4 days ago
UK holidaymakers save on duty free by doing one thing before arriving at the airport
Arguably the best thing about visiting an airport is having a shopping trip at World Duty Free. With travel exclusives and significantly discounted perfumes, beauty products and alcohol, a bit of retail therapy truly is the perfect way to kick-start a holiday.
We've discovered a clever trick holidaymakers can do before arriving at the airport to get even more money off the already discounted goodies. Currently, World Duty Free customers can bag an extra 10% off their basket if they reserve their items online and collect them at the airport prior to travelling.
This offer allows shoppers to reap even greater savings on premium spirits, designer fragrances and luxury skincare, without the last-minute airport shopping stress. Instead, customers can peruse online, select their airport pick-up location and not part with a single penny until collecting the items before boarding.
As reported by the Manchester Evening News, one of the items included in the offer is the Johnnie Walker Black Label Triple Cask Edition Blended Scotch Whisky. The one-litre bottle, a travel retail exclusive, is priced at £38.59, but with the 10% saving, it drops to £34.73. A regular 70cl bottle of Johnnie Walker Black Label typically costs £35.38 at Asda, so to get an additional 30cl and a much more exclusive version of the beverage for less is ideal.
The Triple Cask edition, the third in the Black Label family, is characterised as 'sweet, fruity and spicy', and would make a fabulous holiday present for a loved one. It undergoes maturation in Whisky and Bourbon Oak casks before being finished in a Caribbean Rum Cask, which imparts its distinctive flavour profile with notes of brown sugar, toffee, orchard fruit, vanilla and a hint of smoke.
There's also a promotion on selected whiskies where customers can purchase two bottles for £45. This includes Chivas Regal's 12 Year Old Blended Scotch Whisky, which retails at £46.55 on the high street but is priced at £27.89 at World Duty Free. As part of this deal, shoppers can acquire two bottles for less than the cost of one full-priced bottle from the high street. The only drawback is that the 10% discount for Reserve and Collect cannot be combined with other offers like this one.
For travellers wanting to stock up on skincare products ahead of their holiday, the Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm 125ml is reduced from its RRP of £34 to £28.30, before the further 10% reduction brings it down to £25.47 at checkout when using Reserve and Collect. This lightweight cleansing balm effectively removes stubborn eye and face makeup, including those containing sunscreen. The best price we found elsewhere was at LookFantastic, where it's currently discounted by 21% to £26.95.
Savvy customers can snatch up to a 40% discount on fragrances at duty free, ideal for those looking for the perfect summery holiday scent. A bargain we've discovered is the Carolina Herrera's Good Girl Blush Elixir Eau de Parfum which is a steal at the airport for £85.30 for a 50ml bottle – normally retailing at £108 in Boots. World Duty Free shoppers who reserve it in advance can snap it up for £76.77.
For holidaymakers wanting to take advantage of this service, it's worth noting that purchases need to be made a minimum of 24 hours before going through security, hence it's not set for last-minute deciders. For those who currently don't have a trip planned, fear not, as Stena Line is currently promoting Duty-Free day excursions from Holyhead to Dublin, with prices starting at £10 per person. This gives travellers access to shop in their duty free haven, showcasing over 450 top-tier labels.
World Duty Free shoppers have been left impressed, with one reviewer commenting: "I had exceptional service today by a very knowledgeable young Lady Katie. There was a great range of products and she couldn't do enough for me. I would recommend this shop and will be using it again when I next travel."
Another chimed in with high praise: "The best thing about WDF was their helpful and friendly staff member Uzma M. Uzma exceeded expectations with assistance on purchasing souvenirs to pointing the way to my gate and reclining chairs. Without Uzma I would have departed without making a purchase. WDF sales and ratings can only go up with great role model staff members like her."
However, not all feedback for World Duty Free is glowing, as one customer pointed out: "Heathrow Terminal 2. Bought some UK gin at a reasonable price compared to US price. Unfortunately, they charged in US dollars with a 3% mark up - no one mentioned that it was going to be charged in US dollars and not GB pounds. Make sure you are charged in UK pounds as your credit card will save you a 3% mark up."
Yet another satisfied customer shared their experience: "I have wonderful experience provided by Sigita in Bristol airport. Very fabulous experience and very knowledgeable of perfume products. She is the great. Thanks a lot."
