Is duty-free in airport worth it?

The answer is: sometimes. The savings you reap from duty-free shopping depend largely on what you're buying and where you're buying it. Bear in mind in many cases that you're not necessarily paying lower prices at the duty-free shop than you would pay for liquor or tobacco at any shop outside the airport.



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The truth is, for a lot of products, there isn't always much difference between duty-free and the prices you can get at home — especially if you're prepared to hunt online. The key differentials are tobacco and alcohol, which are both usually taxed heavily and therefore can be bought for a lot less at the airport.

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Import, value-added and sales taxes – aka duty – are imposed on imported and exported products. A duty-free shop, therefore, sells things without adding those taxes to the price. You'll find duty-free shops in international airports, cruise ships and areas where tourists congregate.

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Duty Free Purchases No matter how bulky or numerous your duty-free items, it's totally fine to bring them onto the plane with you in addition to your other luggage. And in some cases, if you purchase alcohol, you won't even receive your duty-free bag until right as you board.

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You Can Shop Duty-Free On Arrival Some countries allow arriving international travelers to use duty-free shops before leaving the airport, but the U.S. does not. Returning U.S. travelers can buy duty-free only at foreign departure airports.

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Duty-free stores are an enticing perk of international travel. These retail businesses sell merchandise that is exempt from duties and taxes with the understanding they will be taken out of the country for use. Many popular duty-free items found in airport shops include liquor, chocolate, and perfume.

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If you open it at the gate or onboard, airline staff will confiscate your purchase, empty the liquor or perfume and throw out your candy or tobacco. Your goods will meet the same fate if you show up at your final destination and a customs agent sees that you've opened the bag or its contents.

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Here are a few tips to help you save money while getting through the airport:
  1. Plan your travel to and from the airport beforehand. Don't wait to think about how you get to and from the airport. ...
  2. Pack light to save on baggage fees. ...
  3. Be realistic about spending on food and concessions. ...
  4. Be prepared for flight cancellations.


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You are allowed to bring a quart-sized bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes through the checkpoint. These are limited to 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less per item. This is also known as the 3-1-1 liquids rule.

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What is considered a personal item bag varies from airline to airline, but a small purse, briefcase and laptop bag are always considered personal items. Backpacks, totes, and crossbody bags are typically considered personal items too. The key to remember is it must be able to fit underneath the seat in front of you.

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Many airlines will allow you to bring a carry-on bag and personal item for free. However, some airlines may only allow a personal item that fits under your seat for free. Anything larger (e.g. a bag that's too big to fit under the seat but can fit into the overhead compartment) may require extra payment.

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To be eligible for duty free shopping, you must:
Be leaving the United States (usually for more than 48 hours). Take the items with you into another country (As required by U.S. law, you will receive your items as you exit the country, either as you get on the plane or as you drive across the border).

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