NYC vs LA Airport Duty-Free — My Honest Comparison

If you fly internationally even a few times a year, airport duty-free stops being exciting and starts becoming… familiar. I’ve passed through both New York and Los Angeles airports enough times to notice small differences—not huge ones, but the kind that stand out when you’re tired, jet-lagged, and killing time before boarding.

This isn’t a “best duty-free” guide. It’s just what I’ve noticed as a regular traveler.

New York: JFK (Mostly Terminal 4 & 5)

JFK duty-free does what it needs to do. You’ll find the usual lineup: perfumes, skincare sets, alcohol, chocolate boxes that scream “gift,” and a few travel-exclusive bundles. Nothing surprising, nothing terrible.

What I always notice at JFK is the pace. Even when I have time, it somehow feels like I don’t. People are power-walking, announcements are constant, and someone always seems to be rushing for a gate. Browsing becomes more like scanning.

One small but real detail: I’ve had more “oops, almost boarded without shopping” moments at JFK than anywhere else. Gates can be far, and once boarding starts, you feel pressure to move. That makes duty-free more of a quick stop than a relaxed wander.

Another thing: gift items sell out fast. Those boxed chocolate sets or popular perfume sizes? If you see something you want, don’t assume it’ll still be there after a lap around the terminal.

Los Angeles: LAX (Tom Bradley International Terminal)

LAX feels different the moment you walk into the international terminal. It’s more open, less frantic, and honestly easier on the brain when you’re already tired from travel.

I’ve spent time here late at night and early morning, and it’s one of the few airports where I don’t mind walking aimlessly. The duty-free stores blend more naturally into the terminal, so browsing feels optional, not forced.

One small but very real detail: seating and walking flow matter. At LAX, I’ve browsed duty-free, sat down for a few minutes, then gone back to look again—without feeling like I was in the way. That almost never happens for me at JFK.

Selection-wise, it’s similar to New York. The difference isn’t what’s sold, but how it feels to shop. If you’re waiting for a long-haul flight, LAX duty free shop just makes the wait feel shorter.

The “Is It Actually Cheaper?” Reality

Short answer: sometimes, but don’t count on it.

Duty-free isn’t magic anymore. By 2026, most travelers have price-checked things online before even leaving home. I treat airport shopping as convenience, not savings.

Where duty-free still makes sense:

Alcohol you don’t want to carry around the city

Perfume or cosmetics you already use

Last-minute gifts when you forgot to buy anything

Where it usually doesn’t:

Buying something new “just because it’s duty-free”

Stocking up on things you don’t normally use

Random Little Things Frequent Flyers Notice

At JFK, duty-free feels like part of the transit process. At LAX, it feels like part of the terminal experience.

LAX is better for browsing when you’re early; JFK is better for quick grabs when you’re late.

If you’re jet-lagged, LAX is easier to tolerate. JFK makes you more aware that you’re tired.

Neither airport is where I’ve found my best deals—but both have saved me when I needed a last-minute gift.

My Honest Take

If I had to choose, I’d give LAX a slight edge—not because it’s cheaper or better stocked, but because it’s more comfortable. JFK duty free shop is efficient and functional, but it always feels like you’re one announcement away from needing to move fast.

That said, airport duty-free shouldn’t be a highlight of your trip. Think of it as a small bonus: something to browse if you have time, something useful if you forgot something, and something to pass the minutes before boarding.

Final Thought

By now, duty-free shopping is less about deals and more about experience. Between New York and Los Angeles, the difference isn’t dramatic, but it’s noticeable if you fly often. LAX feels calmer and easier to explore; JFK feels faster and more transactional.

Neither is worth planning around—but both are worth a look if you’re already there, boarding pass in hand, waiting for the next flight.