Readers tell their stories...
Cathy Noone, a reader from Midleton, in Co Cork, got in touch about Conor Pope’s article last week on airport prices
As seasoned travellers, a family of five, it never ceases to amaze us how much stuff people buy in airports, whether it be duty-free items or food. We all know the food is expensive, and often not great to boot, so it is always a good idea to take a snack with you. As for duty-free items, get on the internet and know your prices before you go.
Another tip: despite all the advice to buy sunscreen before you leave Ireland, don’t. You can buy the same item for less than half price when you land in your holiday destination. A 200ml of Garnier Ambre Solaire Light Silky costs €24.99 at our local Tesco, £12.99 (€14.75) at Boots in the UK and less than €12 in France, Spain and Italy.
As for water, since even before the restrictions on taking liquids through the security checks we have carried a sports-style water bottle each. We empty it before heading through security, then fill up on the other side, either in the bathrooms or at water dispensers. We have used this method all over Europe, and in Beijing, with no adverse effects. It might not be to everyone’s fancy, but it beats paying exorbitant prices for the same in a bottle with a label.
Airlines, airports and all their added charges are making travel very pricey, despite the lure of cheap flights, so we save every cent we can. If more people did this, maybe the penny (excuse the pun) would drop and prices would return to a reasonable level. Until they do I will be packing our sandwiches, water bottles and snacks.
Paul Kilduff, author of Ruinair , also e-mailed us about "Airport prices go from duty-free to sky-high"
In his insightful article on prices at Dublin airport, Conor Pope mentions that Boots’s offer of a sandwich, snack and a water for €3.99 is a “whole lot less than anywhere else at the airport”. In fact, an identical deal is on offer at Wrights of Howth, across the Street . Let’s support our Irish stores rather than plugging a giant UK high-street chain.