Travel can get expensive, and airlines seem to nickel and dime customers for almost everything. Fortunately, there are ways to save money at airports; you can stretch your dollar and make the most of your cash before you even board the plane. And what’s more, most of these airport money hacks are fairly simple and straightforward to employ. No shady, underhanded tactics required. All you need is a little creativity and a willingness to travel frugally.
It’s probably only a matter of time before the airlines introduce an ultra-cheap pricing option, strapping passengers to the wing or charging for the bathroom. Until then, you can still find ways to be economical – despite the multitude of fees and markups airport retailers charge. Now is the perfect time to learn tips for saving money at the airport.
1. Don’t Convert Your Currency At The Airport
Airports tend to have the highest currency exchange rates. When flying internationally, plan ahead and convert your currency far away from the airport. Banks, post offices, and American Express offices tend to have the best exchange prices, so hit one up to get more for your dollar.
2. Bring Snacks And An Empty Water Bottle From Home
Airport vendors charge substantially more for food and bottles of water, but you can easily bring your own from home. Make sure the water bottle is empty to appease TSA, then refill it once you pass security. Many airports even have water bottle refill stations.
Snack-wise, consider packing fruit, nuts, chips, or granola bars to tide you over until you reach your destination.
3. Pre-Check Your Bags Before Getting To The Airport
Some airlines charge passengers more for luggage checked at the airport than for luggage checked online. If you pre-check your bags online, you can save money and time. Just drop your suitcase and go!
4. Pre-Book Your Parking
Airport parking is almost always expensive. But if you absolutely need to drive yourself and park in an airport lot, pre-book your spot. Many airport lots charge drivers more at the facility than they do online.
Also, look for discount lots; the garages not officially affiliated with airports often charge less. They may be a bit further away, but they tend to offer shuttles to the terminal.
5. Bring Your Own Mini Booze
Airport bars know flyers have limited drink options while they’re waiting for flights; no wonder the drinks are so pricey. You can bring your own miniature bottles of alcohol to the airport, though, and save a good chunk of money.
The small bottles are just like the ones you get on the plane, and they’re available at nearly all liquor stores. TSA allows them through security, too; just be sure the bottles are 3 oz or less, and put your beverages in a quart-size resealable plastic bag.
6. Get An Extra Hour Of Wi-Fi
Many airports only offer a specific amount of free Wi-Fi. You may be able to hack the system, though. If, for instance, you only have 60 minutes of free browsing, set your computer clock back an hour when your initial 60 minutes have almost passed.
Using this little trick, you might score some extra time.
7. If You Plan To Request An Upgrade, Dress The Part
Flying first-class is a luxury only so many people can afford. If there are leftover first-class seats, though, passengers may be able to request one from a flight attendant. The catch? You have to look like you belong in first class.
One flight attendant said she upgrades passengers dressed “smart but understated… No jeans or trainers. [Women should wear] tight black trousers and a blazer or a dress. For men, chinos or trousers and a shirt..
8. Use A Shopping Bag As A Carryon
If an airline wants to charge you for additional carry-ons, you might want to consider a crafty strategy. Go to an airport retailer, ask for a large shopping bag, and stash all your items. Voila!
The gate agent will likely think you’ve just done some shopping.
9. Shop In The Duty-Free Stores
If you can’t help yourself and need to do some airport shopping, make sure to stop by the duty-free shops and compare prices. Some things are generally cheaper in duty-free stores and you can avoid local taxes.
10. Wear A Bulky Coat With Plenty Of Pockets
Several airlines charge passengers for carry-on luggage. To avoid this dilemma, wear a bulky coat with plenty of pockets. One passenger on the European discount airline Ryanair wore a jacket with 17 pockets, containing, among other things, his laptop, four shirts, two pairs of pants, a toothbrush, a cell phone, a camera, books, and a flashlight.
He didn’t break any rules or pay any additional costs. This method may not be particularly comfortable, though, so sticking to shorter flights might be a good idea.
11. Use A Friend’s T-Mobile Number For Free Texting
While flying with either Alaska, American, or Delta, T-Mobile users can take advantage of free in-flight texting. Don’t have a T-Mobile account? No problem. If a friend does have T-Mobile, borrow their phone number, then type that number into the in-flight internet login.
12. Wear Extra Luggage To Avoid Additional Weight Surcharges
Most airlines charge additional fees if your luggage exceeds a certain weight limit. To avoid this fee, wear some of your clothing items and reduce the weight in your suitcase. A typical man’s outfit weighs almost three pounds; a woman’s outfit is about two pounds.
So, if you double up on the shirts, sweaters, jackets, jeans, and socks, you can probably get your luggage weight under the limit – and avoid those pesky surcharges.
