It’s common knowledge that many products at the airport cost double or more than they do on the street. For this reason, there are several items you’re advised to buy before entering the airport, provided they’re suitable for security—a very important point to keep in mind. Even if some items, like water bottles, aren’t allowed through security, it’s important to be aware that these kinds of purchases at the airport can cost three times as much as in a supermarket. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) advises passengers to familiarize themselves with security regulations before going through security to avoid losing any belongings.
What you can find at the airport might seem very appealing, but the price will definitely be incredibly higher
Therefore, there are certain items that experts advise against buying at an airport, such as luggage. The fact is, what you can find at the airport might seem very appealing, but the price will definitely be incredibly higher. The same goes for souvenirs, for example. A mug with an image of the city you’ve visited might seem like a nice memento, but the price can be double what you’d pay on the street. Not to mention that many products are manufactured outside the country you’ve visited.
This is true whether you buy from a private shop or in Duty Free
Electronic devices are another item that travelers might buy at airports out of necessity. Many travelers have considered buying chargers or headphones at the airport, and according to experts, these two products, in particular, are among the most expensive compared to city stores. An airport electronics store can charge up to double the actual price. This is true whether you buy from a private shop or in Duty Free. Despite its reputation, “tax-free” doesn’t always represent a real discount. Unless travelers have done their research beforehand and know the actual prices, it’s easy to fall for a misleading promotion.
In some countries, the price of bottled water has been standardized to make it more affordable, considering its essential nature
Food is another essential item, but it’s often overpriced compared to its actual street value. In this case, it’s best to bring something from home or the city, as airport food can be expensive, unfresh, or a combination of both. Even a light meal can cost more than dinner at a regular restaurant. The feeling of overpaying can even lead to indigestion.
Related to this is water, which, as we mentioned before, is something that cannot be taken through security and is a basic necessity. In this case, airports are increasingly implementing free-access water fountains, which helps travelers avoid spending money on small bottles of water that often cost up to three times as much as they would in a supermarket. Furthermore, in some countries, the price of bottled water has been standardized to make it more affordable, considering its essential nature.
When planning a trip, it’s important to anticipate potential problems to ensure a smooth journey
Finally, there are neck pillows, which often become a necessity, especially on long flights. The problem is that those sold at the airport are overpriced and have been handled and tested by countless travelers. Therefore, it’s advisable not to buy them at airports. The same goes for Wi-Fi. While basic internet is usually free, some airports offer “enhanced” speed packages for an additional fee. However, these upgrades don’t always guarantee optimal performance, so it’s important to consider these factors before purchasing. Similarly, items like magazines tend to be overpriced at airports. Ultimately, when planning a trip, it’s important to anticipate potential problems to ensure a smooth journey.