Duty free rip-off warning as customers face paying hundreds of pounds more

Travellers who buy from duty free shops at airports are being ripped off and should look online instead, a new study suggests.

Research by PriceSpy shows that 74% of items are cheaper on the web, with consumers being able to save up to 14% by shopping online compared to at UK airports.

While duty free shops have a reputation for offering cut price goods including perfumes and large bottles of spirits, the research claims this is no longer a reality.

In a review of 324 products in duty free stores across three UK airports and seven product categories, it was found that people could save 14% by shopping online for perfume, make-up, sunglasses, toiletries, watches, skincare, and electronics.

Shoppers may not be getting the best deals in airports (Getty Images)

Manchester, Birmingham and London Heathrow were the airports examined.

The biggest savings could be found when buying glasses, with items bought online generally costing 20% less.

Ray-Ban RB3025 Aviators are £121.65 duty free and £75.50 online, meaning a 37.9% saving for those who shop on the web.

Toiletries were 18% cheaper, including a Huge boss Bottle deodorant stick which would set you back £18.50 duty free, but online costs £10.95.

It's worth noting that buying online entails delivery costs, which are around £4 for the Ray-Bans.

Items tend to be cheaper online, the research shows (Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

Category	Average price duty free in £	Average price on PriceSpy in £	Average saving in £	Average % of savings
Perfume	£78.86	£71.28	£7.58	12%
Make-up	£26.51	£22.46	£4.05	14%
Sunglasses	£49.09	£36.13	£5.95	16%
Watches	£145.64	£119.24	£26.40	4%
Toiletries	£26.95	£21.88	£5.08	18%
Electronics	£69.90	£66.71	£3.19	15%
Averages	£7.10	14%

PriceSpy is a price comparison website which lists more than six thousand shops and duty free websites for London Heathrow, Manchester, and Birmingham airports.

Liisa Matinvesi-Bassett, country manager UK at PriceSpy, said: “There has long been a myth that when travelling abroad, duty free can offer the best price on luxury items.

"Whilst many are becoming aware that this is not the case, it is interesting to see proof that duty free doesn’t necessarily offer the best prices.

“Our research highlights people really need to do their price due diligence, to make sure this is actually the case. We at PriceSpy urge those going away to think about what they need to avoid any last-minute purchases at the airport.

"It’s been a tough few years and we’re so glad that people can go away once more, but by being savvy with your money you can make your holiday extra special with a little extra spending.”