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There are several places to buy airport-sized things. Many airports offer duty-free shopping, where you can find exclusive deals on items such as perfumes, cosmetics, skincare, magazines, newspapers, and even limited-edition items from luxury brands. Some airports also have vending machines that sell travel-sized items such as cosmetics, personal protective equipment (PPE), electronics, and food. If you're looking for something unique, you can try shopping for unclaimed baggage contents, which are often sold at deep discounts. These can be found at stores or online, and offer a treasure hunt-like experience. Additionally, certain items confiscated by airport security, such as knives or electronics, may be auctioned off in bulk by government agencies.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Items | Books, clothes, electronics, iPads, jewelry, perfumes, pet supplies, sports equipment, unclaimed baggage, duty-free items, etc. |
| Places | Unclaimed Baggage store in Scottsboro, Alabama, GovDeals, Amazon, duty-free specialty stores, etc. |
| Buying process | Bidding, auction, online, in-store, etc. |
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What You'll Learn
Duty-free shops
If you're a smoker, buying cigarettes at duty-free prices can save you money, especially if you live in a country that adds extra taxes to tobacco products. Alcoholic beverages are also typically cheaper at duty-free shops. Rum in the Caribbean, Scotch, and wine from France, Spain, Italy, Argentina, and Israel are usually great scores.
Perfumes and fragrances are often sold at duty-free shops at competitive prices, especially the latest releases that may not yet be discounted at regular retail shops. You can also find unique miniature travel-sized perfumes or limited-edition gift sets. Makeup is another item that is often sold at reduced prices at duty-free shops, and you can often find colours or shades that may not be available in your home country.
Some duty-free shops also offer exclusive products that can only be purchased at these locations, so they are worth checking out. You can even reserve items online before you travel and then collect and pay for them at the airport.
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Vending machines
Food and Beverage Vending Machines
Food and beverage vending machines are the most common type found in airports. These machines typically offer a range of snacks and drinks, including classic options such as chips, candy, and soda, as well as healthier alternatives like granola bars, fruit cups, and bottled water. Some airports even have vending machines that dispense fresh food items like sandwiches, salads, and hot coffee, providing travellers with convenient and nutritious options.
Electronics and Accessories Vending Machines
Another popular type of airport vending machine caters to travellers who may have forgotten essential electronic items or need last-minute tech purchases. These machines offer a range of electronics and accessories, including headphones, chargers, power banks, and portable speakers. Some machines even sell smartphones and tablets and Apple products like AirPods and iPods. For travellers with unlocked smartphones, vending machines selling SIM cards are a convenient way to stay connected while travelling.
Health and Wellness Vending Machines
With a growing focus on health and wellness, some airports have introduced vending machines dedicated to wellness products. These machines offer items such as vitamins, supplements, energy bars, and protein shakes. Additionally, vending machines that provide feminine hygiene products and baby care essentials like diapers, wipes, and rash cream are also available at some airports.
Clothing and Accessories Vending Machines
A more unusual but increasingly popular type of airport vending machine offers clothing and accessories. For example, Uniqlo has installed vending machines at several airports, offering a seasonal collection of clothing for men and women, including down jackets, thermal tops, and t-shirts. At Atlanta International Airport, travellers can find the Automatic Apparel vending machine, selling items like t-shirts, socks, underwear, and even ballet flats for last-minute wardrobe emergencies.
Souvenirs and Gifts Vending Machines
Airport gift shops can often be crowded and overwhelming, so vending machines offering small souvenirs and unique gifts from the destination can be a great alternative. These machines typically stock items such as key chains, magnets, locally crafted items, and other mementos, providing travellers with a stress-free way to purchase souvenirs.
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Websites selling confiscated items
While the TSA does confiscate thousands of items from passengers every day, the items are rarely truly "confiscated". Passengers are given several options to either check in prohibited items, hand them off to a non-travelling companion, return them to their vehicle, or mail them to their destination. If a passenger chooses to surrender the item, it becomes government property, and the TSA does not profit from its sale. Instead, the items are sent to the closest state agency for surplus property, where they are either sold online or in thrift stores, often in bulk.
One such website is GovDeals, a "liquidity services marketplace" that sells a wide range of products, including those that fall under the "Confiscated/Forfeited/Personal Property" category. The website features items such as knives, multitools, electronics, and camping utensils. Another similar website is Public Surplus.
In addition to online auctions, some states host live auctions and sales, which are a mix between an estate auction and a flea market. These events allow buyers to show up and peruse items in person. To find out where confiscated items are being sold, individuals can contact their state department for specific information.
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Unclaimed baggage stores
The store offers a wide variety of items, from clothing and designer goods to books, electronics, and even unique vintage pieces. One visitor to the store recounted finding a Kindle Paperwhite for just $7 in the bargain section. In addition to the main retail building, there is also a bargain section with similar goods at lower prices. The store also has a cafe that offers a range of food and drink options.
Unclaimed Baggage has purchasing agreements with domestic airlines and other travel companies, allowing them to acquire unclaimed items after an extensive three-month search period. During this time, if the bag's owner cannot be located, the bag is deemed orphaned, a fate that occurs in less than 0.03% of all checked luggage. The workers at Unclaimed Baggage then determine whether the contents of these bags are eligible for resale, repurposing, or recycling.
While the Scottsboro location is the most well-known, there are also online options for those who want to shop for unclaimed items from the comfort of their homes. Websites dedicated to government surplus auctions offer a range of items confiscated by the TSA, including electronics, jewellery, and even knives, although these purchases typically need to be made in bulk.
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Airport exclusives
For instance, makeup and skincare brands often create exclusive travel-size or sample packs that are perfect for trialling new products without committing to full-sized bottles. Airports also offer a wide range of fragrances, including unique miniature travel-sized perfumes and limited-edition gift sets.
Some airports, like Singapore Changi Airport, offer signature scents in the form of essential oils and candles, providing shoppers with a unique memento of their trip. Additionally, duty-free shops are known for offering exclusive deals on designer goods, such as handbags and trench coats, especially when purchased close to their manufacturing locations.
Vending machines at airports also provide a convenient way to shop for items like PPE, electronics, and even freshly cooked meals. For those with a sweet tooth, some airports offer vending machines with single-serve ice cream cups and ice cream sandwiches.
Lastly, for those seeking unique finds, it is possible to purchase abandoned luggage at certain airports, offering the thrill of discovering discounted treasures.
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Frequently asked questions
You can buy airport-sized items, such as travel-sized perfumes, cosmetics, and skincare, directly from duty-free shops at the airport.
Duty-free shops are stores located in airports where you can purchase items without paying certain local or national taxes.
Duty-free shops typically offer a range of products, including perfumes, cosmetics, skincare, makeup, magazines, newspapers, clothing, handbags, watches, sunglasses, and alcohol.
Yes, there are duty-free specialty stores located outside of airports where you can also find exclusive deals.
You can find airport-sized items at vending machines in airports, which sell products such as cosmetics, headphones, personal protective equipment (PPE), and even cooked meals. Additionally, you can purchase items from lost or confiscated luggage at certain locations or online.
