Big squeeze in the Big Apple

Hotels in New York have reportedly been full for the last month, with flights to the city very heavily booked, because so many Britons are flying there to buy their Christmas shopping. According to a report in today’s Daily Express, British shoppers are “flocking” to the Big Apple because of a very weak dollar that has led to bargains galore for those with pounds in their pockets. Indeed, the pound is at its highest level against the dollar for more than 10 years. A spokesman for Virgin Atlantic reportedly told the newspaper that there was “limited availability” on flights from London to New York, adding: “We sold out of discounted tickets ages ago and the ones that are left have gone up because of demand.” The newspaper compares prices of nine products, available on both sides of the Atlantic; not surprisingly, eight out of nine products are cheaper in New York than in London. Just one – ironically perhaps, the latest Sopranos DVD – costs more in New York.