As you walk through any airport, you are going to see more than people, bags, and planes. You are going to be presented with the opportunity to take in and purchase everything from food to magazines to clothes and much more. How are you ever going to make it through the “airport mall” without spending any money? Retailers at malls prey on the fact that their goods and services are convenient, so they jack the price up just like a theme park. But with a little planning, you don’t have to spend any money in the airport. Here are three tips that you should keep in mind if you know you will be visiting an airport in the near future:
1. Avoid airport food. This holds true no matter if you are buying a bag of chips at a small news stores or eating a full meal at a restaurant. I learned this the hard way on my way to and from Florida a couple weeks ago. During my layover, both ways, I was sucked in and ended up spending entirely too much on food.
On the way to Florida, I purchased a candy bar, pretzels, and a bottle of water for a whopping sum of $6 and some change. My return home was even worse. I stopped at Chili’s for a quick bite. Soon after sitting down I realized what I was in for. I ordered a chicken salad and a soda. More than $15 later I was on my way to the terminal.
2. Bring your own snacks. Why did I end up spending so much money on airport food? Simply put, I did not have any snacks with me. Due to increased security, this is much more difficult than it was in year’s past. That being said, it is not impossible. While you will be able to get food through security, don’t expect to take beverages.
3. Food isn’t the only expense that you can encounter in an airport. Have you ever stopped at one of the many stores? During my trip, I saw everything from jewelry stores to fine clothing shops and much more. Fortunately, I am better at avoiding these establishments than those that sell food. My rule of thumb is simple: if you don’t go into the stores, you will never be tempted to make a purchase.
It costs enough money to buy a plane ticket and travel to another part of the world. The last thing you want to do is waste money at the airport on things that you simply don’t need.
(photo credit: joiseyshowaa)
