Tax free Chanel Heathrow London Airport

Dear Chanel, why did you stop stocking iconic bags at Heathrow? You heartbreaker! The most favorite store for every Chanel shopper is the Chanel boutique in London Heathrow airport at Terminal 3. More about this later on. Located in the United Kingdom, near London, the Heathrow Airport is one of the most popular destinations to shop for designer handbags. Why? Because our favorite brands are located at the tax-free area. So why not shop Chanel, Hermes, Dior, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Prada at Heathrow airport.
Guide To Heathrow Airport Overview
 

VAT free is better than VAT refund

Europe is already famous for shopping high fashion goods, because theyโ€™re cheaper than most of the countries due to the VAT refund policy. However, if you apply for VAT refund, you need to pay a fee to the company that helps you process the application. But if you buy directly at Heathrow airport, the VAT will not be included in the price and thus you donโ€™t need to apply for tax-refund at all.

Price comparison Heathrow airport vs boutiques

To clarify what we mean by VAT free is better than a refund, we made a calculation between buying at Heathrow airport and at the boutiques. We took the current retail price of the Chanel Jumbo Classic Flap Bag, which is ยฃ4450 GBP (price as per June 2017). Then we create a calculation of Heathrow tax-free price and the price at the boutiques in the UK. Price Heathrow airport
Retail Price ยฃ4450 GBP
Airport Tax-free Prices ยฃ3708 GBP
  Price UK boutiques with VAT-refund
Retail Price ยฃ4450 GBP
VAT Refund -ยฃ623 GBP
Retail Price – VAT Refund ยฃ3827 GBP
  So the bag costs ยฃ3708 GBP at Heathrow and ยฃ3827 GBP after you get the VAT refund. โ€œBuying at Heathrow airport is less expensiveโ€ We took the Chanel bag as an example, but this is also an example for other designer brands like Louis Vuitton, Chloe, Hermes and so on. And it doesn’t matter what goods you buy, the prices at Heathrow airport for a brand-new items are cheaper than at the retail stores.

You can only buy VAT free if you leave the EU

Hereโ€™s the bad news, not everyone gets to buy VAT free at Heathrow airport. You get the VAT free prices only when youโ€™re about to leave Europe to another country. So Heathrow must be your final destination. But how can they know? The SA will ask for your flight ticket when you are the cashier. If youโ€™re qualified, they will offer you the goods without VAT and you can enjoy more discount. But if youโ€™re not flying outside Europe, then the SA will give the same price as at the boutiques in London. So the prices will be with VAT. And of course, you can apply for VAT refund later on.

Airports have limited stock

Buying at airport is a great experience, but there is short supply of space and a lot of shops. The location is not cheap as well, so the stores can only carry limited stock. Usually, you will find a lot of small accessories like wallets, but the bags can be limited. Since 2013, Chanel has announced that they will stop selling iconic handbags at Heathrow. There are six types of iconicโ€™s, which include the Chanel Classic Flap Bag, Chanel Reissue 2.55 Bag, and Chanel Classic Quilted Boy Bag. The WOCs, Mini Classic Bags as well as the Mini Reissue 2.55 Bags have all been spotted.

Shopping at Terminal 3

As you can see, there is lot of terminals. But if youโ€™re looking for the crรจme de la crรจme, go to terminal 3 (T3). Thatโ€™s where the boutiques are where you can find lot handbags. At terminal 3, make sure you get to level 1, the departure lounge. This entire section is Duty Free and there are numerous of boutiques, from Chanel, Gucci, Hermes, Louis Vuitton to Burberry and Mulberry.

T3 map: get to the departure lounge at level 1

Heathrow_t3-map Heathrow_t3-map-legenda
Source @Heathrow

T3 stores: after security

Bulgari Opening hours: 06:00 โ€“ 22:00 Tel: +44 (0)20 8757 1286 Burberry Opening hours: 06:00 โ€“ 22:00 Tel: +44 (0)20 8564 8125
Cartier Opening hours: 06:00 โ€“ 22:00 (in Harrods) Tel: +44 (0)20 8745 6000 Chanel Opening hours: 06:00 โ€“ 22:00 Tel: +44 (0)20 8754 1000
Gucci Opening hours: 06:00 โ€“ 22:00 Tel: +44 (0)20 8759 9159 Harrods Opening hours: 06:00 โ€“ 22:00 Tel: +44 (0)20 8745 5290
Hermes Opening hours: 06:00 โ€“ 22:00 Tel: +44 (0)20 8745 0179 Mulberry Opening hours: 06:00 โ€“ 22:00 Tel: +44 (0)20 8897 8399
MยทAยทC Cosmetics Opening hours: 06:00 โ€“ 22:00 Paul Smith Opening hours: 06:00 โ€“ 22:00 Tel: +44 (0)20 8990 9402
Salvatore Ferragamo Opening hours: 06:00 โ€“ 22:00 Tel: +44 (0)20 8745 5290 Smythson Opening hours: 06:00 โ€“ 22:00 Tel: +44 (0)208 745 0715

Shopping at Terminal 5

T5 is the next stop to go if you have the time. It has boutiques like Chanel, Chloe, Hermes, Saint Laurent and Louis Vuitton. These stores are located at level 2. If you want to go to Harrods, go to level 3 (after check-in).

T5 map: get to level 2

Heathrow_t5-map Heathrow_t5-map-legenda
Source @Heathrow

T5 stores: after security

Armani Collezioni Opening hours: 05:20 -22:00 Tel: +44 (0)20 8283 5095 Hugo Boss Opening hours: 05:20 – 22:00 (in Harrods) Tel: +44 (0)20 8283 5095
Bottega Veneta Opening hours: 05:30 – 22:00 Tel: +44 (0)20 8976 5260 Burberry Opening hours: 05:30 – 22:00 Tel: +44 (0)20 8283 8343
Cartier Opening hours: 05:30 โ€“ 22:00 Tel: +44 (0)20 8283 6072 Chanel Opening hours: 05.30 – 22.00 Tel: +44 (0)20 8283 7777
Chloe Opening hours: 05:20 -22:00 Tel: +44 (0)20 8283 5095 Dior Opening hours: 05:30 – 22:00
Gucci Opening hours: 05:30 โ€“ 22:00 Tel: +44 (0)20 8283 6333 Harrods Opening hours: 06:00 โ€“ 22:00 (B Gates) Tel: +44 (0)7500 101 699
Hermes Opening hours: 05:30 – 22:00 Tel: +44 (0)20 8283 6084 Longchamp Opening hours: 05:20 – 22:00 (in Harrods) Tel: +44 (0)20 8283 5095
Louis Vuitton Opening hours: 05:30 – 22:00 Tel: +44 (0)20 8283 6061 Mulberry Opening hours: 05:30 โ€“ 22:00 Tel: +44 (0)20 8283 6254
Prada Opening hours: 05:30 – 22:00 Tel: +44 (0)20 8283 6339 Rolex Opening hours: 05:30 – 22:00 Tel: +44 (0)20 8757 2115
Saint Laurent Opening hours: 05:20 – 22:00 +44 (0)20 8283 5095 Stella McCartney Opening hours: 05:20 -22:00 Tel: +44 (0)20 8283 5095
Tods Opening hours: 05:20 -22:00 Tel: +44 (0)20 8283 5095 Valentino Opening hours: 05:20 -22:00 Tel: +44 (0)20 8283 5095

Shopping at Terminal 2

The popular shops are located in Level 4.

T2 map: get to level 4

Heathrow_t2-map Heathrow_t2-map-legenda
Source @Heathrow

T2 stores: after security

Bottega Veneta Opening hours: 05:30 – 22:00 Tel: +44 (0)20 8976 7535 Bulgari Opening hours: 05:30 – 22:00 Tel: +44 (0)20 8976 7570
Hugo Boss Opening hours: 05:30 – 22:00 Tel: +44 (0)20 8564 8316 Burberry Opening hours: 05:30 – 22:00 Tel: +44 (0)20 8897 1167
Gucci Opening hours: 05:30 – 22:00 Tel: +44 (0)20 8976 7790 Harrods Opening hours: 05:30 โ€“ 22:00 Tel: +44 (0)20 8976 7756
Kurt Geiger Opening hours: 05:30 – 22:00 Tel: +44 (0)20 8564 8839 Micheal Kors Opening hours: 05:30 – 22:00 Tel: +44 (0)20 8976 7762
Mulberry Opening hours: 05:30 – 22:00 Tel: +44 (0)20 8976 7730 Paul Smith Opening hours: 05:30 – 22:00 Tel: +44 (0)20 8897 8447
Rolex Opening hours: 05:30 – 22:00 Tel: +44 (0)20 8976 7516 Smythson Opening hours: 05:30 – 22:00 Tel: +44 (0)20 8976 7577
Ted Bakers Opening hours: 05:30 – 22:00 Tel: +44 (0)20 8976 7590

Shopping at Terminal 4

The popular shops are located in level 2.

T4 map: get to level 2

Heathrow_t4-map Heathrow_t4-map-legenda
Source @Heathrow

T4 stores: after security

Hugo Boss Opening hours: 06:00 โ€“ 22:00 Tel: +44 (0)20 8897 1431 Bottega Veneta Opening hours: 06:00 – 22:00 Tel: +44 (0)20 8976 5260
Bulgari Opening hours: 06:00 โ€“ 22:00 Tel: +44 (0)20 8897 2373 Burberry Opening hours: 06:00 โ€“ 22:00 Tel: +44 (0)20 8897 9151
Cartier Opening hours: 05:30 – 22:00 Tel: +44 (0)20 8283 6072 Gucci Opening hours: 06:00 โ€“ 22:00 Tel: +44 (0)20 8754 1475
Harrods Opening hours: 05:30 – 22:00 Tel: +44 (0)20 8745 0353 Longchamp Opening hours: 05:30 – 22:00 (in Harrods) Tel: +44 (0)20 8745 6724
Mulberry Opening hours: 06:00 โ€“ 22:00 Tel: +44 (0)20 8897 7990 Rolex Opening hours: 06:00 โ€“ 22:00 Tel: +44 (0)20 8745 5145
Saint Laurent Opening hours: 06:00 – 22:00 Tel: +44 (0)20 8976 5280 Valentino Opening hours: 06:00 – 22:00 Tel: +44 (0)20 8757 4043
Versace Opening hours: 05:30 – 22:00 Tel: +44 (0)20 8745 0353

Travelling between terminals: travel time and transportation

From terminal 2 to terminalโ€ฆ

Terminal 3
  • You can walk via the pedestrian underpass
  • Estimated travel time: 10 minutes
Terminal 4
  • Take the free shuttle trains; there is a train in every 15 minutes
  • Estimated travel time: 20 minutes
Terminal 5
  • Take the express train; there is a train in every 15 minutes
  • Estimated travel time: 20 minutes

From terminal 3 to terminalโ€ฆ

Terminal 2
  • You can walk via pedestrian underpass
  • Estimated travel time: 10 minutes
Terminal 4
  • Free Take the free shuttle trains; there is a train in every 15 minutes
  • Estimated travel time: 20 minutes
Terminal 5
  • Take the express train; there is a train in every 15 minutes
  • Estimated travel time: 20 minutes

From terminal 4 to terminalโ€ฆ

Terminal 2 or 3
  • Free Take the free shuttle trains; there is a train in every 15 minutes
  • Estimated travel time: 20 minutes
Terminal 5
  • Take bus number 482 or 490 from Bus Stop 7, the destination is Heathrow Terminal 5. The transportation is free.
  • Estimated travel time: 20 minutes

From terminal 5 to terminalโ€ฆ

Terminal 2 or 3
  • Take the express train; there is a train in every 15 minutes
  • Estimated travel time: 20 minutes
Terminal 4
  • Take bus number 482 or 490 from Bus Stop 7, the destination is Pools on the Park. The transportation is free.
  • Estimated travel time: 20 minutes
COMMENTS
  • Mirian Tumolillo

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    June 21, 2021
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    June 20, 2021
  • Jacq

    REPLY

    Hi, since Brexit has happened, does that mean anyone flying out of Heathrow (UK in general) can purchase VAT free products? Or does flights to EU still not qualify for VAT free? Thanks!

    February 3, 2021
  • Ilona

    REPLY

    Hi, I am flying out within EU and want to know if I can buy LV bag with out VAT?
    Thanks

    September 8, 2020
  • Alessandra Maffei

    REPLY

    Hi,
    If I am a UK resident travelling to the US from Heathrow airport and staying in the US for around 10 days on holiday, am I still eligible for VAT free at the airport?

    Thanks!

    December 21, 2019
  • Kar

    REPLY

    Hi, 2019 comment lol, if you flying from Heathrow – US (going back home) and wanted to buy chanel at the heathrow airport is it going to be VAT free? Thanks !

    October 25, 2019
  • aggy

    REPLY

    Hello Alex,

    I am residing in Singapore , what would you suggest to buy chanel coco handle large as I am going to fly out from Heathrow Terminal 2 on 21 april.

    I am also going to go Paris via eurostar for daytrip a few days before.

    I have contacted Heathrow Personal Shopper but unsure if I can reserve due to stocks availability.

    What do you suggest to buy the bag? Is Heahthrow always cheaper? Heathrow is just so much less hassles.

    April 4, 2019
    • Alex

      REPLY

      Hi Aggy,

      Here’s what I would suggest:
      The Coco Handle Bag is one of the most wanted Chanel Bags. Heathrow doesn’t have as much stock as the normal boutiques. When you arrive in Paris and you find the Coco Handle Bag in your favorite color and size, just purchase it. You will regret if you don’t buy and Heathrow is sold-out or its not available.

      When you can’t find the Coco Handle Bag in your favorite style or you just can’t find it. You can try all Heathrow airport 48 hours in prior to check stock (or the Personal Shopper) and reserve.

      Heathrow is indeed less hassle and a bit cheaper because the VAT is not included in the price if you fly out from Heathrow airport. However, it has less stock.

      Keep us updated!

      April 6, 2019
  • synn

    REPLY

    Thank you for sharing this. I will keep this in mind for future LV shopping, keep updating.

    October 24, 2018
  • Jessica N Siah

    REPLY

    Hi, from your post, does that mean Chanel at Heathrow no longer carries the classic flap bag (size medium to be precise)? Thank you

    October 8, 2018
    • BMB

      REPLY

      Hi Jessica, there are classic bags available, but not the iconic’s like the Classic Flap Bag in Medium Size.

      October 8, 2018
  • S

    REPLY

    Hi, do Chanel in Heathrow stock the Deauville tote bag?

    July 26, 2018
  • Stine

    REPLY

    Thank you so much.
    Iโ€™m flying out of Heathrow to a country outside Europe. So you think i can buy it taxfree??
    Once again, thank you.

    July 10, 2018
  • Anonymous

    REPLY

    Heathrow is the cheapest to buy Chanel. This is VAT already taken out. However, if you are flying INTO Heathrow, you cannot buy forthe tax free price. IF you are flying OUT of heathrow you can. good luck!

    July 10, 2018
  • Stine

    REPLY

    Hi ๐Ÿ™‚
    In 2 weeks iโ€™m traveling to New York from Denmark but have a landing in Heathrow.
    I want to buy the Chanel boy bag, and want to know if itโ€™s more cheap to buy it in New York or Heathrow?
    I called the Chanel store in Heathrow and the price there is 2620 ยฃ. Is that before refund of VAT?
    Thank you so much for a lovely site ๐Ÿ™‚

    July 10, 2018
  • Zee

    REPLY

    Hi, I am travelling from terminal 4 in 2 weeks. Is there any way I can get a large chanel bag

    June 30, 2018

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