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0 / 29 Fotos
Wi-Fi
- Just like most people, you probably feel dependent on all that online connectivity. However, just say no to paying for Wi-Fi in the airport.
© Shutterstock
1 / 29 Fotos
Wi-Fi
- Airport Wi-Fi is slow and can be shockingly overpriced. So instead of checking your phone, consider reading or sitting quietly. Then again, more and more airports are offering free Wi-Fi these days.
© Shutterstock
2 / 29 Fotos
Electronics
- Tempted to buy a new charger or headphones? Think again! Electronics purchased at the airport will cost you significantly more than if you had bought them ahead of time.
© Shutterstock
3 / 29 Fotos
Electronics
- In fact, according to travel experts, electronics are about 34% more expensive at the airport than what they would be online.
© Shutterstock
4 / 29 Fotos
Souvenirs
- Whatever you do, don't buy souvenirs at the airport. They're known to have an astronomical markup.
© Shutterstock
5 / 29 Fotos
Souvenirs
- Instead, plan ahead and get your souvenirs at the destination, rather than while in transit.
© Shutterstock
6 / 29 Fotos
Water or other drinks
- Air travel can dehydrate you, among other physical side effects, but seasoned travelers know not to buy water at the airport.
© Shutterstock
7 / 29 Fotos
Water or other drinks
- Instead, bring your own empty water bottle. This way you can just fill it up at one of the water fountains and avoid paying for an overpriced drink.
© Shutterstock
8 / 29 Fotos
Food
- It’s always a good idea to eat a good meal before you fly. Whatever you do, don’t buy your food in the airport.
© Shutterstock
9 / 29 Fotos
Food
- Universally, it's almost always overpriced, not very tasty, or not very good for you. Sometimes it's even a combination of the three.
© Shutterstock
10 / 29 Fotos
Foreign currency
- It's probably one of the last things you'll think about when planning a trip, but don't exchange your money for foreign currency at the airport.
© Shutterstock
11 / 29 Fotos
Foreign currency
- Given the lack of competition among currency exchange booths at the airport, unprepared travelers are charged with high fees. Wait until you arrive at your destination and take out money from an ATM there. You'll get a much better exchange rate that way.
© Shutterstock
12 / 29 Fotos
Booze
- Many people stop at Duty Free because of the common misconception that they will save a fortune on taxes.
© Shutterstock
13 / 29 Fotos
Booze
- However, the reality is that the small tax savings doesn’t make up for the markup in prices, especially when it comes to alcohol.
© Shutterstock
14 / 29 Fotos
Neck pillows
- If you're going on a long flight, make sure you purchase your neck pillow before your trip.
© Shutterstock
15 / 29 Fotos
Neck pillows
- The ones at the airport are overpriced, plus they've been touched by many travelers walking through the airport...
© Shutterstock
16 / 29 Fotos
Rental cars
- If you want to get the nicest car, at the best price, and with the least hassle, arrange this before you arrive at your destination.
© Shutterstock
17 / 29 Fotos
Rental cars
- If you wait until you get to the airport, you’re limiting your choices, and the higher prices will reflect that.
© Shutterstock
18 / 29 Fotos
Medicine
- Whatever medications you think you might need for your trip, don't buy them in the airport. The prices are always inflated at the airport.
© Shutterstock
19 / 29 Fotos
Medicine
- Try your best to plan ahead, and have what you need on hand in your carry-on.
© Shutterstock
20 / 29 Fotos
Reading materials
- While your brain needs books and magazines, don’t wait until you get to the airport to think of this!
© Shutterstock
21 / 29 Fotos
Reading materials
- Bring your own reading material with you from home. Otherwise, you may be paying that extra hike-up charge to be entertained for a short period of time.
© Shutterstock
22 / 29 Fotos
Parking
- Airport parking garages tend to overcharge for long- and short-time parking.
© Shutterstock
23 / 29 Fotos
Parking
- There are, however, a lot of privately owned parking garages near airports that are way more affordable. Some even provide free shuttles to the airport, so check them out.
© Shutterstock
24 / 29 Fotos
Luggage
- Anticipating doing a lot of shopping at your destination and thinking of buying an extra suitcase at the airport? Don't!
© Shutterstock
25 / 29 Fotos
Luggage
- While the options at the airport are attractive, you'll definitely pay a premium price.
© Shutterstock
26 / 29 Fotos
Chocolates
- We know: chocolate is oh-so-good! But don't buy it at the airport, and certainly not in the Duty Free shop.
© Shutterstock
27 / 29 Fotos
Chocolates
- Take a look at the prices, and you’ll see you’re usually paying two or three times more than you’d pay at the supermarket. Sources: (Reader's Digest) (The Discoverer) See also: How travel in Europe is changing in 2025
© Shutterstock
28 / 29 Fotos
© Getty Images
0 / 29 Fotos
Wi-Fi
- Just like most people, you probably feel dependent on all that online connectivity. However, just say no to paying for Wi-Fi in the airport.
© Shutterstock
1 / 29 Fotos
Wi-Fi
- Airport Wi-Fi is slow and can be shockingly overpriced. So instead of checking your phone, consider reading or sitting quietly. Then again, more and more airports are offering free Wi-Fi these days.
© Shutterstock
2 / 29 Fotos
Electronics
- Tempted to buy a new charger or headphones? Think again! Electronics purchased at the airport will cost you significantly more than if you had bought them ahead of time.
© Shutterstock
3 / 29 Fotos
Electronics
- In fact, according to travel experts, electronics are about 34% more expensive at the airport than what they would be online.
© Shutterstock
4 / 29 Fotos
Souvenirs
- Whatever you do, don't buy souvenirs at the airport. They're known to have an astronomical markup.
© Shutterstock
5 / 29 Fotos
Souvenirs
- Instead, plan ahead and get your souvenirs at the destination, rather than while in transit.
© Shutterstock
6 / 29 Fotos
Water or other drinks
- Air travel can dehydrate you, among other physical side effects, but seasoned travelers know not to buy water at the airport.
© Shutterstock
7 / 29 Fotos
Water or other drinks
- Instead, bring your own empty water bottle. This way you can just fill it up at one of the water fountains and avoid paying for an overpriced drink.
© Shutterstock
8 / 29 Fotos
Food
- It’s always a good idea to eat a good meal before you fly. Whatever you do, don’t buy your food in the airport.
© Shutterstock
9 / 29 Fotos
Food
- Universally, it's almost always overpriced, not very tasty, or not very good for you. Sometimes it's even a combination of the three.
© Shutterstock
10 / 29 Fotos
Foreign currency
- It's probably one of the last things you'll think about when planning a trip, but don't exchange your money for foreign currency at the airport.
© Shutterstock
11 / 29 Fotos
Foreign currency
- Given the lack of competition among currency exchange booths at the airport, unprepared travelers are charged with high fees. Wait until you arrive at your destination and take out money from an ATM there. You'll get a much better exchange rate that way.
© Shutterstock
12 / 29 Fotos
Booze
- Many people stop at Duty Free because of the common misconception that they will save a fortune on taxes.
© Shutterstock
13 / 29 Fotos
Booze
- However, the reality is that the small tax savings doesn’t make up for the markup in prices, especially when it comes to alcohol.
© Shutterstock
14 / 29 Fotos
Neck pillows
- If you're going on a long flight, make sure you purchase your neck pillow before your trip.
© Shutterstock
15 / 29 Fotos
Neck pillows
- The ones at the airport are overpriced, plus they've been touched by many travelers walking through the airport...
© Shutterstock
16 / 29 Fotos
Rental cars
- If you want to get the nicest car, at the best price, and with the least hassle, arrange this before you arrive at your destination.
© Shutterstock
17 / 29 Fotos
Rental cars
- If you wait until you get to the airport, you’re limiting your choices, and the higher prices will reflect that.
© Shutterstock
18 / 29 Fotos
Medicine
- Whatever medications you think you might need for your trip, don't buy them in the airport. The prices are always inflated at the airport.
© Shutterstock
19 / 29 Fotos
Medicine
- Try your best to plan ahead, and have what you need on hand in your carry-on.
© Shutterstock
20 / 29 Fotos
Reading materials
- While your brain needs books and magazines, don’t wait until you get to the airport to think of this!
© Shutterstock
21 / 29 Fotos
Reading materials
- Bring your own reading material with you from home. Otherwise, you may be paying that extra hike-up charge to be entertained for a short period of time.
© Shutterstock
22 / 29 Fotos
Parking
- Airport parking garages tend to overcharge for long- and short-time parking.
© Shutterstock
23 / 29 Fotos
Parking
- There are, however, a lot of privately owned parking garages near airports that are way more affordable. Some even provide free shuttles to the airport, so check them out.
© Shutterstock
24 / 29 Fotos
Luggage
- Anticipating doing a lot of shopping at your destination and thinking of buying an extra suitcase at the airport? Don't!
© Shutterstock
25 / 29 Fotos
Luggage
- While the options at the airport are attractive, you'll definitely pay a premium price.
© Shutterstock
26 / 29 Fotos
Chocolates
- We know: chocolate is oh-so-good! But don't buy it at the airport, and certainly not in the Duty Free shop.
© Shutterstock
27 / 29 Fotos
Chocolates
- Take a look at the prices, and you’ll see you’re usually paying two or three times more than you’d pay at the supermarket. Sources: (Reader's Digest) (The Discoverer) See also: How travel in Europe is changing in 2025
© Shutterstock
28 / 29 Fotos
Smart travel: items to avoid buying at the airport
You can save a lot of money not buying these things
© Getty Images
We can all agree: flying is already expensive enough without falling for those pre-flight temptations. And while you can find practically anything and everything past security, your time waiting at the airport can quickly add on extra costs. This is especially true if you spend on certain things without thinking it through. From drinks to neck pillows, some things are simply not worth buying, be it for your wallet and even your health.
So before you fly, check out this gallery for the things you should always avoid spending money on at the airport.
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