Travel expert urges holidaymakers to avoid using 'small travel bottles' for key reason
If you're like us and want to cut costs look at these cost-cutting hacks.
Travelling can be pretty expensive when you add up the total costs.
Just think of the flights, accommodation, tourist attractions and let’s not forget spending time in the airport.
But if you’re like us and want to cut costs when it comes to holidays then look no further as we’ve spoken to luxury travel company eShores about airport money-saving hacks.
They’ve broken it down into five sections. Here’s what you need to know.
Don’t get carried away at duty-free
While it is easier said than done when it comes to the prices of make-up, alcohol or fragrance you might want to think again. Whilst duty-free shopping can be exciting with the allure of free samples and tax breaks, airport workers caution that the deals aren’t always as good as they seem.
The reductions shown are often based on marked-up RRPs. Take a moment to compare costs to the high street or the internet often the ‘deal’ isn’t that great.
The experts recommend avoiding overspending before you’ve even begun your holiday and resisting impulse duty-free buys unless you’re confident you’re getting real savings.
Be aware of the cost of miniatures
While the scrapping of 100ml liquids is slowly but surely coming into force in some UK airports it is always worth avoiding toiletry miniatures.
If you’re one of those who likes to buy small travel bottles of shampoo, sunscreen and toiletries they are extortionately marked up per ml.
eShores explains to get more products for your money, buy full-sized products and decant them into reusable mini containers. You can also consider buying shampoo, suncream and toiletries once you’ve passed security.
Airport workers explain that there’s a common misconception that shops such as Boots are more expensive at the airport when realistically, most of the prices and deals align with the high street.
Most airlines allow you to take a shopping bag alongside your hand luggage, so stock up on essentials before you board to get more bang for your buck. To save time, you can even pre-order for Click and Collect at many airport stores in the terminal.
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BYOB
No, it’s not bringing your own bottle (booze that is) but your own food and drink to the airport, instead.
Food and drink are usually the items with the most inflated costs at airports. The pros said most people don’t think to take their own lunch and can end up paying over the odds for an uninspiring dry sandwich at the terminal.
One airport worker explains that it wasn’t until they started working post-security that they realised they were missing a trick by not taking a packed lunch.
Check the rules at security at your airport – while liquids over a certain size aren’t allowed, solid food items in hand luggage are usually acceptable.
Bringing sandwiches, fruit, crisps and snacks from home will save you money in airport shops and even on your flight. Many airports also have water taps and stations, allowing you to fill a bottle for free. While you can’t take your own bottled water through security, take an empty bottle and fill it up once you’re gate-side.
The airport lounge
If you don’t want to pack your own food, consider booking a lounge. While paying for a lounge may seem counterintuitive, if you’re waiting a while for your flight and are planning on having food and alcoholic drinks at the airport, it could ultimately save you money.
eShores said pre-booking the lounge at Manchester Airport, for example, is £40.99 per adult, and includes "freshly prepared food, unlimited tea, coffee and soft drinks, and a selection of wine, beers and spirits, including fizz".
However, when you compare that to the price of a coffee, a couple of drinks, and a meal at an airport restaurant, the lounge is often of better value for money.
So it is worth checking online before booking, too, as there are usually discount codes for lounges or early booking reductions to give even better savings.
Earn with loyalty schemes
If you can’t resist the shops, look at loyalty schemes. Some airports have loyalty schemes allowing members to save and spend points when shopping around the terminal.
For example, the Heathrow Rewards scheme rewards shoppers with points when shopping in participating shops, when parking or when exchanging money at Bureaux de Change.
These points can then be redeemed against future airport purchases. If you’re a frequent flyer, it’s well worth exploring loyalty options at your local airport.
Many airports also offer special offers such as competitions and airport discounts through their newsletters, so sign up for your local airport’s newsletters to take full advantage of any cost savings.
