Jetting off on holiday or catching a flight to see relatives can prove costly. Air fares aren’t always budget-friendly unless you manage to secure an attractive package deal, and then there’s the additional expense of getting to the airport.
Even whilst waiting at the terminal for your departure, you could easily spend a fortune on refreshments, beverages and any last-minute shopping.
However, what if there were a method to slash your spending on some of the most popular airport purchases? One travel guru insists she consistently secures complimentary treats at airports by simply adhering to several straightforward rules.
Carmen Roberts, a travel correspondent and entrepreneur who has explored over 85 nations, posted a clip on TikTok revealing how she cuts costs and enhances her airport experience to feel “more luxurious” without spending a penny.
1. Free water
Maintaining proper hydration before and throughout your journey is crucial, and amongst the simplest freebies to obtain at an airport is water.
Carmen recommended bringing a reusable water container to the airport, as numerous establishments will refill it with either hot or cold water at no charge.
Additionally, water dispensers are typically positioned throughout terminals, allowing you to replenish your bottle independently. But it’s not just ordinary drinking water you can obtain for free.
Numerous cafés and airport lounges don’t charge for cups of hot water, so if you bring your own tea bags, instant coffee, or even hot chocolate sachets, you can prepare a delicious brew without having to pay the extortionate coffee shop prices.
Carmen said: “Hot water is usually free at cafés and airport lounges. Bring your own teabags or even instant coffee and enjoy a cuppa without the £4+ markup.”
2. Free samples
For those seeking a quick refresh, airport beauty counters could be your salvation. Carmen revealed if you “ask nicely”, many of these counters are prepared to hand over complimentary samples of items like moisturiser, perfume, or serum.
This means you can revitalise your skin or ensure you have a fresh spritz of perfume without breaking the bank or having to carry around a larger product that you don’t really want.
Carmen said: “Airport beauty counters = free samples. Ask nicely to test a moisturiser, perfume, or serum. It’s like a mini spa moment while you wait.”
3. Charging ports
Carmen also claimed you can frequently charge your phone for free at an airport if you know where to look. The expert said airports tend to have charging ports near TV screens and vending machines, or in locations where they don’t expect crowds.
Discovering one of these ports means you can give your mobile a much-needed boost if it’s running low, which can be a godsend when you arrive at your destination and need to ring someone for a lift.
Bonus tip
As a final piece of advice, Carmen shared a crucial tip that could help you save a few quid even though it’s not entirely free. She suggested that if you need toiletries or cosmetics from a place like Boots, you can often order them in advance and collect them when you arrive at the airport.
Occasionally, these pharmacies will charge you standard market prices for these items when you purchase them online, so you can save yourself some cash by not paying inflated airport prices – even though you’re collecting from an airport shop.
Carmen mentioned she’s had success doing this with Boots in the UK, and Walgreens in the US.