Traveling as a family can be an amazing experience, but it can also be expensive—especially when you’re at the airport. With the high prices of food, drinks, and other essentials, it’s easy to blow your budget before you even board the plane. However, with a few smart strategies, you can avoid unnecessary costs and make your airport experience more affordable. In this post, we’ll dive into simple, practical tips to help you save money at the airport, making sure your family travel budget stays intact.

1. Eat Before You Get to the Airport

One of the easiest ways to save money at the airport is to feed your family before you arrive. Airport food tends to be overpriced and often lacks variety, so having a meal before you leave for the airport ensures everyone is full and satisfied without the need to shell out a fortune for snacks and meals at the terminal.

  • Plan a Meal Before Leaving Home: Whether it’s a hearty breakfast or a simple lunch, making sure your family eats a nutritious meal before heading out will help stave off hunger for a while. You can plan the timing so that everyone eats shortly before you leave for the airport, reducing the temptation to splurge on expensive airport food.
  • Eat Along the Way: Another option is to grab a meal at a fast-food chain or restaurant before you arrive at the airport. Not only is this more affordable than airport options, but you’ll have more choices and can pick something your family actually enjoys.

Pro Tip: If you’re driving to the airport, stop at a local restaurant near the terminal for a quick bite. Even chain restaurants or local diners will offer more reasonable prices than airport vendors.

2. Pack Snacks for the Plane

Once you’ve made it to the airport, one of the best ways to save money is by packing your own snacks for the flight. Airport snacks can be incredibly expensive, and buying snacks for the whole family can add up quickly. To avoid this, pack a variety of snacks from home that are easy to carry and pass through security.

  • Use Ziplock Bags for Convenience: I always pack our snacks in ziplock bags, which makes it easy to pull them out during security checks. Plus, having individual bags for each family member keeps things organized and ensures everyone gets what they want.
  • Healthy, Filling Snacks: Try to pack snacks that are high in protein and fiber, as these will keep everyone full for longer. Some great options include:
    • Trail mix with nuts and dried fruit
    • Protein bars
    • Cheese sticks or babybel cheese
    • Cut-up veggies and hummus
    • Crackers or pretzels
  • Portable and Non-Perishable: Since you’re traveling, make sure your snacks are portable and won’t spoil easily. Granola bars, dried fruit, and nuts are perfect options for long flights.

Pro Tip: If you have to purchase food at the airport, look for items that can be shared, such as a large sandwich or protein-rich snack box. Sharing will not only reduce costs but also keep everyone satisfied longer.

3. Bring Reusable Water Bottles

Buying bottled water at the airport is a common money trap. Prices for bottled water can be ridiculously high, but thankfully, there’s an easy way around it: bring your own reusable water bottle. Most airports have water stations or fountains where you can refill your bottle for free, saving you the cost of purchasing water.

  • Pack Empty Water Bottles: TSA regulations allow you to bring an empty bottle through security, so make sure everyone in the family has their own reusable bottle. Once you’re through security, simply fill up at a water station or fountain before boarding the plane.
  • Insulated Bottles for Cold Water: If you want to keep your water cold for the flight, consider bringing an insulated water bottle like a Hydro Flask or a similar brand. These bottles will keep your water cool and refreshing for hours, even during long flights.

Pro Tip: Many airports now offer filtered water refill stations, so you don’t have to worry about getting water from traditional water fountains. These stations are usually located near restrooms or boarding gates, making it easy to fill up before your flight.

4. Stick to Free Entertainment

Another way to save money at the airport is by avoiding paid entertainment. Many airports have kiosks or stores offering things like magazines, books, and even travel games that can be very tempting for kids and adults alike. While these options are convenient, they can be costly, especially if you’re trying to keep the whole family entertained.

Instead, plan ahead and bring your own entertainment:

  • Download Movies, Shows, and Games in Advance: If you have a streaming service like Netflix, Disney+, or Paramount+, make sure to download movies and shows to your devices before leaving home. This way, your kids can watch their favorite shows offline during the flight without the need to buy in-flight entertainment or pay for Wi-Fi.
  • Bring Books or E-Readers: Pack a couple of books, activity books, or e-readers for the kids and yourself. If you have a Kindle or other e-reader, download a few books before leaving to make sure you have something to read without needing to purchase anything at the airport.
  • Pack Travel-Friendly Games: Small games like a deck of cards or travel-sized board games can be a fun and inexpensive way to pass the time. Look for games that don’t require a lot of space and can be played while waiting at the gate or during the flight.

Pro Tip: Many airports offer free Wi-Fi, so you can use this to stream content or catch up on work without spending extra money.

5. Skip the Souvenirs

Airport souvenir shops are notorious for selling overpriced items, and it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of buying something to remember your trip. However, these shops often inflate prices for items that you could buy elsewhere at a fraction of the cost.

  • Buy Souvenirs Outside the Airport: If your kids want a memento from the trip, buy souvenirs during your travels—whether it’s at a local market, attraction, or gift shop at your destination. Items purchased outside the airport are typically much cheaper, and you’ll have a wider selection.
  • Set Expectations with Kids: Let your kids know ahead of time that you won’t be buying souvenirs at the airport. This helps manage their expectations and reduces the likelihood of impulse purchases.

Pro Tip: If you must buy something at the airport, look for practical items that you’ll actually use, like a travel pillow or a reusable water bottle.

6. Utilize Airport Lounges (with Credit Card Perks)

If you have a credit card that offers access to airport lounges, take advantage of this perk! Lounges often provide free snacks, drinks, and Wi-Fi, making them a great way to save money while relaxing in a comfortable setting. Instead of spending money on food and drinks at airport restaurants, you can enjoy complimentary items in the lounge.

  • Check Your Credit Card Perks: Cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve or American Express Platinum offer access to a variety of airport lounges, including Priority Pass lounges. If you travel frequently, this benefit can save you hundreds of dollars over time.
  • Day Passes: Even if you don’t have a credit card that offers lounge access, some lounges allow you to purchase a day pass, which might be a good investment if you have a long layover or are traveling with kids. With free food, drinks, and Wi-Fi, a day pass can be worth the cost compared to buying everything individually at airport vendors.

Pro Tip: Download your lounge app ahead of time to find the locations that accept your card and review the lounge offerings.

7. Use Free Airport Amenities

Many airports offer free amenities that you can take advantage of while waiting for your flight. These services can help keep your family entertained without spending a dime:

  • Play Areas for Kids: Some airports have designated play areas for kids, which are perfect for letting your little ones burn off some energy before a long flight.
  • Free Wi-Fi: As mentioned earlier, most airports provide free Wi-Fi, which you can use to stream content, check emails, or keep the kids entertained.
  • Water Bottle Refill Stations: As discussed, avoid buying expensive bottled water by taking advantage of free refill stations around the airport.
  • Art Installations or Exhibits: Some airports feature free art installations, live music, or exhibits. Take a walk around the terminal to explore these attractions and pass the time before your flight.

Pro Tip: Do some research on your departure or layover airport before your trip to see what free amenities are available. This will help you plan and avoid spending money on unnecessary extras.

Conclusion: Save Money and Enjoy Stress-Free Travel

Traveling with your family can be expensive, but there are plenty of ways to save money at the airport. By feeding everyone before you leave, packing snacks, bringing reusable water bottles, and taking advantage of free entertainment and airport amenities, you can keep your costs down without sacrificing comfort or convenience. With a little bit of planning, you can avoid the high prices of airport food and souvenirs, allowing you to stay on budget and enjoy a stress-free travel experience.

Ready for your next trip? Be sure to use these tips to save money on your next airport adventure!