Skip to content

Top Navigation

Real Simple Logo Real Simple Logo
  • Food
  • Home
  • Life
  • Health
  • Money
  • Style and Beauty
  • Holidays & Entertaining
  • News
  • Shopping
  • About Us

Profile Menu

Your Account

Account

  • My Account
  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Free Organizing App this link opens in a new tab
Login
Subscribe
Pin FB

Explore Real Simple

Real Simple Logo Real Simple Logo
  • Explore

    Explore

    • How to Measure Your Ring Size at Home

      How to Measure Your Ring Size at Home

      Try one of these three easy methods to make sure your ring fits perfectly, every time. Read More
    • Here's the Right Temperature for Your Refrigerator and Freezer (Because a Few Degrees Makes a Difference)

      Here's the Right Temperature for Your Refrigerator and Freezer (Because a Few Degrees Makes a Difference)

      Keeping foods chilled properly helps them last longer and stay fresher. Sticking to the ideal refrigerator temps can help you avoid potential foodborne illnesses, too. Read More
    • 34 Great Books to Suit Any Mood or Interest

      34 Great Books to Suit Any Mood or Interest

      This list has you covered, no matter how you're feeling. Read More
  • Food

    Food

    See All Food
    9 Cheeses You Can Eat Even If You're Lactose Intolerant

    9 Cheeses You Can Eat Even If You're Lactose Intolerant

    Not all dairy is created equal. 
    • Recipes
    • Real Simple Cooking School
    • Cooking Tips & Techniques
    • Shopping and Storing
    • Kitchen Tools and Products
  • Home

    Home

    See All Home
    • Cleaning
    • Organizing
    • Decorating
    • Gardening
    • Home Improvement
    • Green Living
    • New Uses for Old Things at Home
    • Quick Fix
    • Real Simple Home
  • Life

    Life

    See All Life
    • Family
    • Entertainment
    • Technology
    • Wedding Planning
    • Travel Ideas
    • Career
    • Get It Done
  • Health

    Health

    See All Health
    Feel Like You Don't Enjoy Anything Anymore? There's a Name for That—Here Are 8 Ways You Can Break Through It

    Feel Like You Don't Enjoy Anything Anymore? There's a Name for That—Here Are 8 Ways You Can Break Through It

    Mental health experts explain anhedonia and how you can bounce back from this joyless state of mind.
    • Preventive Health
    • Mental Health
    • Health Coach
    • Crisis Coping
    • Fitness & Exercise
    • Sleep
    • Healthy Eating
    • Well Fed
  • Money

    Money

    See All Money
    Are You Keeping Too Much Money in the Bank? Here's How to Tell

    Are You Keeping Too Much Money in the Bank? Here's How to Tell

    Putting money in the bank is smart, but too much cash savings can actually be a poor use of that money.
    • Money Confidential Podcast
    • Saving Money
    • Money Planning
    • Money Confidential
    • Spending
    • Money Etiquette
    • Invest Better
  • Style and Beauty

    Style and Beauty

    See All Style and Beauty
    How to Measure Your Bra Size at Home

    How to Measure Your Bra Size at Home

    All you need is a tape measure and a little free time.
    • Clothing
    • Skincare
    • Shoes
    • Hair
    • Clothing Care
    • Makeup
    • Hair Body Face
  • Holidays & Entertaining

    Holidays & Entertaining

    See All Holidays & Entertaining
    PowerPoint Parties Are the Party Trend You Have to Try: Here's How to Host One

    PowerPoint Parties Are the Party Trend You Have to Try: Here's How to Host One

    PowerPoint nights are the new fun way to party together—even when you're far apart.
    • All Holidays
    • Gifts
    • Father's Day
    • Passover
    • Entertaining
    • Home for the Holidays
    • Come Together
    • Hanukkah
    • Halloween
    • Thanksgiving
    • Christmas
    • Valentine's Day
    • Easter
    • Mother's Day
  • News
  • Shopping
  • About Us

Profile Menu

Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
Your Account

Account

  • My Account
  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Free Organizing App this link opens in a new tab
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. Real Simple
  2. Life
  3. Travel
  4. Travel Planning
  5. How to Save on Air Travel Expenses

How to Save on Air Travel Expenses

Real Simple Author
By Real Simple Editors Updated August 29, 2014
Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.
Skip gallery slides
FB Tweet
Passport, US cash, airplane ticket on a table
Credit: Pete Gardner/Getty Images
Follow these 11 tips to save money before your flight, so you'll have plenty to spend on your vacation.
Start Slideshow

1 of 12

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Sky-High Prices

Passport, US cash, airplane ticket on a table
Credit: Pete Gardner/Getty Images

This article originally appeared on LearnVest.com.

Airports are notorious for overcharging customers for everything—30 percent markups on food, overpriced duty-free shops, and sky-high currency exchange fees, to name a few. Don’t be that traveler. Here’s how to save before you head out of town.

1 of 12

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 12

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Know Thy Enemy

Information sign in airport
Credit: Frank Muckenheim/Getty Images

The free GateGuru app gives users a detailed map of their airport terminal or concourse, along with lots of information about amenities (including Yelp-style reviews). Users can search for specific things ("Au Bon Pain," "A.T.M.") or amenities in a certain area ("Gate B16"). Knowing what's around will prevent you from overpaying for the first option you see.

2 of 12

3 of 12

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Don't Pay for Internet

Hands of businesswoman using laptop computer at airport
Credit: Jupiterimages/Getty Images

Many airlines and even some small airports now offer free Wi-Fi, which can save you more than $10 per trip. If you're a frequent traveler, we recommend you download the Wi-Fi locator app "Spots" for $1.99. It works offline, which is key when we're trying to find wireless in the first place.

3 of 12

Advertisement

4 of 12

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Downgrade the Upgrade

Seat belt across empty seat on airplane
Credit: Rob Melnychuk/Getty Images

Many airlines will try to sneak upgrades into your existing reservation. Although paying $40 extra for a premium seat may not seem like a bad deal, it quickly adds up. Instead, check out SeatGuru to identify the best seats you can snag without paying extra.

4 of 12

5 of 12

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Go Eco-Friendly

Water flowing in drinking fountain
Credit: Joseph Devenney/Getty Images

It’s pretty much impossible to bring water past security, but paying $3 for a bottle of water at the gate is just plain silly. Instead, grab an environmentally-friendly lightweight aluminum water bottle, many of which cost under $10. Once you're past security, fill your own bottle at the water fountain. You'd make back the cost of the water bottle, and earn a profit, by the end of two round-trip flights.

5 of 12

6 of 12

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Pack Your Own Food

Mother and son eating sandwiches in airport waiting area
Credit: Jim Arbogast/Getty Images

We know that it's a pain to pack a sandwich in addition to packing your luggage, but bringing your own food will really will be cheaper and healthier. Often, even our favorite restaurant chains offer higher prices, and limited menus, in airports. Consider: An entree in an airport restaurant can easily cost $13, whereas a homemade turkey breast sandwich is about $2. Do that even four times per year, and you've saved $44.

6 of 12

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 12

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

BYOB (Books)

Orange juice and book on open airplane tray
Credit: Kim Carson/Getty Images

While it’s easy to grab a bestseller off an airport bookshelf, planning ahead will save you cash and provide more choice. Buying from Amazon or even a used bookstore can easily put quality books in your hands for around $5, whereas the same mass-market books are sold at airport bookstores for close to $20.

7 of 12

8 of 12

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Take Public Transportation

An abandoned suitcase on a platform
Credit: Plattform/Getty Images

Airport parking and taxis can add up. Plan time to take public transportation—available at most U.S. airports—and save significantly. For example, a cab from New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport to Manhattan costs $45, plus toll and tip. Meanwhile, taking the train only costs $7.25.

8 of 12

9 of 12

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Fly at Off-Peak Times

Row of empty seats by window in airport terminal waiting area
Credit: joSon/Getty Images

Take flights during the early morning, late night, or on Wednesdays, Tuesdays, or Saturdays. Decreased traffic means less chance of a delay, which equals less money spent at the airport shops.

9 of 12

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 12

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Free Yourself of Duty-Free

Shop assistant takes payment by credit card on perfume counter
Credit: Digital Vision/Getty Images

Duty-free shops provide tax-free shopping for customers traveling internationally, but the "deals" are often not worthwhile. Rather than making an impulse buy, take the time to compare prices later, on your computer.

10 of 12

11 of 12

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Pack Light

A woman dragging rolling suitcase at the airport
Credit: Denkou Images/Getty Images

With so many airlines charging for extra luggage, pack everything in a carry-on unless you want to pay an extra $15 to $50. Additionally, if your checked bag is heavier than it's supposed to be, you’ll be charged for the extra weight.

11 of 12

12 of 12

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Be Willing to Wait

Feet propped on luggage in airport
Credit: Jupiterimages/Getty Images

If you’re traveling on an overfilled flight (and you’re on a flexible schedule), volunteer to give up your seat at the check-in counter. If you’re picked, the airline will give you a voucher for a free round-trip domestic ticket, or a $300 airline credit. Customers have been known to receive even bigger rewards when the airline is desperate for spare seats; we were once on a flight in which travelers received $500 and a free hotel stay for relinquishing their tickets.

12 of 12

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

By Real Simple Editors

    Share the Gallery

    Pinterest Facebook
    Trending Videos
    Advertisement
    Skip slide summaries

    Everything in This Slideshow

    Advertisement

    View All

    1 of 12 Sky-High Prices
    2 of 12 Know Thy Enemy
    3 of 12 Don't Pay for Internet
    4 of 12 Downgrade the Upgrade
    5 of 12 Go Eco-Friendly
    6 of 12 Pack Your Own Food
    7 of 12 BYOB (Books)
    8 of 12 Take Public Transportation
    9 of 12 Fly at Off-Peak Times
    10 of 12 Free Yourself of Duty-Free
    11 of 12 Pack Light
    12 of 12 Be Willing to Wait

    Share & More

    Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print
    Real Simple Logo

    Magazines & More

    Learn More

    • About Us
    • Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
    • Help
    • Advertise
    • Content Licensing
    • Accolades this link opens in a new tab

    Connect

    Subscribe to Our Newsletter
    Sign Up
    MeredithAll products and services featured are selected by our editors. Real Simple may receive compensation for some links to products and services in this email on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice. Real Simple is part of the Meredith Home Group. © Copyright 2022 Meredith Corporationthis link opens in a new tab. All Rights Reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
    © Copyright Real Simple. All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.realsimple.com

    Sign in

    View image

    How to Save on Air Travel Expenses
    this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.