Travellers set for duty-free 'frenzy'

Millions of British holidaymakers look set to spend £50 each on average on duty-free goods this month, according to new research.

The survey by flight information provider Streamthru.com showed that the looming May bank holidays will prompt 33.5 million people to splash out on perfume, cigarettes and other items at airports across the UK.

Over half of those surveyed said that they usually spend up to £50 each just before take-off, while five per cent stated that they have missed flights in the passed as a result of becoming too immersed in their duty-free shopping.

Female air passengers were found to spend the most on duty-free goods - mainly opting for make-up and fragrances - while electrical products were preferred by male respondents. The poll also discovered that UK adults take an average of three flights every year.

"The month of May is a real peak time for travel in the UK, with the two bank holidays providing extra opportunity for Brits to get away," commented Mike Atherton, managing director of Mantic Point, the firm behind Streamthru.com.

He added: "What has been most surprising from these results has been not only the range of items people are buying, but also the fact that some will actually spend more in the airports than when they are away."

Travellers looking to buy duty-free goods at airport stores such as World Duty Free can get extra savings if they are flying outside of the EU.

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