stop wasting – A flight attendant shares eight practical ways passengers can cut costs while traveling—starting with skipping overpriced airport water and food, and ending with using airline loyalty and banks for better value on everything from upgrades to currency exchange.
He’s seen it every trip: people rushing through an airport with a credit card in hand. paying premium prices for things that could cost far less with a little planning. For years working the line. a flight attendant says the biggest savings don’t come from rare hacks—they come from stopping the habits that quietly drain your budget.
Don’t spend money on bottled water at the airport
Airport shops are full of last-minute buys. and one of the easiest overspends is bottled water. A full bottle can’t go through security, but an empty one can. Many airports have fountains and special dispensers for refilling bottles with filtered water. When you’re on the plane. the flight attendant says you can ask for a refill. and if you’re lucky. they may even put ice in it.
Skip the airport food. too
The flight attendant also argues that airport food is a place where passengers often lose money twice—first by paying inflated prices before a trip. then again by giving in to in-flight snacks. Some passengers worry about bringing food through TSA screening. but the attendant says it’s a smart way to save as long as it’s solid. like a sandwich.
There are also restaurants and shops before security advertising TSA-approved foods. That can help you avoid getting so hungry that you later buy overpriced in-flight snacks.
If you’re flying internationally, plan your leftovers carefully: the attendant says it’s best to finish any food from your first destination before landing because some countries don’t allow fresh food through customs.
If you want business class. wait—don’t buy it too early
For passengers trying to get into business class. the attendant’s advice is to start with an economy ticket and then try to upgrade at the airport. After buying an economy seat at home. you may receive email deals to upgrade. but the attendant says not to rush.
Instead, wait until you arrive and ask for an upgrade at the counter or at the gate. Sometimes, if the plane is fairly empty and you’re part of an airline’s loyalty program, the gate agent can upgrade you to business class at no additional cost.
The attendant emphasizes two practical rules: be extremely nice to the staff and arrive early so seats may still be available. Even when you have to pay, the attendant says upgrading at the airport can be cheaper than buying a higher-tier ticket online.
This won’t always work, especially if a flight is in high demand or all business-class seats are booked. And the attendant warns that flight attendants don’t usually have much power to change things once you’re already on the plane—so don’t wait until then to ask.
Look beyond duty-free for deals
Duty-free shops pull passengers in by offering items without paying local taxes. Some airlines even provide duty-free catalogs onboard. But in the attendant’s experience, duty-free prices can be higher.
Items are often marked up at airports. so the savings are rarely as good as they seem unless you’re buying a heavily taxed luxury item or flying somewhere with much higher prices. The recommendation is straightforward: look up typical retail prices before you shop. If possible, skip duty-free stores and look for better deals online.
If you need to bring liquids, consider freezing them
For passengers worried about carrying liquids through TSA when they’re over 3.4 ounces, the attendant suggests a workaround: freezing the liquid before putting it in your carry-on.
The logic is that if the liquid is treated as a solid by the TSA scanner, it can avoid the usual problem. Even if it melts a little on the ride to the airport, as long as it’s stored properly and mostly still solid, it shouldn’t be a problem.
Don’t assume parking is cheaper—especially for longer trips
Leaving your car at the airport can feel convenient. but the attendant says it may not be the best option financially. A ride from a friend or family member will usually be the cheapest way to get to an airport. Driving yourself might seem like the next best choice—especially with lots of luggage—but passengers often underestimate how expensive parking can get.
Before you leave, the attendant recommends crunching the numbers to compare parking costs with a taxi or ride-share to and from the airport. It depends on the length of your trip.
For example. the attendant gives a clear benchmark: if parking costs $70 a day and you’re on vacation for a week. you may end up spending more to leave your car in a lot than you would have paid for taxis to and from the airport. You can also look into parking lots near the airport—especially those not located directly at the terminal. These may not be the most efficient option. but they’re often cheaper and come with shuttle services to and from your terminal.
Exchange currency before you land
Money exchange is another common airport mistake. The attendant says airports often become a last resort for passengers who land without the right currency, but airports are usually not great places to get the best rate.
The recommendation is to exchange currency before your flight through a bank or other service. If you forget, exchange just enough money at the airport to get a taxi, then exchange the rest once you can reach a bank or another place with a better rate.
Stay loyal to one airline to unlock real value
Finally, the attendant points to a bigger-picture savings lever: airline loyalty. Switching airlines could cost passengers serious savings, the attendant says.
When possible, stick with one airline—or a group of airlines. Loyalty can help you collect miles for later flights, and it can also bring practical perks like free checked bags, upgrades, and access to lounges with free food and drinks.
For frequent travelers, the attendant adds that it could be worth opening a travel-rewards card that partners with your carrier(s) of choice to maximize those benefits.
The story was originally published in March 2022 and most recently updated on June 30, 2026.
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