You have booked your trip and your excursions, shopped for a few travel outfits, and now you are ready to hit the airport for some much-needed vacation relaxation. But what happens if you spend a considerable chunk of your budget before leaving the tarmac?
Here are some elements of the airport that can cost you, and a few valuable ways to save.
Parking is a real budget gobbler. At the time of this article’s publication, pre-paying for a week of parking at DFW Airport’s terminal parking saved sixty dollars.
A better option would be to arrive early and opt for a parking spot at the north end of the airport. Pre-paying for a week of parking at a parking lot a mile away from the airport only ran fifty-four dollars at press time.
It may seem a little costly for a round-trip ride, but using a ride-share service is another alternative to parking at the airport, and you won’t have to pay for parking for the entire duration of your trip.
Of course, the most cost-effective option (provided that it is actually an option) is having a friend or family member drop you off at the airport.
Another massive chunk of an airport budget goes toward baggage fees.
Packing light and weighing your luggage before checking it ensures you won’t pay extra for overweight luggage. Pre-paying for your baggage, taking advantage of airlines’ offers, or using a credit card with travel perks that include checking bags for free is better for your pocketbook.
While we’re talking about money, if you are traveling internationally, avoid doing your currency exchanging at the airport where you will end up paying through the nose for convenience. Protrav.com suggests exchanging a small amount of money at your bank then going to an ATM once you get to your destination.
Bring your reusable water bottle to fill up at the filtered water stations that can be found at most airports. Purchasing water bottles at stores within the airport can be quite costly with as much as a five-dollar markup. You can always get a cup once you board the plane for free if you forget.
Many people lose money before getting through airport security by packing full-size items in their carry-ons and having the restricted items confiscated by the TSA. You can keep yourself from having to buy replacements at your destination by packing small amounts of any TSA-approved liquid in a 3.4-ounce or smaller container (inside a quart-size plastic resealable bag).
You can still leave the full-size items in your checked baggage, but packing travel-sized versions of things like toiletries in your carry-on can keep them more easily accessible when you land, or even come in handy as backup in the event your luggage gets rerouted or lost.
Finally, as tempting as it may be, if you really want to save money, do not do any shopping at the airport. We get it, you have a layover, and you need something to occupy your time; however, shopping at the airport will cost you, and if you still want an item after you get to your destination, you’d be better off to purchase it outside of the airport.
One last piece of money-saving advice, for when you’re on the plane: if you want to work during your flight, take screenshots of your work or any online information you may need to avoid paying for in-flight internet. If having to work is not an issue, bring headphones so you can take advantage of the free in-flight entertainment. Another option is to bring a book — yes, an actual book.