A former flight attendant shares her secrets: what not to spend money on at the airport
An experienced flight attendant shared her thoughts on how to save money while at the airport. She talked about the popular 10 things you can pay less for.
She shared her secrets in a Business Insider article. At the top of her list is an upgrade.
She noted that she recommends buying an economy class ticket and upgrading to business class at the airport.
"As soon as you buy an economy class seat, you may start receiving email offers to upgrade your ticket but don't rush. Wait until you get to the airport and ask for an upgrade at the counter or gate," the article says.
According to her experience, the boarding agent may upgrade you to business class at no extra cost or offer an additional fee. But the price will still be lower than when you buy business class online.
She recommended arriving early and being very polite to the airport staff.
The second most common mistake is buying bottled water at the airport. You should not buy water at the airport, as it will be much more expensive. Instead, it is suggested that you bring an empty bottle and get water from a water fountain.
This also applies to food at the airport. According to the stewardess, people are afraid to bring food through security, but it's a great way to save money by bringing a sandwich. In addition, there are even restaurants and shops in front of the checkpoint that advertise TSA-approved products.
To save your own money, it is also recommended to freeze liquids to avoid bag checks. If you have an important liquid weighing more than 3 ounces, you can freeze it and it will pass through the security scanner as a solid.
Don't rush to buy goods in airport shops. These outlets sometimes offer more expensive items than online. Also, do not rush to buy from catalogs offered on board the plane, as prices are much higher.
To save money on a ticket, there are some tips for passengers. For example, the best day to buy tickets is on Tuesday or Wednesday, as prices drop after the weekend. Thus, if the date allows you, it is better to check ticket prices on different days.
The expert also notes an increase in prices for onboard snacks. It is better to bring your food on the plane than to spend money on small portions of food at an inflated price.
Take a taxi to the airport. This tip will help you save a lot of money because drivers often do not know the high cost of parking at the airport. For example, in New York, the cost of airport parking can be up to $70 per day. If you have the time, another good option is to book a cheaper parking lot near the airport and take a shuttle to the terminal.
Do not use currency exchange at the airport. Very often, passengers landing in other countries use the services right in the building. But the airport is the worst place to exchange money if you want to get a good rate. Sometimes it's cheaper to take a taxi into town and go to a local bank.
Don't forget about the benefits of a loyalty program. By staying a customer of one airline, you can have a bonus card where you accumulate your miles. With different bonuses, you can also have free baggage check-in, upgrades, and access to lounges with free food and drinks.
