Avoid $5 Bottled Water, Plus Other Ways to Save Money at the Airport

Q: How can I avoid buying expensive bottled water at the airport?

Bring an empty refillable water bottle through security and fill it at a fountain or bottle-filling station after you clear TSA to skip pricey bottled water.

Q: Are there ways to reduce parking costs when flying?

Yes. Use offsite parking lots with shuttle service, public transit, or park-and-ride lots to pay much less than on-airport parking rates.

Q: Should I prepay checked baggage fees or pay at the airport?

Prepaying baggage during booking is usually cheaper than paying at the terminal, where fees are often higher and may be charged per bag or weight.

Q: What’s a simple trick to avoid overweight baggage charges?

Pack a lightweight collapsible bag to redistribute items if your suitcase gets heavy; checking a second bag can still be cheaper than overweight fees.

Q: How can I make my luggage easier to spot and less likely to be taken by mistake?

Add a bright ribbon, patterned strap, or distinctive marker to your suitcase so it stands out on the carousel and reduces the chance someone grabs it by accident.

Published by

Clara

Dec 7

Save Money At The Airport — Smart Ways to Cut Costs

You already spend plenty on a trip.

The last things you want are to drop $5 on bottled water, $75 on parking, or $200 on an overweight bag at the terminal.

When you’re making your way from the curb to the gate, use these seven tricks to keep airport costs down.

7 Money-Saving Tips for When You’re Traveling Through Airports

1. Bring Snacks From Home

Avoid the inflated prices at terminal restaurants and gate kiosks by packing your own snacks. Preparing food ahead of time will save you money and time between flights.

Pick items that don’t require refrigeration, aren’t messy, and are easy on your stomach during a flight. Steer clear of liquids and gels, and be ready to pull snacks out of your carry-on for inspection at the TSA checkpoint.

2. Carry an Empty Water Bottle

Bringing an empty bottle in your carry-on is a great way to dodge expensive bottled water. After you clear security, fill it at a water fountain or bottle-filling station.

If you prefer filtered water, use a bottle with a built-in filter or look for filtered fill stations in the terminal. You can also politely ask a food vendor to fill your bottle — they might decline if you’re not a customer, but it’s worth trying.

3. Park Offsite

Airport parking is infamously pricey, even in the economy lots. Choosing an offsite lot can cost less, though it means allocating extra time for a shuttle to the terminal.

Many independent parking facilities near major airports offer lower daily rates and provide shuttle service. Another alternative is using public transit and leaving your car at a park-and-ride lot — just confirm overnight parking is permitted.

4. Prepay Baggage Fees

With many carriers charging for checked luggage and even some carry-ons, it pays to add baggage at booking rather than at the airport, where fees tend to be higher.

5. Rent Out Your Car While You’re Away

Peer-to-peer car rental platforms such as Turo and TravelCar let you earn money by renting your vehicle when it’s idle.

You can drop your car near the airport before a trip and arrange for its return by the time you land. Instead of paying to store it, you could offset costs by renting it out.

6. Pack an Extra Collapsible Bag to Avoid Overweight Charges

Overstuffed suitcases can lead to steep fees; some airlines levy charges exceeding $100 for heavy bags.

Even if your bag meets the weight limit on departure, souvenirs and purchases can push you over on the return. Often, checking a second bag is cheaper than paying overweight penalties. Bring a lightweight foldable backpack or duffel that can be packed flat and used for excess items instead of incurring an overage fee.