Travel

Arlanda shopping trick—offensive

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Stockholm airport Arlanda shopping: This is the way to the gates and lounge right after security at Stockholm's Arlanda airport. For years, the exit has been blocked by luggage carts.
This is the way to the gates and lounge right after security at Stockholm’s Arlanda airport. For years, the exit has been blocked by luggage carts.

Like shopping? Like to be forced into shopping? Ever feel like boycotting a store because of the arrogant manner shown towards its customers?

Arlanda shopping trick—offensive!

Like to take the loooooong way around? Stockholm’s Arlanda Airport uses luggage carts to blockade the quick way—the desirable way—to the gates. After security we used to be able to take a quick left and get promptly to the lounge, or to the gates. Now (actually it’s been this way for some years), the way is blocked and we’re forced to make the long trek through the store. Only to then turn left and backtrack outside the shop all the way back to where we started.

Stockholm airport Arlanda shopping: Forced to walk through the whole store because the handy exit at left is blocked with trolleys.
Forced to walk through the whole store because the handy exit at left is blocked with trolleys.

It’s presumtuous and insulting. They don’t know if my feet hurt. They don’t know if I’m late. They don’t know if I’m desperate for ten extra minutes of internet before my flight. Or a quick meal. Or a bathroom.

I’d like to organize 50 people to clear security with me. We’d each take a luggage cart and park it elsewhere, clearing the way to avoid the massive so-called “duty-free” store and allowing us to use the most efficient exit.

We travelers should have the choice.

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  2. says: Rob Bower

    If you are traveling with kids, why not let them loose in the store. They can pick up the toys and sweets, and maybe mess up a couple of the carefully stacked displays. The shop staff can have no valid reason to complain, as families with children are forced to take the route through the store, and handling kids and a lot of baggage is not easy. Im not sure on Swedish law, but if a kid damaged anything, i don’t see that the parents could be held liable if there was not an option to avoid the route through the shop.

  5. says: Dianne

    Your post really strikes a sore spot with me. The Sydney airport is the same way, I couldn’t even find my way out to the gates, I had to ask a store clerk where the exit was. Maddening. I never, ever buy anything in an airport duty-free shop. Why should I be forced into the store. Grrrrr.