Passing through an airport can be stressful, even for frequent travelers.
Between baggage fees, overpriced terminal food, airport parking fees, and last-minute travel expenses, costs can add up fast. And when you're rushing to catch a flight, it's easy to overlook simple ways to save money.
But there are a few strategies you can use before you even arrive at the airport and as you make your way to your gate that savvy travelers swear by to save money. Here's where to start and what to know before your next flight.
In this article
Pre-Book Discounted Airport Parking
While there’s no sweeter sign of affection than a loved one taking on the time and stress of dropping you off at the airport, most often, we’re on our own when it comes to getting to the gate.
Sometimes rideshares are an option, but usually it’s most convenient to drive yourself and park at the airport. The only problem is, much like airfare, airport parking fees are costly, especially for longer trips. However, many airports now allow travelers to pre-book parking ahead of their trip to guarantee a spot, and enjoy significantly reduced rates.
At Los Angeles International Airport, for example, parking in terminal, valet, budget, and economy parking are all cheaper if you book in advance. If you sign up for their marketing emails, you’ll often find even steeper discounts.
Other airports offer this perk too, such as Pittsburgh International Airport, Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, and Tampa International Airport, so always check before arriving by car at the airport.
Explore Off-Site Parking Near the Airport
If pre-booked official airport parking still feels too tight on the wallet, know that it’s hardly the only option. It's always worthwhile to explore alternatives, and there may be more options than you realize.
Many parking companies like The Parking Spot operate off-site lots near most airports, and typically offer shuttle service to and from the terminal.
There are also peer-to-peer parking apps like Neighbors, which let you rent a parking spot from a nearby homeowner, and some airport hotels offer parking to non-guests, bookable through apps like SpotHero.
Or if you are a guest, check to see if they have any bundled parking packages that allow you to leave your car at the hotel after checking out. This can be helpful if you’re arriving the night before an early morning flight.
Use Your Credit Card Airport Lounge Perks or Pack Solid Food
Airport food is notoriously expensive. Even a small black coffee can cost more than you’d normally spend at your neighborhood coffee shop for a large latte.
But you may be able to avoid overspending on airport food if you have a travel credit card that provides free airport lounge access. Many premium travel credit cards like the Capital One Venture X Rewards and Chase Sapphire Reserve offer free access to participating airport lounges, where you can enjoy free food and drinks before your flight.
Of course, if you don't have a premium travel credit card, you can also always just pack your own food. While the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) only allows liquids in 3.4-ounce containers, most solid foods are fair game. Bringing a meal or snacks from home is a simple way to skip the terminal markup and extend your vacation budget.
Bring a Reusable Water Bottle
While you won’t be able to bring your actual water through TSA checkpoints, there’s nothing stopping you from keeping an empty bottle on hand.
Packing a reusable water bottle is an easy way to stay hydrated without paying a premium on bottled water. Just make sure it's empty before going through security. Most airports have designated liquid dumping stations right before the TSA checkpoint, and there are often water filling stations or fountains on the other side where you can fill it for free.
To make things even simpler, opt for a water bottle with a carabiner-compatible lid. Clip it onto your bag and you’ll be good to go.
And better yet, you’ll be able to use it throughout your trip, too.
Don’t Exchange Currency at the Airport
Some travelers who are headed abroad may think it’s wise to exchange money at the airport so they don’t have to deal with it upon arrival. While this approach may be convenient, airport currency exchange rates are some of the worst you'll find. Many also charge pesky service fees.
The best strategy instead is to either exchange money at an outside currency exchange center upon arrival at your international destination, or withdraw local currency from an ATM using a debit card. In both of these cases, the exchange rate will be more reasonable than what you’ll find at an airport kiosk, meaning you’ll walk away with more money.
When withdrawing money from an international ATM, just be sure to withdraw in the local currency to get the best rate. And if you’re traveling abroad, here are five money mistakes to avoid.
The Shortcut
Pre-booking parking at airports like LAX, Pittsburgh, and DFW gets you a batter rate, and off-site lots or apps like SpotHero often beat the terminal price even further.
Lounge access through cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve or Capital One Venture X covers free food before a flight, and an empty reusable water bottle will save you from $7 bottled water.
Skipping the airport currency kiosk and pulling local cash from an ATM after landing beats any airport exchange rate, every time.
