Do airlines know what I'm buying in the airport?

Airlines and airports generally do not have direct access to detailed information about what individual passengers are buying in airport shops. Here are some key points to consider:

Airport Retail Data

Airport retailers, rather than airlines, collect data on purchases made in their stores. This data can include information on what items are being bought, but it is typically used by the retailers themselves to optimize their offerings and improve customer experience2.

Boarding Pass and VAT

When you are asked to show your boarding pass at airport shops, it is usually for the purpose of claiming VAT exemptions for international travelers. This practice is more related to the retailer's need to verify your travel status rather than sharing this information with the airline3.

Travel Data Analytics

Airlines do collect and analyze various types of travel data, such as booking, ticketing, and flight information, to enhance the passenger experience and optimize their operations. However, this data does not typically include details of purchases made in airport shops. Instead, it focuses on travel patterns, booking trends, and other aspects of the passenger journey14.

In summary, while airlines have access to a wide range of travel-related data, they do not typically know what specific items you are buying in airport shops. This information is generally retained by the retailers themselves.