Gate-side basics near T1 departures
This Relay in T1 sits airside in the main departures area, so you hit it after security on the way to Schengen and non‑Schengen gates. It’s the standard red Relay newsstand setup: magazines, Spanish and UK papers, paperbacks, snacks, drinks, plus last‑minute travel bits like adapters and USB cables. Think “top‑up stop” more than full shopping run.
Opening hours generally track T1’s morning wave, with shutters up by the first departures around 06:00 and closing after the late flights, often close to 22:00 in summer. Stock skews short‑haul: crisps, chocolate bars, bottled water, soft drinks, and a small fridge of grab‑and‑go items at everyday airport prices. Expect to pay around €1.50–€3 for snacks and €2–€3 for bottled drinks.
Relay also carries basic travel gear next to the till: neck pillows, padlocks, simple phone chargers, and EU plug adapters that run roughly €10–€20. Kids’ items show up too, mostly colouring books and small toys you can grab in under two minutes before boarding. Book choice is thinner than big‑hub airports, but you’ll usually spot a few English paperbacks and Spanish bestsellers.
Payment is easy: cards and contactless widely accepted, and prices in euros only, since ACE is a domestic Spanish airport despite the UK focus. Stock can look picked over on busy Saturday changeover days when the UK package flights bunch up. If you care about a specific magazine or book, buy on your first pass through T1 rather than waiting until your gate is called.