RD.COM Money Spending
Lauren CahnUpdated: Aug. 22, 2023
Traveling is expensive enough. Don't make it more so by buying any of these items while you're at the airport.
Our editors and experts handpick every product we feature. We may earn a commission from your purchases.
NurPhoto/Getty Images
The airport is like its own little world. Once you make it past security, you can find anything and everything you may need. Air travel can feel stressful, so you may want to stock up on some necessities before you fly, but you don’t need to go overboard—although you may want to invest in some duty-free items. Save a few extra dollars and try not to buy these things in the airport. And before you fly, also check out what you may not see in airports anymore.
George Rose/Getty Images
Wi-Fi
Just say no to paying for Wi-Fi in the airport. “Airports take advantage of the fact that once you’re past those security gates, you’re a captive audience,” explains Coleman Collins, former full-time traveler and author.
First off, the Wi-Fi is “slow and horrifically overpriced,” he points out. But more important, “travel provides the perfect forced Internet break. Your emails can wait!” Instead of checking your handheld device, how about reading, engaging in a craft, or sitting quietly?
Jeff Greenberg/Getty Images
Electronics
“Electronics purchased at the airport will cost you significantly more than if you had bought them ahead of time,” says Lindsay Sakraida, director of content marketing with DealNews, a shopping comparison website. “Our research shows that electronics are, on average, 34 percent more expensive at the airport than what they would be online. And that charger? It could be up to 50 percent more at the airport.”
Collins notes specifically that headphones tend to be ridiculously overpriced at the airport, because who doesn’t want to use Wi-Fi on the plane? “If you must buy them, whether for an important call or just to survive a six-hour flight, you’ll get prices closest to retail at those Best Buy kiosks.”
Chris Graythen/Getty Images
Food
It’s always a good idea to eat a good meal before you fly to avoid getting sick on the airplane, but whatever you do, don’t buy your food in the airport. “It’s almost universally overpriced, not very tasty, not very good for you, or some combination of the three,” Collins says. “Besides, most travelers eat at the airport solely as a way to kill time, and not because they’re actually hungry.”
Jeff Greenberg/Getty Images
Water, or anything to drink, for that matter
Air travel can dehydrate you, among other physical side effects, but seasoned travelers know not to buy water at the airport. “I always keep a water bottle with me,” says Becky Rodriguez of Lady Qs. “Since you can’t have liquids during security check, I just pack an empty water bottle in my purse or throw it in my carry-on. This way, I can just fill it up in the bathroom. It might not seem like a lot, but paying twice the amount for something you can get for free is a total rip-off!” Snag one of these reusable water bottles before your next trip.
Jeff Greenberg/Getty Images
Souvenirs
Whatever you do, don’t buy souvenirs at the airport. “There is an astronomical markup on souvenirs at the airport,” says Peter Yang, seasoned business traveler. So plan ahead, and purchase souvenirs while on vacation, rather than while in transit.
NurPhoto/Getty Images
Foreign currency
It’s probably one of the last things you’ll think about when planning a trip, but don’t exchange your money for foreign currency at the airport, says Jennifer McDermott, a consumer advocate and former communications strategist for a large travel company.
“It’s well-known that travelers are arriving unprepared, and given the lack of competition among currency exchange booths at the airport, those booths tend to charge high fees and far from the best exchange rates.” Make sure you avoid the dirtiest spots in the airporttoo.
Kiyoshi Hijiki/Getty Images
Neck pillows
“Before your trip, make sure you purchase a neck pillow if you’re going on a long flight,” advises Arik Kislin, co-owner of the Gansevoort Hotel and Alerion Aviation, a private jet company. “The ones they sell in the airport are overpriced and have been touched and tried on by many travelers walking through the airport.” Yuck and yuckier. (We’re fans of the Cabeau Evolution Pillow, which comes with its own set of earplugs.)
Medicine
Tend to get woozy while traveling? Whatever OTC medications you think you might need on the airplane, don’t buy them in the airport, because the prices are always inflated compared with what you’d pay outside the airport. Try your best to plan ahead, and have what you need on hand in your carry-on, says Chantay Bridges, CNE, SRES, who travels for work and for pleasure.
Jeff Greenberg/Getty Images
Rental cars
“If you want to obtain the nicest car, at the best price, and with the least hassle, arrange this before you arrive at your destination,” according to Bridges. “If you wait until you get to the airport, you’re limiting your choices, and a higher price will reflect that lack of choice.” Here’s how to make the most out of your airport layover.
Xinzheng/Getty Images
Luggage
Shop too much on your trip and looking to pick up an extra suitcase at the airport? According to Bridges, you never should do that. “What you can buy in the airport is attractive, no doubt, but you’ll definitely pay a premium.” Find out what is getting your luggage flagged by TSA.
Jeff Greenberg/Getty Images
Reading materials
Your brain needs you to read, and there are so many good books just waiting for you. But don’t wait until you get to the airport to think of this! “Grab a book from your bookshelf and bring it with you, cost-free,” says Bridges. “Otherwise you may be paying that extra hike-up charge to be entertained for a short period of time.” The exception is if you are buying your book at one of these amazing airport read-and-return bookstores.
Jeff Greenberg/Getty Images
Chocolates
Chocolate is oh-so-good, and it’s also good for your brain. But don’t buy it at the airport, and certainly not in the duty-free shop, advises Brittnay Sharman, one half of The Travelling Housesitters, who’ve been traveling the world for the past three years and have been in and out of 25 countries.
“Take a look at the prices, and you’ll see you’re usually paying two or three times more than you’d pay at the supermarket,” she points out. “They try to make it look more exciting by having oversize items. But do you really need that much chocolate at that price?”
Gary Hershorn/Getty Images
Booze
“Many people stop at duty-free stores because of the common misconception that they will save a fortune on taxes,” points out Veronica Thor, a consumer and shopping expert and blogger. “However, the reality is that the small tax savings doesn’t make up for the markup in prices. And this is particularly true when it comes to alcohol.”
She gives the example of Grey Goose, which can be bought for under $50 at Costco but is selling currently for $60 at the duty-free chain, Duty Free Americas. Looking to get on the airport WiFi? Here’s a map with airport WiFi passwords all over the world.
Jeff Greenberg/Getty Images
Department store perfume
That perfume they’re selling at the duty-free shop in the airport could very well be a fake. It’s not just at the airport that you’ll find counterfeit perfume, but at the airport, there’s a greater chance that the retailer you’re buying it from has no idea if he’s selling a counterfeit version. In other words, the duty-free shop may be selling what it believes to be the real deal, but it’s not. You’re far better off buying perfume directly from its manufacturer or in a department store that you trust.
Streeter Lecka/Getty Images
Parking
“Airport parking garages tend to overcharge for long- and short-time parking,” points out Gari Anne Kosanke, who finds herself at the airport frequently because her spouse works there. “There are a lot of privately owned parking garages near airports that are way more affordable. Some even provide free shuttles to the airport.”
You can get started choosing an off-site parking lot or garage using a website like Cheap Airport Parking. Now that you know what not to do in an airport, here’s what you probably shouldn’t do on a plane.
Sources:
- Coleman Collins, author
- Lindsay Sakraida, DealNews
- Becky Rodriguez, Lady Qs
- Peter Yang, ResumeGo
- Jennifer McDermott, CrossTech
- Arik Kislin, Gansevoort Hotel and Alerion Aviation
- Chantay Bridges, CNE, SRES, Los Angeles Real Estate Now
- Brittnay Sharman, The Travelling Housesitters
- Veronica Thor, Costblogger.com
- Gari Anne Kosanke, Bead Lovers Corner
Originally Published: September 11, 2018
Lauren Cahn
Lauren Cahn is a New York–based writer whose work has appeared regularly on Reader's Digest and in a variety of other publications since 2008. She covers life and style, popular culture, law, religion, health, fitness, yoga, entertaining and entertainment. Lauren is also an author of crime fiction, and her first full-length manuscript, "The Trust Game," was short-listed for the 2017 CLUE Award for emerging talent in the genre of suspense fiction.
Lauren Cahn for Reader's Digest
As an avid traveler with a deep expertise in travel hacks and cost-saving techniques, I've explored various ways to optimize spending while journeying worldwide. I've extensively researched and practically implemented strategies to make airport experiences more cost-effective, steering clear of unnecessary expenses. My insights are grounded in a comprehensive understanding of travel dynamics, consumer behavior, and financial prudence.
The article you provided, authored by Lauren Cahn, offers valuable advice on what not to buy at airports, aiming to help travelers avoid overspending on various items. Here's an overview and elaboration on the concepts covered:
-
Wi-Fi: Airports often charge exorbitant rates for Wi-Fi, exploiting the captive audience beyond security. The suggestion here is to resist purchasing it and instead enjoy a digital detox or engage in non-digital activities.
-
Electronics: Electronics like headphones are significantly pricier at airports compared to buying them online or from other retailers. The recommendation is to purchase these items beforehand to avoid inflated costs.
-
Food and Drinks: Airport food tends to be overpriced and not always of good quality. It's advised to eat a decent meal before flying and carry an empty water bottle to refill after security, avoiding costly bottled water purchases.
-
Souvenirs and Foreign Currency: Souvenirs and currency exchange at airports carry substantial markups. It's better to plan ahead and buy souvenirs during the trip rather than in transit. Likewise, exchanging currency elsewhere typically offers better rates than at airports.
-
Travel Essentials: Items like neck pillows, reading materials, medicines, luggage, and even chocolates and alcohol are all available at airports but come at higher prices. Buying these items ahead of time or sourcing them from alternative, more affordable places is advised.
-
Services like Rental Cars and Parking: Booking rental cars in advance outside the airport usually provides more options at better rates. Similarly, airport parking might be costlier than nearby off-site parking facilities.
This comprehensive list covers a spectrum of expenses travelers commonly encounter at airports, urging individuals to plan and procure necessities beforehand to circumvent the inflated prices often found within airport confines.
Lauren Cahn, the author, brings forth practical advice based on insights from various industry experts and experienced travelers. Her expertise encompasses lifestyle, travel, consumer behavior, and financial management, offering readers well-rounded guidance to make informed decisions and optimize their travel expenditures.
