Airports aren’t just for flights—they’re a mini universe of sophisticated, glossy showrooms filled with designer bags, luxury watches, and gourmet treats that make you do a double-take at the price tag. One glance at the sticker, and suddenly your six-figure salary doesn’t feel so six-figure anymore. From meticulously arranged shelves to shiny labels, these stores are made to dazzle, and for many, they’re a humbling reminder that sometimes your paycheck isn’t as powerful as you think.
The discussion recently blew up online when an X user, Ray, shared his experience at an Airport. Despite earning over 50 LPA, he admitted he didn’t feel “rich and confident” enough to purchase from these high-end airport shops. Sharing pictures of the swanky stores, he revealed that even with a 50 LPA+ CTC, he didn’t feel rich or confident enough to make a purchase from the airport shops.
Netizens were quick to jump in. Many pointed out that 50 LPA doesn’t mean 4 lakh in-hand per month. Taxes and RSUs eat up a large chunk, leaving less disposable income than one might expect. One user pointed out that it would take earning 50 LPA or more for 4–5 years before such purchases stop making a significant dent in your wallet. Another added that airport luxury stores aren’t really aimed at the average Indian buyer, but rather people with generational wealth, foreign tourists, or those in transit who don’t track their monthly salary too closely.
Some even shared insider insights: a luxury bag store in Hyderabad reportedly sells only 3–4 bags per month. One commenter explained that these shops are aware that their sales will be low and exist mostly for the visual appeal and the overall experience. Others highlighted that while high salaries help you survive comfortably, building wealth and liquidity comes from entrepreneurship or smart investing. One commenter summed it up perfectly, saying that airport shops exist to remind us we’re not as rich as we think.
The discussion recently blew up online when an X user, Ray, shared his experience at an Airport. Despite earning over 50 LPA, he admitted he didn’t feel “rich and confident” enough to purchase from these high-end airport shops. Sharing pictures of the swanky stores, he revealed that even with a 50 LPA+ CTC, he didn’t feel rich or confident enough to make a purchase from the airport shops.
Even after 50LPA+ CTC, I don’t feel rich and confident enough to purchase from these Airport Shops 😓 pic.twitter.com/KdsLIT11jz
— Ray (@rayXtwt) October 4, 2025
Netizens were quick to jump in. Many pointed out that 50 LPA doesn’t mean 4 lakh in-hand per month. Taxes and RSUs eat up a large chunk, leaving less disposable income than one might expect. One user pointed out that it would take earning 50 LPA or more for 4–5 years before such purchases stop making a significant dent in your wallet. Another added that airport luxury stores aren’t really aimed at the average Indian buyer, but rather people with generational wealth, foreign tourists, or those in transit who don’t track their monthly salary too closely.
Some even shared insider insights: a luxury bag store in Hyderabad reportedly sells only 3–4 bags per month. One commenter explained that these shops are aware that their sales will be low and exist mostly for the visual appeal and the overall experience. Others highlighted that while high salaries help you survive comfortably, building wealth and liquidity comes from entrepreneurship or smart investing. One commenter summed it up perfectly, saying that airport shops exist to remind us we’re not as rich as we think.
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