10 Airport Mistakes Travelers Make and Smarter Alternatives

A little preparation can save you both money and stress when flying. Many travelers make the same avoidable mistakes at the airport, leading to unnecessary expenses or delays. Here’s how to avoid them and travel like a pro:

1. Buying bottled water at the airport

Airport bottled water is notoriously overpriced, and it creates extra plastic waste. Instead, bring an empty, reusable water bottle through security and fill it at a water fountain or refill station near your gate. Many airports now offer filtered water refill stations, making this both cost-effective and eco-friendly.

2. Purchasing an overpriced neck pillow

Neck pillows sold in airport shops are often poor quality and cost far more than they should. By packing your own compact, comfortable travel pillow, you’ll avoid paying inflated prices and ensure you actually have one that supports your head and neck properly during flights.

3. Relying on airport food for meals

Airport meals can be both expensive and unsatisfying — think $18 for a prepackaged sandwich and chips. A better approach is to prepare snacks or light meals from home. Bring items like fruit, sandwiches, trail mix, or protein bars in a reusable lunch bag. This way, you’ll save money, eat healthier, and avoid long lines at crowded food vendors.

4. Buying last-minute charging cables

Forgetting a charger can cost you dearly at the airport, where electronics shops charge steep markups for basic cables. Avoid this by packing a small tech organizer with all your essential chargers, cords, and backup power banks. Keeping them in one place reduces the risk of forgetting and helps you stay connected throughout your travels.

5. Paying for luggage tags at the airport

If you forget to label your bags until the last minute, you’ll be stuck with flimsy paper tags at the check-in counter or overpriced luggage tags at airport shops. Save yourself the trouble by preparing sturdy, reusable luggage tags at home. Durable tags not only make your bag easier to identify on the carousel but also protect your information from getting lost or damaged.

6. Buying single-dose medicine in the terminal

A small pack of aspirin or motion sickness pills at the airport can cost several times the regular price. Instead, keep a compact pill organizer in your carry-on with commonly used medications: pain relievers, allergy tablets, motion sickness remedies, and supplements. Having these on hand ensures you’re prepared and saves you from paying inflated prices.

7. Overpaying for band-aids or first-aid items

It’s easy to overlook small essentials like band-aids until you need one at the airport — where even a tiny pack can cost far more than usual. A small travel-friendly first-aid kit with bandages, antiseptic wipes, and other basics will save you money and help you handle small injuries or discomforts right away.

8. Buying hand sanitizer in the terminal

Hand sanitizer is a must for travel, but buying it last-minute at the airport often means paying extra for a basic product. Instead, pack your own TSA-approved travel-size sanitizer in your personal item. A small bottle will keep your hands clean and save you from overpriced impulse buys.

9. Spending on airport toys or distractions for kids

Traveling with children can be stressful, and many parents resort to buying toys, coloring books, or games at the airport out of desperation. Avoid these inflated prices by packing entertainment ahead of time. Activity books, coloring supplies, small puzzles, or pre-downloaded shows on a tablet can keep kids busy during long waits and flights.

10. Splurging on duty-free beauty and skincare

Duty-free shops may look tempting, but many of their beauty and skincare products aren’t true bargains. Instead of paying extra for chapstick, lotion, or other personal items when you’re already on the go, pack your own travel-sized versions at home. Multipurpose products like a healing balm or moisturizer are especially helpful for keeping skin hydrated in dry airplane cabins.