Luckily for me (but unfortunately for WH Smith & Boots etc), the only items I might buy at an airport are newspapers or books, both of which are VAT exempt anyway. Alas, Mrs Seafire however, like a previous poster, invariably and suddenly finds something she "needs" to export to warmer climes.
Little wonder that companies of all sizes and colours call the UK "Treasure Island"!
Incidentally, does anyone know the consequences of simply refusing to proffer a boarding card? Even perhaps by tendering the exact purchase price? Although apparently WH Smith are now saying boarding cards are requested, but never demanded.