The world’s top 5 airports for shopping

[H Azmal 0]

http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/travel/article/the-worlds-top-5-airports-for-shopping

 

The world’s top 5 airports for shopping

 

The holidays are here, and the world's airports are abuzz with winter vacationers, many of whom will seize the opportunity to finish their holiday shopping in duty-free shops and other airport boutiques. Of course, not all airports are created equal. Refund.me, a website specialising in travelers' rights, has compiled a list of the top five airports for shopping.

 

Dubai International Airport

With its 5,400 square metres of shopping space, the Sheikh Rashid terminal looks every bit like a shopping mall. Travelers will find a wide selection of stores open around the clock, 7 days a week.

Schiphol Airport, Amsterdam

According to Refund.me, Amsterdam has the best airport in Europe when it comes to scoring bargains. The boutiques at Schiphol price their wares 10 to 35% less than those at other airports.

 

Hong Kong International Airport

With over 250 stores, this international hub allows travelers to shop some of the world's most prestigious brands, including Chanel, Armani and Cartier, to name just a few. Whether travelers are interested in fashion, jewelry, household items or high-tech products, they are sure to enjoy their layover in the Hong Kong airport.

 

Heathrow Airport, London

With nearly 100 shops, Heathrow offers a wide range of products, particularly at the high end. The airport, which even includes multiple branches of the famous London department store Harrods, was named as having the "World's Best Airport Shopping" in the 2013 World Airport Awards from Skytrax.

 

Changi Airport, Singapore

This airport, among the most modern and prestigious in the world, is regularly named among the world's most pleasant places to catch a flight. This year, it was even named "Airport of the Year 2013" in the World Airport Awards, awarded based on the votes of international travelers. In terms of shopping, the airport has over 300 boutiques, including something for every budget.

 

- AFP Relaxnews, December 25, 2013.

[Mohd Suhaimi Fariz 2]

I wonder what's the no-show rates at these shopping havens - surely there must be many cases of passengers missing their flights because they were distracted by the shopping.

[Mike P 0]

I wonder what's the no-show rates at these shopping havens - surely there must be many cases of passengers missing their flights because they were distracted by the shopping.

 

I tend to agree... a single largest terminal like BKK is not good at all. Can't imagine a flight delay becoz a passenger was shopping at the very last end and forgetting about the boarding and the gate was at the other last end...

[Robert 0]

considering the huge affection for shopping in Malaysia I feel that KLIA was poorly designed in this area.

[Suzanne Goh 0]

 

I tend to agree... a single largest terminal like BKK is not good at all. Can't imagine a flight delay becoz a passenger was shopping at the very last end and forgetting about the boarding and the gate was at the other last end...

 

My beef with BKK is the vast selection* of operators there. It's basically all run by King Power... and is not cheap. When you've got a monopoly....

 

 

 

 

* note sarcasm

[Waiping 12]

considering the huge affection for shopping in Malaysia I feel that KLIA was poorly designed in this area.

 

In Malaysia the standard design is to hush you away asap. That explain the lack of facilities at the airport. I have stayed overnight at HKIA and Changi and really those places are anything but boring. At KLIA or worst, LCCT, prepare yourself for a long night.

[Mohd Azizul Ramli 2]

I wonder what's the no-show rates at these shopping havens - surely there must be many cases of passengers missing their flights because they were distracted by the shopping.

 

I missed a flight once (EK to DXB) at KUL in 2008 due to some last minute shopping. I recalled looking for some unique souvenirs that well represent Malaysia (which ended up with a few boxes of Arch wooden framed models of wau bulan and a traditional kampung house) only to be stunned of being booted out of the flight and was shown the way to recollect my check-in baggage. It made me appreciate MH better because EK unfortunately does not subscribe to the 'final call to Mr. Azizul please proceed to Gate C17 for boarding' type of announcement at KUL. In review of the incident, I conclude that it was my own fault for somehow losing track of the time while searching for the perfect gifts but things happened for a reason. So far my one and only experience of such kind.

[Radzi 2]

I wonder what's the no-show rates at these shopping havens - surely there must be many cases of passengers missing their flights because they were distracted by the shopping.

A female relative of mine missed her flight due to shopping years ago. And that was only at T3 SZB.

[Johan Z 0]

Recently, my friend who is a travel agent had someone who paid $750 for D7 flight to KUL. But he missed the flight due to the last minute shopping at ADL. Since he had to be in KUL on that day (for connecting flight/meeting), my friend had to put him on MH J class (economy was full) departing later that day. So, at the end he had to pay $4000+ for MH flight. Very costly shopping trip.