My Favourite Airport Hack - How to Save Money and Earn Points with Boots Click & Collect at the Airport: Thursday Travel Tips
- Helena
- 6h
- 4 min read
Welcome back to Thursday Travel Tips – the weekly series where we share insider tricks to help you travel smarter, save money, and maximise your rewards.
Today we’re focusing on a travel hack that many I swear by but most casual travellers completely overlook: Boots Click & Collect at the airport.
It’s a simple switch that allows you to save money, pick up full-sized toiletries after security, and even earn Avios or Virgin Points on your order.
If you’ve ever grimaced at the inflated price of sun cream airside, struggled with the 100ml liquid limit, or wished you could earn points on your last-minute travel shopping, this one’s for you.
The Problem with Shopping Airside
Boots is a staple of UK airports. From toothpaste to travel-sized deodorant, it’s often the first stop for passengers after clearing security. But what most travellers forget is that prices airside are usually higher than in your local high street store.
Those “holiday essentials” can add up quickly, especially if you’re buying items like skincare, sunscreen, or over-the-counter medicines. And if you’re travelling with hand luggage only, you’re forced to buy travel minis because of the liquids restriction.
It’s convenient, yes, but you’re paying a premium for it.
Why Boots Click & Collect at the Airport is a Game-Changer
Here’s why savvy travellers are switching to Boots Click & Collect:
1. Pay Normal High Street Prices
This is the biggie. When you pre-order online, you’re charged the regular Boots.com price, not the inflated airport rate. That means real savings on everything from luxury beauty brands to everyday toiletries.
2. Earn Travel Points on Your Purchase
Instead of heading straight to Boots at the airport, a few days before your flight, log into the Avios eStore or Virgin Atlantic Shops Away portal first. From there, click through to Boots, make your purchase via click and collect, and you’ll collect Avios or Virgin Points on your order. This works the same way as shopping online for clothes or electronics, except you’re buying travel essentials you probably needed anyway.
It’s a small change that helps you build your balance towards flights, upgrades, or even hotel stays.
3. Beat the 100ml Liquids Rule
One of the biggest frustrations of flying with hand luggage only is the strict 100ml liquids restriction. Your favourite shampoo, cleanser, or moisturiser often doesn’t come in travel sizes, leaving you stuck with overpriced minis or decanting into fiddly bottles.
Boots Click & Collect neatly sidesteps this. You can order full-sized liquids online and pick them up airside, once you’ve cleared security. That means you can travel lighter, skip the liquid bag shuffle, and still bring exactly what you need.
4. Stress-Free Travel Preparation
Click & Collect is also about peace of mind. Instead of rushing around the high street the day before your flight, you can place your order online in advance and know it’ll be waiting for you at the airport. One less thing to worry about.
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How to Use Boots Airport Click & Collect
Getting started is straightforward:
Go to the Avios E-Store (our guide is here!) or Virgin Shops Away (our guide is here!), log in and search for Boots.
Head on over to Boots.com and add your items to your basket.
At checkout, choose Click & Collect and select your departure airport (not all terminals are covered, so check ahead) and please remember to select "Airside"/ "After Security".
Place your order at least 5 days before you fly, just to be safe.
On the day of travel, head to the Boots store after security with your order confirmation and collect your items.
It really is that simple.
How to Save Money and Earn Points with Boots Click & Collect at the Airport
– Stack your rewards: Always shop through the Avios eStore or Virgin Shops Away to collect travel points in addition to your Boots Advantage Card points.
– Order travel exclusives: Some Boots airport stores stock exclusive products and larger pack sizes. Ordering ahead means you don’t miss out.
– Check terminal availability: Not every Boots at every airport participates, so double-check before relying on this hack.
– Plan ahead for family travel: Sunscreen, nappies, baby formula – these can all be ordered in advance, saving you both money and space in your luggage.
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Why This Travel Hack is Worth Using
Boots Click & Collect at the airport combines three of the things travellers value most: savings, rewards, and convenience. You get the products you want at the right price, earn points towards your next holiday, and avoid the restrictions of hand luggage travel.
For frequent flyers, the savings can quickly add up, especially when combined with points from Avios or Virgin Atlantic Shops Away. Even for occasional travellers, it’s a simple way to make the journey smoother and cheaper.
Final Thoughts
Sometimes the best travel hacks are hiding in plain sight. Boots Click & Collect at the airport is one of those small changes that can have a big impact on your trip. By planning ahead, you’ll pay less, earn more, and travel with less stress.
Next time you’re booking a flight, take five minutes to place a Boots order through your favourite rewards portal. It could be the difference between paying over the odds and arriving at your destination with extra points in your account.
Until next week, happy travels and happy earning.
Helena
Points Well Made is a passion project of Sam and Helena with a loyal following. If you like what we do, and wish to help us continue to create the content you love, please consider buying us a Kofi, or subscribing monthly. Your help is greatly appreciated. Thank you.
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