Airport Mistakes That Are Actually Draining Our Bank Accounts

While chatting with the HuffPost website, finance specialist Andrea Woroch touched on the perils of heavy luggage. She said, “Checking an oversized or overweight bag is a money mistake that can cost you big. [Some] airlines charge more for checked bags that are bigger than 62 inches or weigh more than 50 pounds. Always weigh your bag at home before you go to the airport.” And if you’re not sure what your allowance is, always double-check your airline’s website!

When you want to switch your dollars to, say, pounds sterling or euros, do you drop by the airport’s currency exchange kiosks? If so, now’s the time to stop. Why? Well, those services could actually cost you a fair bit of money, eating into your holiday budget. Instead, keep your eyes open for any nearby banks away from the airport and use an ATM. That way, fees tend to be lower, and rates more favorable.

On the subject of airport parking, a money specialist named Gina McKague had this to say to HuffPost. She noted, “Those who show up to the airport at the last minute end up having to park in the closest parking lot[s], which typically are the most expensive. Depending on how long their trip lasts, they could end up paying more for parking than their plane ticket.” 

You’d think that bottles of water would be fairly cheap at airport stores, right? Well, that’s not the case. At all. Woroch claims that the prices can hit $5-plus in certain places. To avoid taking the hit, you should consider grabbing an empty reusable flask from your kitchen before leaving. You’ll be able to fill it up at the water fountains dotted around the airport once you're through security.

McKague told HuffPost, “Another mistake people make at the airport that costs them money is not understanding carry-on restrictions. For example, a client recently had their perfume taken away at the security checkpoint because they packed the full bottle in their carry-on, which was over the 3.4 oz rule. She didn’t have time to ship it home, so she wasted more money disposing of her perfume.”

We bet you didn’t know about this! Yes, if you’re part of an airline loyalty scheme, you could be entitled to some perks around the airport that come free of charge. Your choice of credit card can also help in that regard, offering you a place in the lounge area. Now, while you’ll have to pay for that privilege each year, in the lounges food and drink often won’t cost you a dime.

Money expert Mamie Wheaton informed HuffPost, “These days, traveling is rarely smooth and delays are almost inevitable. When planning a trip, set aside some extra funds in case you need to buy food while at the airport for an extended period of time, or [to] pay for a change in travel arrangements.” That way, you’ll avoid spending more than originally planned or dipping into your savings.

Whether it’s a book or a deck of cards, there are plenty of things you can pack in your hand luggage to stay entertained on a flight. It doesn’t have to be a boring journey! But don’t buy that stuff at the airport. That’s an expense you can easily swerve by grabbing the items beforehand. Your wallet will be most grateful!

Woroch told HuffPost, “Airport car rental agencies are going to have more demand, which leads to higher prices. You can often find better deals at car rental locations away from the airport. Ask your hotel if they have a free shuttle [that] could get you close to the car rental office, or take a taxi.”

Flight delays can be an absolute nightmare, especially lengthy ones. But regardless of how bored you might become while sitting around the airport terminal, don’t go on a shopping spree in the surrounding stores: the price-tags can be far from kind. Plus, ask yourself a question: “Where am I going to put all this stuff?” You could end up overloading your carry-ons.

Speaking of carry-ons, Wheaton offered a solid cash-saving tip during her chat with HuffPost. She explained, “If you’re checking a bag, make sure you have a small carry-on with some essentials. If your bag gets lost or you get stuck at the airport, you won’t need to spend any money to purchase items like a toothbrush, sweatshirt, or charger for your phone.”

While it might not top your list of priorities, you really should consider putting down the money for your checked bags before heading to the airport. If you don’t, you’ll be facing a sizable expense once you arrive. And that’s far from ideal. Or, as an alternative, you could swerve the payment completely by either finding an airline that doesn’t impose charges, or traveling so light you don’t need to check in luggage at all.

When it comes to duty-free shopping at airports, you’ve got to be cautious. Why’s that? Well, some of the deals might not be as good as they appear, especially if there are similar stores around the terminal. So to avoid any potential mishaps, keep a keen eye on the price-tags while browsing the shops. Don’t rush into buying something straight away!

Woroch informed HuffPost, “Taking a taxi may seem like the most convenient option when you arrive at the airport, but it’s certainly not the cheapest.” She pointed out that at some airports, public transport was both easily accessible and far kinder on your wallet. She cited one example from personal experience, noting, “At Newark Airport, I discovered the bus into New York City picked up right next to the taxi stand. The ride cost me $13, instead of $90.”

Once you walk through the doors of an airport, check if it has free wi-fi. Assuming it does, switch your devices over to the service so you’re covered until your flight. Why not take advantage of it? But there is a catch — you can only use it for a certain amount of time and it isn’t particularly quick. So try to download your entertainment beforehand!

Ideally, you’ll want to pack snacks in your carry-ons before traveling to the airport. If you can’t, though, try not to fret. You can pick up a few tasty treats at the terminal. That’s certainly a better option than buying them on the plane, where the food is a lot more expensive: some of the price-tags might make you wince!

Following her earlier comments regarding airport car rentals, Woroch flagged up another idea. She told HuffPost, “Costco and Sam’s Club offer car-rental deals to members, and you can save anywhere from 10 to 30 percent off regular prices. I always rent my car through Costco, and it’s always cheaper than what the same car rental company is offering on their own website.”

We’re just going to come out and say it — airport bars are exceptionally expensive. Your wallet will definitely feel much lighter following a drink or two. According to the Money Crashers website, these places can charge up to 75 percent extra for beverages when compared to regular outlets. So for the sake of your budget, skip the bar.

When packing your carry-ons at home, it’s always a good idea to put any “convenience items” to the side so you don’t forget about them. We’re referring to earplugs, travel pillows, chewing gum — stuff like that. Now, while you can buy those products at the airport, prices can be extremely high. It’s an expense you can easily avoid by planning ahead.

Here’s a vital tip to consider when mapping out the start of your vacation. Woroch told HuffPost, “Depending on how long your trip is, parking in the parking lot at the airport can be astronomical. You can often find alternative options just a mile or two from the airport for less. I’ve scored parking as cheap as $5 per day near LAX.”