7 Ways to Save Money at the Airport
Posted on June 27th, 2011
There are few places more money-sucking than the airport. I mean, you’re pretty much held hostage once you pass though the security gates unless you relish standing in another long line and getting intimate with the friendly TSA agent yet again. If you don’t plan ahead, you can easily drop $100 at the various restaurants, gift shops and magazine kiosks. Here are just a few tips on how to minimize pre-plane costs so traveling this summer is more budget-friendly:
1. Bring an empty bottle. I just can’t abide by dropping $4 or $5 on a bottle of water. Most of it is repackaged from the tap anyway. But being thirsty isn’t a joy either. What to do? Just bring a canteen or thermos and fill it up at the drinking fountain.
2. Pack reading material you’ll really read. Don’t drag along that five pound Russian novel when you’d prefer a dentist’s office worth of People and and Vanity Fair. You know you’ll be heading over to the newsagent for some trashy reading, so ask a friend who subscribes to flight-friendly rags to donate a stack for your journey.
3. Get the first plane out of the gate. The longer you’re trapped at the airport, the more money you’re apt to spend on diversionary items. So if you can, book a flight for early in the morning. Statistically, there is less of a chance your plane will be delayed when it’s one of the first scheduled to leave the gate.
4. Bring snacks–lots and a large variety. Come on, that’s what that big purse is for. Drop in nuts, protein bars, apples, pretzels, mozzarella sticks…Even better, the TSA website says you can also bring up to three ounces of whipped cream and other gel like substances including spray cheese and pudding. Sounds like a party.
5. Lounge around. Many travel rewards credit cards offer admission into VIP lounges. These refined spaces offer complementary coffee coffee, soft drinks and light chow. If you’re a frequent traveler, you may consider upgrading your card to one that provides this service. After all, if you’re charging anyway, you may as well get the goodies.
6. Careful with the kids. Put your fingers in your ears and sing la la la la when they want to go to the shop that sells uber-expensive candy, magnets, souvenirs, books and games. It’s easy to calm rambunctious children with doodads, but these impulse items add up like mad. If you’re going to allow treats, buy them at the drugstore before you go and have them each pick out lightweight diversionary items from home.
7. Access free Wi-Fi. Some airports allow you plug into their wireless system at no charge–others don’t. Does this mean you have to pay? Nope. Download an app (such as Wi-Fi Finder) on your smart phone to hunt down free wireless hotspots in the airport.
As motivation to keep a grip on your wallet before boarding, remember that what you save at the airport will be better spent at your actual destination.
Erica Sandberg is the author of Expecting Money: The Essential Financial Plan for New and Growing Families, a columnist/reporter for CreditCards.com, and writer for the San Francisco Chronicle’s SFGate. Her articles and insight are featured in such publications as the Wall Street Journal, Redbook, MarketWatch, Forbes.com, and Smartmoney.com. Erica is the financial education director/co-host of the web program Change Starts at Home, and a frequent guest on ABC News, Forbes Video Network, Fox Business Network, Businessweek-TV, and National Business Report. Prior to freelancing, she was affiliated with Consumer Credit Counseling Service of San Francisco for over ten years.
Similar Posts:
- Free Starbucks Coffee April 15th
- No More Morning Fix? Coffee Prices Reach 13-Year High
- PerkStreet Financial: $50 sign up bonus for online checking account!
- San Francisco FCU with special cd interest rates of 2.20% APY for 16-month CD, 2.00% APY for 18-month term – Only Until the End of October
- IKEA FAMILY Free Rewards Program for Discounts at IKEA Stores
Tags: Airport
Filed under Bank Rates |