Don’t get ripped off at the airport

You’ve checked in, dropped off your luggage and gone through security - so you can finally start feeling the holiday vibes.

But if there’s one thing to remember about airports, they’re expensive.

That can be a real problem if you’re on a tight budget, as the last thing you want to do on holiday is worry about money.

So how can you save money at the airport and have more to spend when you’re away?

Check your baggage allowance

Before setting off, check the maximum weight allowed for your suitcases and your airline’s hand luggage size limits.

You can then weigh your cases at home and make sure your bags aren’t too large.

Otherwise, you run the risk of being hit with excess baggage fees at the airport.

Don’t exchange money at the airport

Airport currency counters almost always offer less competitive exchange rates. 

So if you need foreign currency:

• order travel money online for home delivery or collection at a local branch
• use a debit or credit card with fee-free overseas spending (like Chase, Starling, or Monzo)
• withdraw cash from a local ATM at your destination (just watch out for local bank fees)
• get a pre-paid travel card, like the Post Office Travel Money Card, to lock in rates and manage your budget

Don’t buy travel toiletries

Many of us will buy travel toiletries to save space in our suitcase, but they can carry a premium price tag.

You could save money instead by buying reusable 100ml bottles and simply filling them with the shampoo, conditioner, body wash or moisturiser you’re already using at home.

It’s also worth seeing if your accommodation provides complimentary toiletries, so you can skip packing them altogether.

Buy tech in advance

Airport travel shops charge a premium for essentials like plug adaptors, charging cables and power banks.

So buy yours online or from high street shops in advance.

You’ll often pay half the price or less.

You could save even more money by getting a universal adaptor with USB ports.

Not only does that help you charge multiple devices at once, it will save space in your suitcase.

Bring your own snacks

Even a meal deal can cost a premium price in an airport terminal, so it’s worth either eating before setting off, or packing your own snacks in your hand luggage.

Of course, there are strict rules on how much liquid you can take through airport security.

But there’s no reason you can’t bring an empty water bottle with you and fill it up once security checks have been completed.