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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

For feeling grumpy at airport

14 replies

brotherhoodofspam · 03/08/2019 20:19

I hate it when I'm waiting for plane and want to buy something small in eg Boots and they demand your boarding pass. Means rummaging through hand luggage, always worried I'm going to drop passport etc with queue building up behind. I read somewhere that it is actually a tax scam by the air-side shops and there is no requirement to show your boarding pass. Does anyone know if that's true and if so, any suggestions on wording to convincingly say no? Have just grumpliy backed down over a lip balm I know it's trivial and 1st world problem but have been travelling for more than 12 hrs and feeling a bit intolerant.

OP posts:

sparepantsandtoothbrush · 03/08/2019 20:23

I don't understand why they need to see your boarding pass. You've got through security to get there so it makes no sense (although I'm sure I'll be corrected and someone with knowledge will have the answer!).

YANBU

Runssometimes · 03/08/2019 20:24

You don’t have to show it, just say you don’t want to. I have several times. It’s only if your destination is actually Duty Free I think it’s relevant. Never had an issue other than them looking surprised.

NoSauce · 03/08/2019 20:25

I have it on my phone and keep it in my back pocket. It used to wind me up having to find it in my bag too.

Original poster

brotherhoodofspam · 03/08/2019 20:25

I said I didn't want to and that it's not a legal requirement but she wouldn't sell without it.

OP posts:

Coffeeisnecessary · 03/08/2019 20:27

I think it is something to do with vat, I think the shop claims back the vat for themselves if you are travelling out of the EU or something? (but could be totally wrong!) you don't have to show them but they can be a bit pushy!

SauvignonBlanche · 03/08/2019 20:28

I tried saying no once I’d I’d left it with my bags and DH but it was an emphatic ‘no boarding pass - no sale’.

Coffeeisnecessary · 03/08/2019 20:29

I just checked and you have to show it at the duty free bit, but elsewhere they shouldn't demand it. (according to money saving expert)

Pipandmum · 03/08/2019 20:31

You know you’ll be asked so just have it handy. The salesperson has been told to ask for it - they’re probably on minimum wage no point in getting upset with them they have no power.

drquin · 03/08/2019 20:33

There's a good Martin Lewis article about it ..... it is to do with VAT and duty exemptions, you can however refuse to show your boarding card - shop can equally decline to serve you. I queried it once, and told it's easier to ask everyone 🤔
As ever, it's not the check-out assistant's choice to ask, it'll be their company procedure so take it up with Boots.

Ilikewinter · 03/08/2019 20:37

Its not company policy for you to show your boarding pass in Boots, just tell the member of staff you dont have it and its not a problem.

You will need it if you are shopping in duty free though.

ChardonnaysPrettySister · 03/08/2019 20:39

It's such a hassle and only because they get some benefits from it.

MyFokMarelize · 03/08/2019 20:41

Good guide here

MoneySavingExpert

WellVersedInEtiquette · 03/08/2019 20:42

My husband had our boarding passes on his phone so we used that

RainOrSun · 03/08/2019 20:52

Depends where you are going.
Noone will sell me alcohol in duty free when I'm carrying a boarding pass for a dry country.... i realise that's a pretty extreme example tho.

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