Avoid Overspending at the Airport
This post may contain Affiliate Links
After spending out on both your flights and holiday it can feel like the airport is designed to make you spend even more money. As we often spend a few hours there before jumping on our flights, the temptation to spend money can be overwhelming.
However, there are a few things you can do to make sure you aren’t tempted to shell out while still enjoying a relaxing start to your holiday.
How To Avoid Overspending at the Airport
When trying to avoid spending money my advice is usually to leave credit and debit cards at home – however, if you’re off on holiday this isn’t going to be possible.
If you’re really worried you’ll be tempted to buy things, budget for them ahead of time so you don’t end up with post-holiday regret.
You could even start the savings before getting to the airport by comparing airport transfers online. Prebooking your ride will be a lot cheaper than using a taxi on the day.
1. Choosing the right luggage
One of the first ways people often get stung at the airport is either by exceeding their luggage allowance and having to pay more or by bringing the wrong size hand luggage.
While some airlines are stricter than others, if you’re a frequent flyer it’s worth investing some decent scales so you can check and double-check weights before you fly. Most airlines have comprehensive guides on the sizes for hand luggage too so it’s worth familiarizing yourself with these before you fly.
If you’re travelling with any type of equipment flight cases are a must to ensure it’s properly protected during the flight. This could be anything from musical instruments to fine wine. Don’t forget to make sure these items are adequately insured too.
2. Buy Books Before You Go
While browsing the books in WHSmith may seem like an enjoyable way to while away an hour before your flight, if you find something you love you’ll more than likely to be tempted to buy it – even if it’s just for something to do while you wait.
Buying books at the airport is one of the most expensive ways to buy them as they are nearly always full price.
I always try to buy books second-hand, but if it’s a recent thriller you’re looking for the supermarkets are probably your best bet as books usually retail at around £4 or are sometimes on offer at two for £7. Being a bit organized and ordering a few from Amazon before you go is also a great way to save.
3. Book An Airport Lounge
Booking an airport lounge my seem like the expensive option, but when you look into it there are often special offers which make them well worth the money.
When we went to the USA a few years ago we booked a lounge which included unlimited breakfast items and free drinks – these alone made it worth the price but it was also blissfully quiet, had a games room for children, loads of comfy chairs and magazines to read.
It also kept all of us away from the shops!
4. Compare Prices at Duty-Free
While duty-free used to be the best place to get a discount on certain items. Nowadays highstreet stores often compare pretty favourably on perfumes and cosmetics. The only real bargains to be had are on cigarettes and alcohol and even then it’s worth comparing prices with your local supermarket – either before you leave home or on the go or with an app like mySupermarket.
5. Look for Sales
Airport shopping isn’t all bad news though. Some shops do have sales and pretty decent ones too. Some of the cheapest items I’ve ever bought from FatFace were purchased at their store at Gatwick Airport while waiting for our flight to Las Vegas where we went on our honeymoon.
6. Buy Foreign Currency Ahead Of Time
The airport is by far the most expensive place to buy currency so my advice is to avoid doing this at all costs. Ordering online, travel agents, supermarkets and the Post Office will all offer a much better exchange rate than the airport, so make organizing this a priority before you jet off.
