Spend Less at the Airport

I’m traveling this week for a work/training thing. While I’m on the road, work picks up the tab…but not until I hit the ground in the out-of-town location. So, unless I’m careful, I could end up spending a bunch of money at the airport on the way out of town.

I thought I’d share a few of the things I did today to avoid overspending at the airport:

Eat Outside of the Airport – Today I picked up lunch on the way to the airport. Although it was fast food, it wasn’t fast food in the airport, which is way more expensive. Your best bet is to actually eat at home.

Bring a Few of My Own Snacks – Even if you eat a meal before you get to the airport, it’s easy to find yourself in the convenience shop, prior to take off, making a impulse buy. Thanks to Mrs. PT for making my snack pack today. If you have a nice bag of snacks brought from home you’re less temped to spend. Just make sure your snack pack doesn’t include liquids or gels.

Bring My Own Reading Material - Lastly, I brought a couple of books and a magazine for the flight. The books I got as a gift or from Half-Priced Books, and the magazine is through a subscription. Off the shelf magazines and books are temping at the airport, but way too expensive and not necessary. Consider visiting the library and picking up a few free books for your trip.

Every little bit of savings adds up, and airport prices are something frequent travelers should definitely try to avoid. I was able to do it successfully this time. If you’ve got any other savings tips while at the airport, please, let us know in the comments.

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Last Edited: March 30, 2009 @ 1:20 am

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Nate

I consider the airport to be the equivalent of the DMV. Try to get in and out as fast as possible. I agree though, cut costs anywhere you can. The little things truly do add up, if you save them:) Here is a great resource i use to save money. Maybe it will help you also. CheckingFinder is now offering a limited time offer of a trial membership to Dave Ramsey's MyTotalMoneyMakeover.com (Renown Personal Finance Advisor) for every person who submits an application.

here is an example of some nationwide bank rates

Rates with a * signifies this bank rate is available nationwide.

Florida Central Credit Union

6.01

First Robinson Savings Bank*

Connexus Credit Union*

5.15*

Keystone Bank*

Community Bank of Pleasant Hill*

5.01*

Three Rivers FCU

Union State Bank/Bank of Atchison*

Beacon Federal Credit Union

4.51

Communications Federal Credit Union*

4.25*

First New England Federal Credit Union

4.15

CT
Thanks/Nate

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TStrump

There's a bar at JFK where I had a drink and it came to $11!
I was shocked but still gave the guy a tip.
When I took a closer look at the receipt, the tips was already included!
I just smiled at the bartender ...

Cheapchick

I also am flying out tommorrow. Packed some used books for reading material and snacks for hubby. Additional things I do when travelling: Always pack tea, coffee, sweetener and own 2 travel mugs. Hotels usually have some of this but they certainly do not usually have the brand you prefer. Normal hotel sized coffee cups are 1/3 the size I actually prefer for my tea. Always pack a very small umbrella. Many years ago I was stuck forking over big bucks when caught without one. Instead of using hotel giftshops for anything other than a paper I try to see if there is a regular grocery store nearby in case any items are required like bottled water or forgotten items. If going somewhere snorkelling I always prepurchase underwater disposable cameras at home as usually they tend to be three times the cost in Tropical destinations.

MrsRefney

We are flying next week (vacation!! YAY!!) so this comes in handy. I was wondering about the water bottle. Hoping I don't get my empty SIGG taken away.

I picked up 50 books last week for $12.00 at my local library's annual book sale. I think my husband and I are set for reading material...

Speaking of gels...I was reading TSA's site last night just to make sure I don't get cavity searched or something...I didn't realize gel sole inserts for your shoes were "verboten"! I guess no one is "Gellin'" (those crazy commercials) at the airport!

Studenomics

I tried saving money at the airport back in February but the security was so strict they took my water bottle away. Thank god for my iphone I was able to kill time reading while my friends were passed out.

Patrick

I also bring a reusable water bottle with me on trips - empty of course. Once I walk through the check point I fill it up at the water fountain. That easily saves me $3 or more each way. (I drink a lot of water on flights because the recycled air is so dry).

The Good Human has a good article about How To Choose A Safe Reusable Water Bottle. I chose a stainless steel Kleen Kanteen. I love it!

Spend Less at the Airport

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