Jazmin Li
Spending time at the airport can be costly, but there are many ways to save money. From booking flights with flexible dates and bad layover times to sleeping in airports, to bringing your own food and drinks, there are various strategies to avoid spending unnecessarily. It's also important to be mindful of airport parking fees, which can be expensive, and to consider alternatives such as coupon websites or free parking for electric cars. Additionally, being a mystery shopper can provide free perks, and having the right luggage can save time and money.
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What You'll Learn
- Save on airport parking by using coupons or parking away from the terminal
- Bring your own food and drinks to avoid paying for expensive airport meals and bottled water
- Avoid shopping at the airport by bringing your own entertainment, snacks and toiletries
- Book indirect flights with long layovers and sleep in the airport to save on accommodation
- Be flexible with your travel dates and book in advance to find the best flight deals
Save on airport parking by using coupons or parking away from the terminal
One way to save money at the airport is to use coupons for airport parking or park away from the terminal.
Using coupons for airport parking
There are several websites that offer coupons for airport parking, such as Airport Parking Reservations and The Parking Spot. These coupons can be used to get discounts on parking at major airports in the US, including LAX, EWR, HOU, CLT, IAH, DFW, and SLC. Airport Parking Reservations offers coupons that can be used for specific airports, as well as special offers and discounts that are emailed to subscribers of their newsletter. The Parking Spot also has an app that can be used to find affordable short and long-term airport parking.
Parking away from the terminal
Short-term parking lots are typically located near the terminals and offer more convenience but at a higher price. Long-term parking lots, on the other hand, are usually located further away from the terminals and offer lower parking rates. For example, short-term parking at Orlando International (MCO) can cost $17 per day, while long-term parking at Houston George Bush Intercontinental (IAH) starts at $6 per day. Off-airport parking is an even better option for long-term parking, offering significant cost savings. Additionally, some hotels near the airport may offer shuttle services to and from the airport for a lower price than terminal parking.
Other tips for saving on airport parking
Other ways to save on airport parking include getting dropped off at the airport by a friend or family member, using ride-sharing services, or parking for free at a fixed-base operator if flying on a chartered or private plane. It is also worth considering using a credit card that offers rewards or cash back on parking charges, such as the Chase Sapphire Reserve, Chase Sapphire Preferred Card, or the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express.
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Bring your own food and drinks to avoid paying for expensive airport meals and bottled water
Spending time at the airport can often result in spending more money than you may have anticipated. One way to avoid this is by bringing your own food and drinks to the airport.
Firstly, it is important to stay hydrated while travelling. However, buying bottled water at the airport can be expensive. Instead, bring your own empty bottle and fill it up at a drinking fountain. An aluminium or stainless steel bottle will keep your water cold for longer and is less likely to get crushed or punctured in your bag. If you get tired of drinking plain water, bring along some powdered drink mix sticks to add flavour.
Similarly, airport dining options can be very expensive. A full restaurant meal can cost $30 or more. To avoid this, bring your own food. Focus on high-protein options to keep your energy up over long travel days. Small packs of nuts, nutrition bars, and string cheese are all easy, no-mess options. If you want to, you can even make sandwiches and wrap them carefully so they don’t get squashed in your bag.
Bringing your own food and drinks to the airport will help you save money that you can then spend at your destination.
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Avoid shopping at the airport by bringing your own entertainment, snacks and toiletries
Spending time at the airport can lead to spending more money than you may have planned. To avoid this, it is important to plan ahead and be prepared. One way to save money at the airport is to avoid shopping there by bringing your own entertainment, snacks, and toiletries.
Firstly, bring your own entertainment. Long hours at the airport can lead to boredom, which may cause you to spend money on books and magazines. Instead, load up your tablet or smartphone with books, TV shows, or movies. Remember to pack a fully charged portable charger in case you can't access an outlet.
Secondly, bring your own snacks. Airport food and drinks can be expensive. A restaurant meal can cost $30 or more, and a bottle of water can cost up to $5. To save money, bring your own food and drinks. Focus on high-protein, no-mess options like nuts, nutrition bars, and string cheese. If you're feeling motivated, make sandwiches and wrap them carefully. You can also bring your own empty water bottle and fill it up at a drinking fountain.
Lastly, bring your own toiletries. Basic toiletries like toothbrushes and hand sanitiser are available at the airport, but they tend to be overpriced. Pack your own toothbrush, toothpaste, wet wipes, tissues, hand sanitiser, and lotion in TSA-approved sizes to freshen up during your travels without breaking the bank.
By bringing your own entertainment, snacks, and toiletries, you can avoid unnecessary spending at the airport and stick to your budget. This way, you'll have more money to spend at your destination.
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Book indirect flights with long layovers and sleep in the airport to save on accommodation
Booking indirect flights with long layovers and sleeping in the airport can be a great way to save money on accommodation. While it may not be the most glamorous option, it can be a budget-friendly choice, especially when facing rising accommodation and flight costs. Here are some tips to make the most of this strategy:
Research your airports:
Before booking your flights, research the airports you'll be passing through. Some airports may close their secure areas overnight, making it challenging to sleep there. Websites like "Sleeping in Airports" offer valuable insights and advice from fellow travellers who have experienced sleepovers in airports. Utilize such resources to make informed decisions.
Plan for comfort:
Most airports are not designed for sleep. They tend to be loud, brightly lit, and chilly. Invest in a good travel pillow, such as the Trtl pillow, which offers neck support and warmth. Consider a lightweight sleep mask, such as the Blissy silk option, to block out light. If you have space in your luggage, pack a travel shawl, scarf, or blanket for added warmth.
Be considerate and mindful:
When choosing a spot to sleep, be considerate of your fellow travellers. Avoid taking up an entire row of seats at a busy gate or sprawling on the floor in the middle of a walkway. Comply with airport rules by keeping your luggage with you at all times. Loop the straps of your bag around your body or place your feet on top of your luggage to deter potential thieves.
Utilize airport lounges:
If you have a long layover and need a more comfortable space to rest, consider purchasing access to an airport lounge. These lounges often provide free food, beverages, and Wi-Fi. Some even offer places to nap, shower, exercise, or meditate. Check if your credit card provides access to airport lounges as a perk.
Prepare your own food:
Airport dining options can be expensive. Bring your own high-protein snacks like nuts, nutrition bars, or sandwiches to keep your energy up during long layovers. This will help you avoid spending a small fortune on airport food.
Stay hydrated:
Bring your own empty water bottle and fill it up at drinking fountains in the airport. This will save you money and ensure you stay hydrated throughout your journey.
Remember, while this strategy can save you money on accommodation, it may not be suitable for everyone. Be prepared for varying levels of comfort, and if possible, try to arrive well-rested to make your airport layover and sleepover more manageable.
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Be flexible with your travel dates and book in advance to find the best flight deals
Being flexible with your travel dates and booking in advance are key strategies for finding the best flight deals and saving money at the airport.
Firstly, flexibility is key when it comes to securing the best flight deals. This means being open to travelling on different dates and even destinations. Holiday weekends, for instance, are known to be some of the most expensive travel dates. By shifting your travel dates by just a few days, you can take advantage of lower prices. You can also use tools like Google Flights to check price histories and find the best booking window for your specific route.
Additionally, consider flying at less popular times, such as taking overnight or early-morning flights, as these are typically cheaper. If you can tolerate the inconvenience, booking a flight with a layover can also be more cost-effective than a non-stop flight.
When it comes to booking in advance, the ideal timeframe depends on your destination. For international flights, booking about four months in advance is often recommended, while for domestic flights, the sweet spot is usually around one to one-and-a-half months prior. Keep in mind that these guidelines may vary based on your specific route, so it's always a good idea to monitor prices and use price prediction tools.
To monitor prices, you can utilise websites like Google Flights, which provides a handy tracker that shows average rates and suggests when to book to save money. You can also use credit card tools, such as the Capital One travel portal, which offers price predictions and refunds if the price drops after booking.
By combining flexibility with advance planning, you can significantly increase your chances of finding the best flight deals and saving money on your travels.
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Frequently asked questions
The cost of food and drink at airports can be very high. To save money, bring your own food and drink. Focus on high-protein options like nuts, nutrition bars, and string cheese to keep your energy up. If you want something more filling, make sandwiches and wrap them carefully so they don't get squashed in your bag. Don't forget to bring an empty water bottle and fill it up at a drinking fountain to stay hydrated.
Airport parking fees can be expensive, especially for long-term parking. To save money, look for coupon websites that offer deals on local parking at your chosen airport. Short-term parking lots are usually located near the terminals and are more convenient but often more expensive. If you live in Hawaii and drive an electric car, you may be able to park for free.
Flight prices can vary significantly depending on demand. To get the best deals, be flexible with your travel dates and consider flying during the off-season or shoulder seasons when prices are typically lower. Use price alerts on websites like Google Flights to notify you when the fare you're looking for drops in price. Award travel is another great way to save money; consider using airline miles or credit card points to score discounted tickets.
Airport shopping can be tempting, but it's important to remember that prices are usually higher than outside the airport. To save money, bring your own entertainment like a fully charged tablet or smartphone loaded with books, movies, or TV shows. If you need basic toiletries, pack them in your carry-on instead of buying them at the airport.
