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her_nextdoor
her_nextdoor (Rank: Juniorprofessor)

Has anyone noticed the profiteering that goes on at airports as a result of the anti-terror restrictions?

As you know, you are not allowed to take quantities of liquids greater than 100ml through customs etc etc. If you buy bottled water in the check-in lounge it costs around 50cents but once through customs and into the departure lounge it costs one Euro fifty. How many other products must be far more expensive due to the airports cashing in on our, so-called, 'safety measures'?

The providers are just as bad, on the way out the personal headset to watch the film was £1.50 and on the way bay £2.75. I'll do my best to avoid Thomas Cook in the future.

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Asked in flying on holiday, airport rip offs, stealth profiteering asked on: 06/24/2008 10:19am
closed on: 07/01/2008 10:19am

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20936
siasl74

siasl74

Rank: Albert Einstein (17,630)

5 minutes after the question was opened (06/24/2008 10:24am)

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When has this ever not been the case?

It's the same at motorway services - when you have a captive market, your prices go up. In the airport, they have the added bonus of being able to claim "Tax free", yet still charge similar to supermarket prices on things - i.e. they make an extra 17.5% profit.

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wumpus

wumpus

Rank: Nobel Prize Winner (6,161)

16 minutes after the question was opened (06/24/2008 10:34am)

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I'd noticed it too - the prices for bottled water in particular are a complete rip-off.


You don't need to buy the headset - if you plug in any headset from a personal stereo it will work, but only in one ear. That's adequate for the inflight movie.

But if you really need stereo, take 2 "earbud" style headsets.
You can plug one into each socket and still get stereo, using one bud from each pair. Earbud headsets are available for under a pound if you shop around.

Also, you can use the headsets bought on the outbound journey again and again.

Or just keep the adapter that comes with the headset in your hand luggage and use it with your normal headphones.

Supplement from 06/24/2008 10:37am:

The in-flight meals are a complete ripoff too.

Now that many operators charge for the meal as an extra, I always avoid them. £15 for a cruddy meal? I don't think so.

I can manage 3 hours without food thankyou very much.

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35682
flip77

flip77

Rank: Student (263)

4 hours after the question was opened (06/24/2008 01:32pm)

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Yes it is a bummer to pay for water. Coming from a Travel background let me give you a few tips.

Water. Is free in Britain. Dont buy it from the shops, go to one of the bars and order a round of ice cold glasses of water from any of the bars. They are not allowed to refuse you. Also remember to keep bottles of water in your main luggage ready for when you pick them up of the carousel for you to drink.

Headphones. Buy one set. keep them. I have used the same set for 9 years now.

Airline food. What you expecting???? 3 coarse gourmet dinner? Pay a couple of thousand more then!!! If not and you really dont want to pay for food then fly with Olympic/Oddessy. The meals are complimentary.

Just remember to have a big meal before you go to the airport. and you wont feel the need to pay £8 for a value meal from BK. lol

Anymore tips feel free to ask.

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37021
BobBibleman
BobBibleman

At Mosocw airport I had to take my shoes off and was 'patted down' (searched) by the female security, although I hadn't been while changing at Geneva. I was shocked and a bit disgusted! How can I ensure I get touched by women whilst travelling?