15 Things You Should Never Buy at the Airport

TLDRSave money and make smarter spending choices at the airport by avoiding overpriced bottled water, snacks, currency exchange, travel-sized toiletries, and impulse purchases. Bring your own snacks, fill up a reusable water bottle, exchange currency beforehand, pack your own toiletries, and download e-books or podcasts. Avoid buying headphones, prepaid travel cards, travel pillows and blankets, last-minute flight upgrades, last-minute travel insurance, airport parking, and duty-free items. Plan ahead, research, and save!

Key insights

💰Avoid overpriced items and save money at the airport

🥤Bring a reusable water bottle to avoid buying bottled water

🎒Pack your own snacks and travel-sized toiletries

💸Exchange currency before traveling for better rates

📚Download e-books or podcasts instead of buying reading materials

Q&A

Why should I avoid buying bottled water at the airport?

Bottled water at the airport is overpriced compared to bringing your own reusable bottle and filling it up after passing security. It saves money and reduces plastic waste.

Are airport snacks more expensive?

Yes, airport snacks are notorious for high markups. Packing your own snacks from home or buying them from a local supermarket saves money.

Is it cheaper to exchange currency at the airport?

No, currency exchange booths at the airport often have higher fees and less favorable exchange rates. It's better to exchange currency beforehand or use an ATM at your destination.

Why should I bring my own travel-sized toiletries?

Travel-sized toiletries at the airport are expensive compared to buying larger, economical-sized products and filling reusable mini bottles from home. It saves money and reduces waste.

Why should I avoid buying duty-free items at the airport?

Duty-free shopping does not always guarantee savings. Prices for luxury goods can be similar or even higher than regular stores. It's best to do price comparisons beforehand.

Timestamped Summary

00:00Introduction to the topic of saving money at the airport and making smarter spending choices.

00:10Emphasizing the importance of avoiding overpriced bottled water and bringing a reusable water bottle instead.

01:00Highlighting the high markup on airport snacks and suggesting packing your own snacks from home or buying them from a local supermarket.

02:42Explaining the unfavorable exchange rates at airport currency exchange booths and recommending exchanging currency beforehand or using an ATM at the destination.

03:35Promoting the use of reusable mini bottles for travel-sized toiletries instead of buying expensive travel-sized products at the airport.

04:29Encouraging the download of e-books or podcasts instead of buying reading materials at the airport, which are significantly more expensive.

05:59Reminding viewers of the importance of planning ahead and avoiding last-minute purchases of electronics, prepaid travel cards, and travel pillows and blankets at the airport.

08:15Explaining the costs and limitations of last-minute flight upgrades and last-minute travel insurance at the airport, and recommending buying in advance online.

10:05Suggesting alternatives to expensive airport parking, such as off-site parking or ride share services.

12:55Advising against buying SIM cards, luggage, and duty-free items at the airport due to inflated prices, and recommending planning ahead or using local options.

13:45Offering a seamless travel experience with a park-sleep-fly package that combines parking, accommodation, and shuttle transport for convenience and peace of mind.