Seattle Sea-Tac Airport:
There's good coffee galore in the Seattle airport, but also a few surprising shopping gems.
Butter London Nail Salon: Most random--yet awesome--airport shop ever? Get a mani or pedi ($20-$25) with some of Butter's signature sparkly colors while you're waiting, and pick up some polish while you're there--the brand is hard to find anywhere except online here in the US. They even do eyebrow waxing.
Chicago: O'Hare International Airport:
There's not a ton of awesome shopping at O'Hare (surprising, for such a big hub), but we picked out the absolute must-dos.
San Francisco:
Surprisingly, SFO beats out Los Angeles' LAX for quality of shopping (so much so that we couldn't find one store worth highlighting at LAX). From a few crunchy Northern California gems to trendy fast fashion, you can definitely drop a few bucks here.
• Destination Green: Very San Francisco-esque, everything here is recycled, sustainable, or earth friendly. They even sell redwood seedlings.
• The Fickle Bag: This outpost of a Berkeley-based handbag shop sells inexpensive, trendy bags and accessories.
• Ghirardelli: Sure you can get Ghirardelli anywhere these days, but why not grab some dark chocolate or peppermint bark in the chocolate brand's home town?
• Kiehl's: Stop in and grab some moisturizer and the famous Lip Balm #1 before your flight dries you out.
• Mango: So random, yet so awesome that this is in the airport. Pick up some fast fashion from the Spanish chain.
• SF Museum of Modern Art Store: The usual assortment of museum shop merch.
Extra Cash to Burn?: • Burberry • Gucci • Coach
Orlando:
You never even have to leave the airport to get the experience of all the Orlando tourist attractions--there are Disney stores, a Universal Studios stores, and even a Kennedy Space Center gift shop (bring your dad home some of that dried astronaut food.) The other retail options tend to run to the cheesier/flashier side. But sometimes that's OK.
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Houston Intercontinental Airport: Houston's offerings aren't too bad--and besides it's way too hot to go outside there anyway.
• Space Trader: NASA-inspired stuff. More astronaut meals, and we bet you can find those glow-in-the-dark stars to stick on your ceiling.
• Proactiv: Usually you need to order products from this cult-fave acne brand online, but for some reason, you can buy them right here in the Houston airport. Are Houston travelers more acne-prone? Either way, stock up.
• Stelzig: The Houston-based company started as a saddle-maker in the 1870's, and now makes Western wear and boots. Very Isabel Marant. Kinda.
• Bass Pro Shops: Still clinging to that hair feather trend from last year? The prices on fly fishing feathers have probably come back down. Or maybe you need some hip waders or a flannel shirt--get the authentic versions here.
Washington DC Dulles:
There's not a ton of shopping here, but you can find some unique things.
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Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport:
Travelers in Atlanta apparently like to shop, because there are lots of options beyond the ubiquitous Brookstone here.
Beauty: • Beauty Lounge/Lancome • MAC Cosmetics: You don't see freestanding MAC stores very many places, let alone in an airport. Stock up on their latest must-have collab collection (because they're all sell-outs). • Kiehl’s • Body Shop
Upscale Mall: • Coach • DKNY • Emporio Armani • Zegna • Lacoste • Salvatore Ferragamo • Sean John • Swarovski • Tommy Hilfiger
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Denver International Airport:
Denver has some surprisingly quirky shopping options.
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Boston Logan International Airport:
Logan has the usual airport shopping, with the addition of two beloved New England outposts.
• Black Dog: What started out as touristy t-shirts from the popular Black Dog Tavern is now a full-on lifestyle brand--everything has an outdoorsy, nautical (and dog-friendly) feel.
• Vineyard Vines: A haven for prepster style, plus hands-down the cutest totes around.
