8 Tips For Saving Money at the Airport
April 30, 2014As many of you know, I travel a lot for work. On one of my more recent trips, I was reminded of how expensive it can be when you are not prepared. This summer, I will be traveling with my family across country, and that means traveling through my local international airport. If your travel plans include a visit to your nearest international airport, consider these eight helpful money-saving tips.
1. Pack a meal for the flight
Whether it’s on the plane or at the airport, meals can get very expensive. Do yourself a favor and pack for the trip. My wife spoils me by packing a brown bag lunch before I go. The average lunch at the airport can cost upwards of $10, and a dinner may start at $20. For a family of six, that can really add up.
2. Bring an empty bottle and flavor packets
Trying to pass a bottle of water through a security checkpoint will get your hand slapped by TSA, but carrying an empty bottle won’t cause any problems. Most airports even have water fountains specifically designed to dispense water specifically for water bottles. When you consider the cost of a 20 oz. bottle of water can be $2.50 or more, filling up an empty bottle seems like a bargain. Oh, and if you don’t like the taste of water from a fountain, just cover it up with your favorite drink mix (again, no problems with TSA).
3. Buy rental car gas off site
If your travel plans include renting a car, you’re better off filling the gas tank before bringing it back. Some airports have gas stations on site, but these stations typically jack up the cost per gallon. Many rental car companies ask that you fill the tank within 10 miles of the airport, so use a resource like GasBuddy.com to map out cheap gas within the vicinity of the airport.
4. Look for hotels with a shuttle
Depending on your travel plans, you may be able to spend a night near the airport and save an extra day on your car rental. Websites like Hotwire.com let you look for deeply discounted hotel rooms near the airport, and it will let you know if the hotel provides a courtesy shuttle.
5. Pack carry on baggage only
Unless you are a preferred member, each bag you have to check could cost you $25 or more. Even if you have to check your bags at the gate, at least they won’t charge you a checked-bag fee. Depending on the length of your trip, it may be better to pack less and to bring a small box of laundry detergent (and a dryer sheet).
6. Bring your own entertainment
To save money, some airlines are charging for in-air entertainment, or they are getting rid of their entertainment equipment all together. Don’t pay $6 for a pay-per-view movie when you can rent blockbuster hits from Google Play or iTunes (or even Redbox) for a fraction of the cost.
7. Say ‘no’ to impulsive airline affinity cards
As you walk down the terminal you will most likely be accosted by an airline employee trying to get you to sign up for a miles reward card. Many of these cards have limited benefits, annual fees, and excessive interest rates. If you are interested in a credit card that offers frequent flyer miles, do your own research and make that decision in the comfort of your own home and not on impulse at the airport.
8. Avoid currency exchange
If you are flying out of the country and wish to convert your U.S. dollars into foreign currency, consider doing your exchange through your local bank, or better yet, plan on using your credit card overseas. Banks and credit card companies generally offer better exchange rates than those you’ll find at the foreign exchange booth at the airport.
Keep these tips in mind so that you spend less at the airport, and more at your final destination.