Multi-currency & travel: How to save money at the airport, from parking to snacks
To save money at the airport, book parking or transport early, pack within your bag allowance and bring your own snacks and an empty water bottle. In a worked example, a couple spends about 200 at the airport on a return trip, and planning ahead cuts it to about 80.
By Wealtie Team · 3 min read
Key takeaways
- You can save money at the airport by booking parking or transport early.
- Packing within your bag allowance avoids expensive fees at the desk.
- Bringing snacks and an empty water bottle cuts the biggest small costs.
- In a worked example, planning ahead cuts airport costs from 200 to 80.
Why is it hard to save money at the airport?
Airports know you have few choices once you're there. You need to get there, park or be dropped off, check your bags and wait, often for hours. Food and drinks cost more than in town, parking booked on the day is much pricier than parking booked ahead, and bag fees at the desk are higher than online. None of these costs is huge on its own, but together they can add a surprising amount to a holiday before it's even started.
The good news is that most airport costs can be cut with a little planning before you leave home. A short checklist the week before you fly, covering parking, bags, food and currency, takes ten minutes and can save more than a night in a hotel. It also makes the day less stressful, since you're not making rushed decisions at a counter with a queue behind you.
It helps to think of the airport as part of the holiday budget rather than something separate. Money spent there comes out of the same pot as meals and activities at your destination, so every saving at the airport is money you get to enjoy later.
How much can you save at the airport?
Here's a worked example for a couple on a return trip, in round numbers that work in any currency:
| Cost | Unplanned | Planned ahead |
|---|---|---|
| Parking or transport | 100 | 50 |
| Food and drinks | 60 | 20 |
| Bag fees | 40 | 10 |
| Total | 200 | 80 |
That's 120 saved, enough for a couple of good meals on holiday.
How do you save money on getting to the airport?
Book parking early
Airport parking booked weeks ahead is usually far cheaper than turning up on the day. Compare the official car parks with off-site ones that run shuttle buses, which can cost much less. How to save money on parking has more tips.
Compare public transport
Trains and buses to the airport can be cheaper than parking for a long trip, especially if you book ahead or travel off-peak. For a short trip, parking might win. Work out both before you decide.
Get a lift, but watch drop-off fees
Many airports now charge for dropping off at the terminal. Check the rules and look for free drop-off areas nearby. A taxi can be good value for a group, but book in advance rather than taking one from the rank. How to save money on taxis covers more.
How do you save money on bags?
Check your bag allowance before you pack and weigh your bags at home. Fees for overweight or extra bags at the desk are much higher than paying online in advance. Packing light, with hand luggage only where you can, avoids fees altogether. Wearing your heaviest shoes and jacket on the plane frees up space and weight in your bag. How to save money on flights covers choosing fares where bags are included.
How do you save on food and drink at the airport?
Bring your own snacks
Food from home or a supermarket costs far less than airport cafés. Sandwiches, fruit and snacks are usually fine to take through security, though rules on liquids and some foods vary.
Bring an empty water bottle
You can't take full bottles through security, but many airports have free water fountains once you're through. A refillable bottle saves buying expensive water.
Eat before you go
A meal at home before leaving means you're less tempted by airport restaurants. For an early flight, a packed breakfast does the job.
What other airport costs should you watch?
Currency exchange
Exchange desks at airports usually offer poor rates. Order currency in advance or use a card with low foreign fees abroad. Is it cheaper to withdraw money abroad? and how much cash to travel with cover this.
Duty-free shopping
Duty-free isn't always cheaper than shopping at home or online. Check prices before you buy, and set a limit for anything you've planned to get.
Lounges and fast track
Lounge passes and fast-track security can be worth it for long waits or a stressful trip, but they add up. Decide in advance whether they're worth the money to you, rather than buying on impulse at the airport.
How do you track travel costs in Wealtie?
Add a travel category to your expense categories and set a budget for the trip, so airport costs count towards the holiday total. If you spend abroad, log costs in the local currency and Wealtie converts them with multi-currency support.
Questions people ask
Book parking or transport early, pack within your bag allowance, pay for bags online and bring your own snacks and an empty water bottle.
Usually, yes. Parking booked weeks ahead is often far cheaper than paying on the day.
Solid snacks like sandwiches and fruit are usually allowed, but liquids are limited. Check the rules for your airport.
Usually not. Airport exchange desks tend to offer poor rates, so order currency in advance or use a card with low foreign fees.
This article is general information, not financial, tax or legal advice. Your situation is your own; check the numbers that apply to you before you act on them.
