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It is possible to buy earphones at the airport, but they are likely to be more expensive than buying them online or outside of the airport. Prices at the airport can be up to 34% more expensive than online, and as much as $110 more expensive for a particular set of headphones. However, if you are in a bind, it may be worth checking out the Best Buy kiosk, which offers a price-match guarantee, or InMotion, which carries a range of headphone brands such as Apple, Sony, and Bose.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Availability | Earphones can be purchased at airport stores, vending machines, and on the plane |
| Brands | iBuds, Bose, Shure, Ultimate Ears, Sony, Panasonic, Philips, Apple AirPods, Sennheiser, Cowon, JAYS, Grado, Alessandro, Koss, Yuin, Sansa, Beats Studio, B&O |
| Price | Electronics at airports are, on average, 34% more expensive than online |
| Best option | Buy from the airline instead of the airport |
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What You'll Learn
Where to buy earphones at the airport
If you're in need of earphones at the airport, you have a few options, although it's worth noting that electronics at airports are typically much more expensive than online or elsewhere. Flight attendants recommend buying earphones on the plane, as they are often sold by flight attendants for a much cheaper price.
However, if you need to buy earphones at the airport, you can try the airport bookstore, or, for a better deal, head to the airport's Best Buy kiosk, where you can take advantage of the company's price-match guarantee. That means if you return the product to a Best Buy store within the normal return period and the product is being sold for less, Best Buy will refund you the difference.
You can also try InMotion, the largest airport electronics retailer, which has locations across the United States, including in Baltimore, Philadelphia, San Diego, and Las Vegas. InMotion carries a selection of Apple accessories, including AirPods, Apple lightning charging cables, and earbuds, as well as headphones from Sony, Bose, and more.
Depending on the airport, you may also be able to find vending machines with high-end IEMs, or stores with options from brands like iBuds, Bose, Sennheiser, Sony, Panasonic, and Philips.
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Earphone options at specific airports
If you're in need of earphones at the airport, you're in luck—several airports have stores that sell them. However, it's worth noting that electronics at airports are typically marked up, so you may end up paying more than you would online or at a regular store.
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
LAX has a store called InMotion Entertainment, which stocks Shure and Ultimate Ears lines. iBuds are also available at LAX, but they may be marked up to around $80.
Incheon International Airport
Incheon International Airport in South Korea offers a selection of cheaper Sennheisers, both normal and noise-cancelling. They also carry B&O earbuds and previously stocked Bose and Sony.
Ben Gurion Airport, Israel
Ben Gurion Airport in Israel offers a range of options, including Sennheiser, iCrud, Creative, and lower-end Shures.
Barajas Airport, Spain
At Barajas Airport in Spain, you can find iBuds, Bose, low-range Sennheiser, and a range of low-end options from Sony, Panasonic, and Philips.
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport has a vending machine with high-end IEMs, some costing over $500.
Baltimore Airport
Baltimore Airport has an InMotion store, which offers a range of electronic products and accessories.
Philadelphia International Airport
Philadelphia International Airport, Terminal C, also has an InMotion store, where you can purchase Apple earbuds, iPhone adapters, and other Apple accessories.
If you're looking to save money, consider heading to a Best Buy kiosk, which offers a price-match guarantee on purchases.
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Price comparisons of airport earphones
If you're in a hurry and need to buy earphones at the airport, you may be faced with a hefty price markup. Electronics at the airport are, on average, 34% more expensive than online, so it pays to do some research before you buy.
For example, a pair of Beats Studio wireless headphones were available at the Best Buy airport kiosk for $379.99. At a regular Best Buy store, the same headphones cost $299, and on Amazon.com, they cost $269. That's $80 cheaper than the airport kiosk price and $110 cheaper than the airport Best Buy price.
If you're looking for cheaper options, you may find iBuds at Barajas Airport in Spain or Ben Gurion Airport in Israel for around $80. Atlanta Hartfield-Jackson Airport has a vending machine with high-end IEMs for $500+, and Incheon Airport carries cheaper Sennheisers, both normal and noise-cancelling.
If you do end up buying earphones at the airport, remember that Best Buy offers a price-match guarantee. If you find the same product for less elsewhere, you can return it to a Best Buy store within the normal return period, and they will refund you the difference. This guarantee also includes other retailers, such as Amazon.com.
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Buying earphones on the plane
If you're in a bind and need to buy earphones at the airport, you may be able to find some at the airport's bookstore, but be warned: electronics are typically one of the worst things to buy at airports as they are, on average, 34% more expensive than online. Flight attendants recommend buying snacks and skincare products from duty-free shops, but advise against buying tech items, neck pillows, bottled water, souvenirs, and alcohol at the airport.
However, if you're already past security and on the plane, you may be in luck. Some airlines sell earbuds during the flight, which a flight attendant says is "much cheaper than purchasing [them] from the airport." Prices can be as low as $2 to $5.
If you're looking to buy before your flight, your best bet is to find a Best Buy kiosk in the airport, which offers a price-match guarantee. That means if you return the product to a Best Buy store within the normal return period and the product is being sold for less, Best Buy will refund you the difference.
In the US, you can also try InMotion, which carries a selection of Apple accessories like AirPods, Apple lightning charging cables, and adapters, as well as other headphone brands like Sony and Bose.
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Other airport purchases
While you can buy almost anything at an airport, some items are a better purchase than others. If you're looking for earphones, you may want to wait until you're on the plane. Flight attendants often sell earbuds at a much cheaper price than those found in airport stores.
Snacks
Snacks from the airport shops can be a good value, especially compared to the prices at airport restaurants, which are known for being high.
Books
Take advantage of the hidden perk of buying books at the airport. You can pick up the latest paperback novel or a romance book to read on the plane.
Duty-free skincare products
If you're obsessed with skincare, buying products at an international airport is a must. Items from duty-free shops are exempt from local import taxes, value-added taxes, and other fees. This means you can get luxury skincare items for a lower price than you would normally pay. Plus, when visiting a new country, you can buy products that are specific to that region.
Souvenirs
If you've forgotten to buy souvenirs, the airport is the perfect place to pick up some last-minute gifts for your friends and family. You can find a variety of items, such as t-shirts, novelty magnets, shot glasses, and other local wares.
It's important to note that while airports offer a wide range of products, some items are typically overpriced and should be avoided. These include bottled water, alcohol, neck pillows, and tech items like headphones. If you need to purchase any of these items, it's best to wait until you're outside of the airport or on the plane, where you may find better deals.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can buy earphones at the airport.
You can buy earphones at the airport's Best Buy kiosk or at InMotion stores.
Buying items from duty-free shops at the airport means you won't have to pay taxes on them, and there may be a wider selection than what you can find at home.
Electronics at the airport are typically much more expensive than online or elsewhere. Flight attendants recommend buying earphones on the plane, which can be as cheap as $2 to $5.
Brands of earphones that can be found at airports include iBuds, Bose, Sony, Shure, Ultimate Ears, Philips, and Apple AirPods.
