“Aside from a post check-in waiting time, layovers also provide a fantastic opportunity for duty free shopping. What better way to while away the hours than with some retail therapy? Some of the world’s best airports, such as Heathrow’s Terminal 5, even speed up this process by offering online shopping or pre-ordering, so all you have to do is collect on arrival. Treat yourself or a loved one to a pair of cut-price designer sunnies or some expensive perfume that doesn’t bear the high-street price tag,” says Nadine Hallak, Travel Expert for Cheapflights.co.uk.

“The airport is often a great place to find fantastic bargains on duty free products, such as alcohol, cosmetics and electronic goods”, adds Hallak.

Cheapflights.co.uk lists five of the world’s top airports for shopping:

Dubai International Airport
Do buy! Dubai International Airport is currently the world’s leading duty-free retailer. The Sheikh Rashid Terminal, also known as the Concourse, boasts 5,400 square metres of retail heaven, which is open 24/7. In the same way that Dubai is the perfect destination for holidaymakers seeking opulence and glitz, the airport is the place to purchase the very best in luxury goods such as jewellery and perfume.

Terminal 5 at London Heathrow Airport
Heathrow’s Terminal 5 is every shopaholic’s dream. Holidaymakers enjoy a top quality shopping experience, browsing the luxury stores, which include Cartier, Burberry, Tiffany & Co and Harrods, among other famous names. There is also a vast collection of high-street brands to choose from. This terminal even offers an online shopping experience where items can be collected upon departure or return.

Zurich Airport
Chocolate is the name of the game at Zurich airport – and there’s plenty of it! Zurich calls its shopping offering ‘paradise’ and it might well be. Travellers who check out the duty free discount in advance of their journey can pre-order alcohol, cosmetics and, of course, fine Swiss chocolates. Those who enjoy window-shopping can feast their eyes on the finest Swiss brands in the airport’s luxury boutiques. Flyers who purchase goods worth more than £170 can go through Fast Track security too - paradise indeed.

Amsterdam Airport Schiphol
‘See, buy, fly’ is the famous slogan at Schiphol’s airport. This airport is ideal for bargain hunters, as it works hard to maintain its position as a top shopping airport with hefty discounts and promotions such as buy two, get three. Skilful shoppers can check out offers online in advance of their journey to make sure they get their hands on the best discounts. Holidaymakers can buy Dutch memorabilia to take home including tulip-patterned clogs, music box windmills and, of course, delicious Gouda cheese.

Helsinki-Vantaa International Airport
Helsinki Airport is beautifully designed and offers an enjoyable shopping experience. Along with Gucci and Chanel, travellers can browse the products of Timanttiset, Finland's leading retailer of quality watches and jewellery. Holidaymakers can also shop for locally produced Finnish delicacies such as reindeer meat and caviar.