With many people already leaving town for summer vacations, those who planned their trips well ahead of time probably made the most savings on everything from flights to hotel accommodation.
Little savings can be offset, however, by the mere experience of air travel, which combines long flights, with attractive products on display and, often, lack of sleep and boredom. Long layovers and delays, in particular, can add up extra, unplanned costs, as time is often killed by browsing airport stores and purchasing overpriced snacks, drinks and souvenirs.
If you’re travelling on a budget, you must consider all of these costs to ensure that your savings on air tickets are not depleted by unnecessary purchases. In addition, a little bit of planning ahead of travel can save you a lot. For example, some credit cards, club memberships and other loyalty schemes may give you access to business lounges in airports, where you can relax, have a coffee and a snack for free, watch the news, etc. If your wallet is packed with cards, check out what travel privileges you may have.
Here are a few ideas to check before you get stuck in an airport this summer.
Buy only what you need
If you anticipate a long wait or layover, packing snacks can save you a bunch of money. Remember, a bag of M&Ms at an airport store may cost triple its cost outside. If you’re travelling with children, make sure that you also pack some attractive snacks, candy, etc. Even for adults, the allure of the wide variety of products on display at airports while being captive can easily lead to unnecessary purchases. Pack other kid fun stuff, as well, like crayons, paper or an age-appropriate electronic device. All of this can distract you and the children from impulse purchases.
While the duty-free markets offer great deal on particular top-end products, if you’re a UAE resident, monitoring these products over time in the local market may help you even get better prices. So don’t leave purchases to be done in the last minutes in hopes of getting a better deal. In addition, remember that under pressure, you don’t have the luxury of comparing, taking your time and coming back to purchase at a later time.
Entertainment purchases
Make sure that you also check out affiliate airline websites. For example, if you’re flying to the US, you may fly directly on Emirates where much of your in-flight entertainment is included, but if you’re flying domestically within the US, the second leg may be with an airline that doesn’t offer the same perks. Check your tickets closely to know whom you’re flying with.
For example, airlines may charge for internet access and some in-flight entertainment, like recent movie releases that are offered at an additional charge. All of this information can easily be accessed on your airline website ahead of time. Some even may require you to download an app that can be during the flight to access your in-flight entertainment on your mobile devices for free. This app of course can only be downloaded and installed ahead of the flight.
This little research can help you save on entertainment purchases or at least decide on how much you’d like to spend on these additional features.
Check out for accommodation
Many airlines will offer you a hotel stay and/or meals for longer layovers. If your flights include a layover of several hours or an overnight, make sure you ask when you’re buying the tickets whether you will be able to get meals or hotel accommodation. This may require some transit-visa processing at your layover destination, so make sure that your airline is able to do so.
Having this option is a great way not only to get a place to stretch and catch some sleep and food before you get on your connecting flight, but it also helps you avoid being trapped in an airport for an extended period of time.
The writer, a former Gulf News Business Features Editor, is a Seattle-based editor.
Reduce your travel costs
— Avoid impulse purchases
— Pack snacks for the trips
— Compare prices in the local market
— Avoid long layovers or get accommodation
— R.O.
