Airports: Headphone Haven Or Expensive Trap?

Forgetting your headphones before a long flight can be frustrating, and you might be tempted to buy a new pair at the airport. However, purchasing headphones at the airport is generally not a good idea as they tend to be significantly overpriced. According to Lindsay Sakraida, director of content marketing with the shopping comparison website DealNews, electronics are around 34% more expensive at airports compared to online prices. This can translate to a price difference of $10 to $15 for small gadgets and up to $180 for items like cameras. Therefore, it is recommended to come prepared and bring your own headphones or purchase them before arriving at the airport.

Headphones at airports are marked up by up to 34%

Forgetting your headphones when travelling can be frustrating, and you may be tempted to buy a new pair at the airport. However, it is important to note that airports mark up the prices of headphones and other electronics by up to 34%. This means that you could end up paying significantly more for headphones at the airport than you would if you had bought them elsewhere.

Lindsay Sakraida, director of content marketing with the shopping comparison website DealNews, stated that "electronics purchased at the airport will cost you significantly more than if you had bought them ahead of time". She also noted that their research showed electronics are, on average, 34% more expensive at airports than online prices. This could translate to paying an extra £10-£15 for small gadgets and up to £180 more for items like cameras.

For example, a pair of Beats Studio wireless headphones available at a Best Buy kiosk in an airport for $379.99 were priced at $299 at a regular Best Buy store and $269 on Amazon.com. This is a significant price difference, and it shows how much prices can be marked up at airports.

Therefore, if you need to buy headphones, it is advisable to purchase them before arriving at the airport or wait until you reach your destination, where you will likely find more competitive prices.

Additionally, if you are looking to save money, it is recommended to bring at least two pairs of headphones or electronics, packing one in your checked bag and the other in your carry-on. That way, you will always have a backup, reducing the likelihood of needing to make a purchase at the airport.

You can save money by buying headphones on the plane

Forgetting your headphones before boarding a flight can be frustrating. However, buying a new pair at the airport can be expensive. Airports tend to charge higher prices for goods and services, and electronics are no exception.

The high cost of airport electronics

Electronics purchased at the airport are significantly more expensive than those bought elsewhere. Lindsay Sakraida, director of content marketing at the shopping comparison website DealNews, states that "electronics are, on average, 34% more expensive at the airport than online." This can translate to a price difference of $10 to $15 for small gadgets and up to $180 for items like cameras.

The convenience factor

The high prices at airports are often justified by the convenience they offer to travellers. If you forgot to bring your headphones or are facing a long layover, you might be willing to pay a premium for a new pair rather than going without during your flight. In such cases, buying headphones at the airport may be a necessary, albeit costly, option.

A better alternative

If you're looking to save money, it's best to purchase headphones before your trip or on the plane. Flight attendants recommend buying headphones directly from the airline, as they often sell earbuds at much lower prices, typically ranging from $2 to $5. This way, you can avoid paying inflated prices at the airport while still enjoying your in-flight entertainment.

Plan ahead

To avoid the hassle and expense of buying headphones at the airport, it's always a good idea to plan ahead. Remember to pack your headphones and any other essential electronics in your carry-on luggage. If you're travelling with checked baggage, consider packing a second pair of headphones or earbuds as a backup. This way, you'll have peace of mind and won't be forced to pay high prices for last-minute purchases at the airport.

Best Buy airport kiosks offer a price-match guarantee

If you're in a bind and need to buy headphones at the airport, you might be worried about being overcharged. However, Best Buy airport kiosks offer a price-match guarantee, meaning that you can take any product you buy at the airport kiosk and get it for the best price on the market, as long as you're willing to do a little extra legwork.

Firstly, Best Buy's Price Match Guarantee means that anything you buy at the airport kiosk can be refunded if the same item is sold for less at a Best Buy store. For example, Beats Studio wireless headphones are available at the Best Buy kiosk for $379.99. At a Best Buy store, they cost $299. So, if you took your receipt and the headphones to a Best Buy store, you could get a refund of $80.

But it gets even better. The Price Match Guarantee also includes other retailers, including Amazon.com. In the case of the Beats Studio headphones, Amazon was selling them for $269. To get that price, all you need to do is show a Best Buy cashier your receipt and the webpage that states the headphones are sold by Amazon and are available for shipping. This trick works for any major vendor.

So, if you're worried about being overcharged at an airport kiosk, remember that you can always take advantage of Best Buy's Price Match Guarantee to get the best price on the market. You just need to be willing to put in a little extra effort after your purchase.

Headphones are cheaper at non-airport stores and online

Forgetting your headphones when travelling can be frustrating, and you may be tempted to buy a new pair at the airport. However, headphones are significantly cheaper at non-airport stores and online.

Airports are known for selling goods at inflated prices, and electronics are no exception. Research by DealNews shows that electronics are, on average, 34% more expensive at the airport than online. This can amount to a price difference of $10 to $15 for smaller items, and up to 50% more for chargers. For example, a pair of Beats Studio wireless headphones at an airport kiosk cost $379.99, while the same headphones were priced at $299 at a regular Best Buy store and $269 on Amazon.

If you are in a bind and need to purchase headphones at the airport, there is a way to take advantage of the price difference. Best Buy kiosks at airports offer a price-match guarantee. This means that if you return the product to a regular Best Buy store within the normal return period, and the product is being sold for less, Best Buy will refund you the difference.

To save money, it is best to come prepared and only buy things if you really need them. If possible, bring spare headphones or chargers with you when travelling, and pack one set in your checked bag and another in your carry-on. That way, you will always have a backup and won't be forced to pay premium prices at the airport.

Additionally, if you are not in a rush, consider waiting until you reach your destination to buy what you need. Many stores and gas stations sell simple items like chargers or earbuds at much more affordable prices than airports. By avoiding buying headphones at the airport, you can save a significant amount of money and make your travel experience more enjoyable and stress-free.

You can avoid buying headphones at the airport by packing spares

It's a common scenario: you're at the airport, about to board your flight, when you realise you've forgotten your headphones. Or maybe your flight is delayed, and you're facing a long layover with nothing to entertain you. In these situations, it can be tempting to buy a pair of headphones from one of the airport stores. However, this is rarely a good idea.

Headphones sold at the airport are often significantly more expensive than those purchased elsewhere. In fact, electronics at airports can be up to 34% more expensive than online prices, according to Lindsay Sakraida, director of content marketing with the shopping comparison website DealNews. This can translate to paying an extra $10 to $15 for small gadgets, and up to $180 more for items like cameras.

So, how can you avoid buying headphones at the airport? The simple answer is to pack spare headphones. By taking a pair of headphones with you, you eliminate the need to purchase a new set at the airport. Here are some tips to ensure you always have a pair of headphones on hand when travelling:

• Pack your headphones in your carry-on bag: This may seem obvious, but it's easy to forget to pack your headphones, especially if you're in a hurry. Make it a habit to always pack your headphones in your carry-on bag, so they're easily accessible during your flight.
• Bring an extra pair: If you have the space, consider bringing an extra pair of headphones in your checked luggage. That way, if your original pair gets lost or damaged, you have a backup.
• Keep a cheap pair in your luggage: If you're worried about losing or damaging your expensive headphones while travelling, consider keeping a cheap pair in your luggage as a backup. That way, you won't be tempted to buy a new pair at the airport, and you'll still have something to use during your trip.
• Plan ahead: Before your trip, check that your headphones are in good working condition and that you have all the necessary accessories, like charging cables and adapters. This will reduce the likelihood of being caught off guard by a malfunctioning device.

By following these simple tips, you can avoid the hassle and expense of buying headphones at the airport. So, the next time you're packing for a trip, remember to include a pair of spare headphones, and you'll be prepared for whatever travel surprises come your way.

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