Airports can make it far too easy to spend more than you intended, especially when you’re rushing, tired, or simply trying to pass the time before a flight. Shops and restaurants know travelers often pay for convenience, which leads to far higher prices than you’d find anywhere else. A little planning can help you sidestep unnecessary costs and keep your budget on track. Here are ten common purchases worth avoiding the next time you head to the airport.
Bottled Water
If you’ve spent any time at an airport, then it probably won’t surprise you that food and drinks tend to be overpriced. But you might underestimate just how much of a markup we’re talking about.
For instance, Insider says bottled water can be 200% more expensive in airports. Instead of paying exorbitant prices, remember to bring an empty water bottle with you to the airport. That way, you can fill up at a water fountain for free.
Medicine
Traveling can be a headache — after all, airports are hectic and crowded places. And the high prices of medicine like pain relievers don’t help matters. That’s why it’s important to come to the airport prepared for possible aches and pains.
“The small sample packs that contain one dose will cost the same as an entire bottle at any major drug store,” as frequent flyer David J. Decker tells Best Life. So, check that you’ve tucked your go-to medicine into your carry-on before heading to the airport.
Coffee
It certainly takes energy to navigate the airport, but you might want to think twice about reaching for a coffee to recharge. While coffee shops like Starbucks can be pricey anywhere, they tend to slap on significant markups at airport locations.
For example, a tall drip coffee from Starbucks can cost more than $3 at airports, according to The Points Guy. By comparison, Fast Food Menu Prices says the average price nationwide is $1.85. That’s an increase of more than 60%.
Headphones
While headphones and earbuds can make traveling more enjoyable, try to avoid buying them at the airport. They tend to be among the most overpriced items. In fact, Best Life says headphones can cost 400% more at the airport. Ouch.
Save some big bucks and keep a pair in your go-to carry-on bag. Then you won’t find yourself shelling out too much for headphones from an electronics vending machine. If you do forget, then check with your airline to see if they have complimentary pairs.
Duty-Free Goods
Everything is a good deal at duty-free shops, right? Wrong. Vice products like alcohol that carry “sin taxes” can be a better value, but many items aren’t less expensive. As a matter of fact, some things can be even more expensive.
“Cosmetics, clothing and other luxury goods may actually be more expensive at duty-free shops than at superstores or street markets in town,” according to CNN. So, savvy travelers shop for souvenirs and goods at their destination.
Wine
A glass of wine might be tempting once you make it through those long security lines, but it’ll cost you. Take a glass of Shannon Ridge Zinfandel wine at the Oakland airport, for example. Best Life says a glass costs $16.
If you’re unfamiliar with that specific wine, then you might think it must be a pricey choice. But the source says a bottle of the same wine will only run you $12 at the grocery store. So, airport travelers are paying significantly more for a single glass.
Currency Exchanges
While exchanging your money at the airport can be convenient, it isn’t cost-effective. Airport currency exchange locations are notorious for overcharging. Condé Nast Traveler says many airport locations charge service fees between $5 and $15.
And the exchange rates also tend to be less favorable than at non-airport locations. The source says the exchange rate you get can be 7% to 15% worse than at a standard bank outside of the airport. So, avoid airport currency exchange locations when possible.
Travel Adapters
Traveling internationally? You’ll want to pack more than a passport. If you want to use anything that requires electricity once you arrive, don’t forget a travel adapter. Before traveling, research the exact type of plug you’ll need and pick one up.
That’s a smart move because GOBankingRates says a travel adapter can cost two to three times more at an airport than it would outside. So, a little prep can save you from scrambling and paying more than necessary for a travel adapter.
Parking
Whenever possible, don’t park your car at the airport — it can add up quickly over the course of a trip. For instance, Insider says, “parking at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport can cost $35 per day.” Public transportation, taxis, and rideshare trips can save you money by comparison.
And if you do need to park your car somewhere while traveling, look into parking at a nearby hotel and using their airport shuttle instead. USA Today says some hotels allow airport travelers to park their vehicles there for as little as $5 a day. The source suggests using AirportParkingReservations.com to compare your options.
