10 Things Never to Buy at an Airport
There’s plenty to look at while waiting for a flight, but airport shops aren’t the place to open your wallet. The prices are sometimes marked way up to take advantage of boredom or poor planning. Smart travelers know that convenience inside the terminal often comes with an inflated cost. Here are 10 things worth skipping the next time you’re tempted to spend before takeoff.
Headphones
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A missing pair of earbuds can feel like a travel emergency, especially before a long flight, and airport stores know this. Basic models that cost $10 elsewhere often jump to $30 or more past security. Even name brands like Skullcandy or JBL show up with surprising price tags.
Currency Exchange
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While airport exchange counters advertise “no fees,” the rates are typically worse than what banks or ATMs offer. Even kiosks in malls or train stations are usually more reasonable. If international travel is on your calendar, ordering foreign currency ahead of time through your bank can give you a much better value.
Souvenirs
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A mug with your layover city’s skyline probably looks like a sweet last-minute gift, but it’ll cost more than it would downtown. Airport souvenir shops cater to travelers in a rush, not deal hunters. The selection is often generic, and many items are mass-produced far from the place they claim to represent.
Bottled Water
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Security rules prevent bringing full bottles, and airports capitalize on it. Some terminals charge $5 or more for water that costs a buck elsewhere. Most airports now have refill stations near restrooms and gates. Bringing an empty reusable bottle through security solves the problem.
Magazines
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You’ll pay double for reading material that loses its appeal after one flight. A single issue of a popular magazine can cost more than a paperback. With so many digital reading options and airport Wi-Fi (even if spotty), loading up your device ahead of time makes more sense.
Neck Pillows
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A basic neck pillow can run you $40 or more at the airport, even if similar ones online sell for under $15. Travel stores outside the airport offer more options at better prices. Buying one in advance also gives you time to test it out before trusting it on a red-eye.
Full Meals at Sit-Down Restaurants
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A salad and soda can cost more than dinner at a restaurant, without the ambiance or real silverware. Menus are limited, and ingredients are mass-prepped. That $18 sandwich isn’t going to feel like a win at 30,000 feet.
Over-the-Counter Medications
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Forgetting aspirin or antacids can turn into a $15 inconvenience. Small pharmacy items tend to be sold in convenience shops near gates at inflated prices. Single-use packets cost more than entire bottles elsewhere.
Wi-Fi Upgrades
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Basic airport Wi-Fi is usually free, but some locations prompt travelers to pay for faster speeds. It might not be worth it. Speeds are inconsistent, and streaming or video calls can still lag even after upgrading. Many phone plans often perform better.
Duty-Free Goods
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“Duty-free” doesn’t always mean a bargain. Alcohol, perfume, and cosmetics might be tax-exempt, but the base price is often padded. Unless you’ve researched ahead of time and know you’re getting a real deal, the glossy displays are mostly designed to encourage impulse spending.