A flight attendant on an airplane.Matej Kastelic/500px/Getty Images
I worked as a flight attendant for 2 years and got tips for saving money when travelling.
Don’t waste your money on food and water at the airport or on overpriced snacks on the plane.
You save more when you book with the same airline and buy flights in the middle of the week.
When I got into the aviation industry as a flight attendant, I thought we would learn all the secrets to get the cheapest tickets. But instead I had to pick them up myself or through my colleagues.
Here are some of the top tips I’ve learned for saving money while flying:
When you fly business class, you can usually save by waiting at the airport to upgrade
I know it may sound strange, but I always advise everyone to buy an economy ticket at home and upgrade it at the airport.
If you decide to upgrade, the ticket price will be drastically reduced.
Once you’ve purchased your economy seat, you may receive email offers to upgrade your ticket, but don’t rush. Wait until you arrive at the airport and ask for an upgrade at the counter or at the gate.
Sometimes when the plane is empty or you have a loyalty program with the airline, the gate agent can upgrade you to business class at no additional cost. But even if you have to pay, it’s still a lot cheaper than buying it online.
Just be very nice to the staff and arrive early so there are still business seats available. But don’t wait until you get on the plane – flight attendants don’t usually have that much power.
Never waste money on bottled water at the airport
Inside JFK.Sorbis/Shutterstock Airport
Air travel is expensive. You’ve already paid for the ticket, taxi and luggage, so don’t waste your money on overpriced airport water.
You can’t take liquids through security, but no one said you can’t take an empty bottle.
Most airports are full of water fountains and many even have a special pump to refill bottles quickly.
To keep your bottle full during the flight, simply ask your flight attendant for a refill. If you’re lucky, they might even put ice in it.
The story goes on
The same rule applies to airport food
For some reason, people are scared of getting groceries through TSA security. But it’s a great way to save money, as long as it’s firm, like a sandwich.
There are even restaurants and shops before security that advertise TSA-approved groceries.
When flying internationally, it is best to consume all groceries from your first destination before landing, as some countries do not allow fresh groceries through customs.
Freeze your liquids to avoid checking a bag
If you have an essential liquid that’s over 3 ounces but don’t want to pay to have a bag checked, it’s worth freezing it so it goes through security scanners as a solid.
Even if it melts a bit on the way to the airport, it shouldn’t be a problem if stored properly.
You can find better deals online than in the duty-free shop
You can find better deals online. Shutterstock
Duty-free always attracts passengers at the airport, but the savings aren’t as good as it seems. Some airlines also have onboard duty free catalogs where you can shop in the air. But these prices are even worse.
You can find much better deals online if you take the time to search.
On some days the ticket purchase is cheaper than on others
There is no perfect recipe to book the cheapest flight. However, there are some tips that can help you stay on budget.
The best days to buy tickets are Tuesday and Wednesday as prices tend to drop after and before the weekend.
Also, if you’re a little flexible, it’s better to check different dates on the calendar rather than looking for a specific day to fly.
Purchases on board are overpriced
Eat before boarding or bring your own food. Nicolas Economou/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Many inflight rules have changed amid the coronavirus pandemic, including some airlines suspending hot food during flights.
Try to bring some food from home or hotel before boarding. Otherwise you will have to buy snacks on board which are too small to be considered a meal and grossly overpriced.
Parking adds up, especially when you’re on a longer trip
If you live far from the airport and have a lot of luggage, driving yourself might seem like the easiest option. But some people don’t realize how expensive parking can be.
In New York City, airport parking can cost up to $70 per day. If you go on vacation for a week, it adds up.
A ride with family or friends is obviously the cheapest option, but a taxi is usually still cheaper than parking, depending on the length of your trip.
If you have time, another good option is to book a cheaper parking spot near the airport and take a shuttle to the terminal.
It is almost never worth exchanging money at the airport
It’s usually cheapest to exchange your money at a bank. Getty Images
Too often people land at an international airport and realize they don’t have the right currency. But the airport is the worst place to change if you want a good rate.
Most banks or malls have exchange offices with more stable rates if you remember before your flight. And if you forget, just get enough money for a cab into town and go to a local bank.
It pays to stay loyal to an airline
It’s always a better idea to stay with one airline or group of airlines and open a bonus card with them.
In addition to earning miles that you can use on a later flight, you’ll also receive free checked baggage, upgrades and access to lounges with free food and beverages.
Read the original article on Insider