How to Save Money at the Airport (Without Feeling Deprived)

Traveling Soon? Here’s How to Save Money at the Airport (Without Feeling Deprived)

We all know airports are basically booby traps for your wallet. Between overpriced snacks, $8 bottled water, and last-minute travel "necessities," it’s easy to blow your budget before you even board your flight.

I used to travel for work 3/4 weeks of the month (seriously!) and I wasn't a flight attendant. I basically lived at the airport when I wasn't in a hotel (yep, I've even slept on the airport floor a couple times because of layovers). Now, I'm a frugal mom who’s always looking for ways to cut costs, so I’ve learned a few simple tricks to save money at the airport—and I’m spilling all my go-to hacks here.

1. Book Flights Smart

Before we even get to the airport, let’s talk ticket prices.

• Use incognito mode when searching for flights to avoid price hikes based on browsing history. The internet keeps tabs on what you're searching for and if it detects you're traveling soon... it'll hike up the price on tickets. This is real (and unfortunate).

• Compare airports. Sometimes flying out of a smaller or nearby airport can save you hundreds. For example, I once flew out of Santa Fe's Airport instead of Albuquerque International. Santa Fe's airport was VERY small and had less flight choices... but so much cheaper!

• Avoid peak travel days. Midweek flights are usually cheaper than Friday or Sunday departures. Think about it... everyone takes their trips on the weekend because they're off work.

2. Pack Snacks Like a Pro

Airport food is notoriously expensive. (I'm guilty of paying $9 for a cold, plain bagel when I forgot snacks). A single muffin can cost more than your entire lunch at home.

• Pack dry snacks like granola bars, crackers, trail mix, or sandwiches (yes, TSA allows food from home!). The only thing they limit is liquids.

• Bring an empty water bottle to fill after security. No more $6 Dasanis. Don't bring a full water bottle through TSA, you will have to dump it out.

• Avoid alcohol at the airport—it’s usually double the price you’d pay at a regular bar or restaurant. (And we know that's already expensive!)

3. Ditch the Checked Bag

Baggage fees add up—especially if you're flying with kids.

• Use a carry-on and personal item instead of checking a bag.

• Roll your clothes to save space or use packing cubes.

• Check your airline’s baggage policy—some budget airlines charge for carry-ons too, so read the fine print.

• If you need to bring any checked bag, put most in your carry-on and share the checked bag between you and your family.

4. Bring Your Own Entertainment

Airport shops love to sell overpriced books, headphones, and chargers.

• Download movies, audiobooks, or podcasts before you leave home.

• Don’t forget your charger and power bank! They’re marked up big time at airport shops. My husband did this once and was kicking himself for it.

• Bring kids' activities like coloring books, sticker pads, or downloaded games to avoid buying toys out of desperation. If you have a preschooler, try this busy book (it's my daughter's favorite and kept her busy on a 4 hour flight!)

5. Skip the Airport Lounge (Unless It’s Free)

Lounges can feel luxurious, but unless access is free through a card or pass, it’s usually not worth it.

• Check if your credit card or airline status gets you in.

• If not, bring your own snacks, download movies, and find a quiet gate—you’ll save $50+ per person.

6. Avoid Currency Exchange Booths

If you're flying internationally, skip the airport kiosks—they have terrible rates.

• Withdraw cash from an ATM at your destination. You’ll usually get a better exchange rate through your bank.

• Consider a travel rewards card with no foreign transaction fees.

7. Don’t Shop Just Because You’re Bored

Airport shops are designed to tempt you while you wait.

• Make a list before you leave of what you actually need to buy.

• Give yourself a fun, free distraction like people-watching, journaling, or walking laps around the terminal.

Bonus: Apps That Save You Money at the Airport

• Hopper or Google Flights for flight price tracking

• SeatGuru for picking the best value seats

• FLIO for terminal maps, lounge info, and Wi-Fi passwords

• Mobile Passport Control for faster re-entry into the U.S. (and skipping long customs lines)

  
  

Final Thoughts: Traveling doesn’t have to mean blowing your budget before takeoff. With a little planning and some smart choices, you can enjoy your trip and still feel good about your finances.

Call to Action: Want more budget-friendly travel tips?👉 Check out my full guide to vacationing on a tight budget or follow me on Pinterest for frugal family travel hacks!

*the book recommendation is my real, honest recommendation and it's an affiliate link. If you purchase through the link I receive a small commission at not extra cost to you, so thank you!