If you’ve followed our holiday planning guides, you’ve probably done your homework and won’t be hit by any surprise, hidden costs this holiday season.
But when it comes to air travel, it’s hard to keep track of them all.
So here’s our quick and handy checklist for how to avoid airport rip-offs.
Drop off and pick up charges
It used to be so easy – get a friend to drop you off and within minutes you’re bowling through the concourse, carefree and ready to fly.
Most UK airports charge a fee for dropping off and picking up passengers these days, with all the main airports costing between £5 and £7 for a five to fifteen minute turn around.
And woe betide you if your passengers are late – overstay the allotted span, and you’ll be hit with extra fees.
If you have to arrive by car, look for long stay options a bit further out, with a bus service or walkway to the terminal.
Alternatively, plan to get there by coach or train. All major airports are well served with public transport hubs, although they can get very busy.
Manic Money
Don’t buy travel money at the airport, unless it’s a dire emergency.
You’re likely to pay about 10% more than if you order it in advance.
That’s like throwing away a tenner for every hundred you get.
Even if you have forgotten to do it well in advance, there are ‘pre-book for collection on the day services’ that usually have a better exchange rate.
Snack attacks
Food and drink concessions at airports are famous for eye-wateringly high prices.
If you have time, getting a proper sit-down meal is more cost-effective (a Wagamama’s breakfast before we fly has become an R&PB tradition) but bottled water, sandwiches and sweet treats bought at the airport will put your budget well out of whack.
So bring your own food.
Solid stuff like sandwiches, crisps, and biscuits can go through security, but while the 100ml liquid rule is still in place, bring a refillable bottle with you and top up at the free water fountains.
Don’t stop to shop
Duty-free does not automatically mean profit-free, and you’re unlikely to get a bargain at any of the tantalising stores you have to walk past to get to your gate, unless you’ve done your research online before you go.
The mini toiletries on offer are very cute, but poor value. Instead, make use of the click and collect service offered by shops like Boots and Superdrug. You can order full size bottles of last minute toiletries to be collected after security.
Just remember, you still may not be able to bring big bottles home on your return flight, so only buy what you’re sure you’ll use up while you are away.
Be wary of Wi-Fi
Whilst most airports offer free Wi-Fi, this can be for a limited time only. Some airports give you 30 minutes or an hour, and then charge you anything from £3 to £5 for each extra hour.
If you are a frequent flyer or business user, you might be able to get a daily, weekly or monthly flat rate if you have to keep working.
For the rest of us? Make sure you’ve downloaded all your essential travel documents and any entertainment you want onto your phone, tablet or laptop before you leave home, to reduce the need to use public Wi-Fi services.
Is public Wi-Fi secure?
Err, no, not really, as all Wi-Fi networks have security risks. A much better option is to get a data SIM for your phone and use your own Wi-Fi for your laptop or use a trusted VPN.
And when you need to charge your gear, remember to use a mains socket, personal charger, or charge only USB cable, and not a two-way USB data cable.
Stay safe!
Fast Track fees
We’re not saying don’t do it, if you really want the convenience of boarding early, but the cost can soon mount up.
The trick is to book ahead, rather than leaving it until you arrive at the airport, where you will be charged more.
Also keep an eye out for inclusive airport packages that give you discounted parking and lounge access, to make the wait less stressful.
But the budget-conscious like us will just hunker down and tough it out – because we’re all getting on the same plane!
Heavy bags
Travellers should have a good set of scales at home for checking before flying!
Baggage allowances are pretty generous but, especially if you’re travelling with young children, all those ‘must-haves’ can put you over the limit.
Pack as light as you can and distribute heavy stuff evenly between your cases, because excess baggage charges can really put a dent in your wallet.
Wheels up!
Cases with wheels may be a nuisance in some tourist destinations, but at an airport they’re a must.
Baggage trolleys used to be free, but nowadays, most airports charge a pound or two, and you’ll need a pocketful of change to operate them.
Best of all, pack light so even if your bags are wheel-less, you won’t have to struggle too much.
What airport rip-offs have you come across, and did you manage to avoid them?
Happy travels!
Where to next?
• Hand luggage only
• Tourist taxes
• Your Ultimate Travel Checklist