

I'm not a fan. I just walk through/ avoid if possible. Then get a coffee somewhere and sit at the gate

Terribleio · 07/07/2026 08:43

It’s fine, I walk through it, I get to the end, I buy a coffee in the chaos that is Pret, and then just sit down with my book.

Honeyhonayboo · 07/07/2026 08:42

Oh god when you’re just trying to get through the airport to get on a flight and you’re blocked by crowds of people spraying perfume and browsing Toblerone for about 1/4 of a mile!

LittlefatTaffin · 07/07/2026 08:40

Oh god I’m at Manchester in a few weeks! I don’t mind duty free. Something to occupy kids whilst we wait. Omg the prices though!

Lemonfrost · 07/07/2026 08:39

I love it, it's part of the excitement of going on holiday. Just walk through, don't stop and LIGHTEN UP!!!

Gabbycat245 · 07/07/2026 08:38

YANBU. Sensory nightmare!

GotALionInMyPocket · 07/07/2026 08:38

Yep. Horrendous places.
Airports in general are vile.
No attempt to make it a nice experience whatsoever.

Sarahconnor1 · 07/07/2026 08:37

Yep. Manchester airport duty free is hell on earth.

Pastlast · 07/07/2026 08:34

I have a friend who works in airports. There’s a duty free that’s been closed for over ten years and she says you can still smell it as you walk past.