- I have experience as a flight attendant for two years and have gathered tips on how to economize while traveling.
- Avoid splurging on airport food and beverages, or those overpriced snacks offered during the flight.
- You can maximize savings by consistently flying with the same airline and booking flights midweek.
Initially, when I entered the airline sector as a flight attendant, I expected to uncover all the secrets of booking budget-friendly tickets. Instead, I had to learn them through personal experience and from fellow crew members.
The following are some invaluable strategies I’ve discovered for minimizing costs while flying:
Upgrade at the Airport After Purchasing an Economy Ticket
While it may seem unconventional, I often recommend buying an economy ticket in advance then seeking an upgrade directly at the airport.
This approach can significantly lower your overall travel expenses. Once you’ve secured your economy seat, you might start receiving email offers inviting you to upgrade; however, it’s wise to hold off. Instead, inquire about upgrading once you’re checked in at either the counter or gate.
If there are many available seats or if you’re enrolled in a loyalty program with that airline, there’s a chance that gate agents will grant you an upgrade without extra charges. Even if you do need to pay for it later on, fine-tuning this way is likely more affordable than purchasing it online upfront.
Matter-of-factly being courteous towards staff and arriving early increases your chances of securing business seats while ensuring you don’t request anything after boarding—flight attendants typically lack that authority.
Avoid Overpriced Bottled Water at Airports
Traveling via air is already expensive when factoring in ticket prices as well as transportation fees; hence wasting cash on expensive bottled water should be avoided at all costs!
You’re prohibited from carrying liquids past security screenings but are free to carry an empty reusable bottle instead.
Most airports offer numerous drinking fountains along with stations designed specifically for refilling bottles swiftly. To ensure hydration throughout your flight journey ahead simply ask your cabin crew member for additional water once airborne—they might even toss in some ice!
The Same Principle Applies When It Comes To Airport Food Costs
Bizarrely enough many travelers shy away from bringing their own food through TSA checks despite it being one of several great ways one could save money — provided it’s solid like sandwiches or fruit preserves!
You will even stumble upon eateries offering TSA-approved edible items before screening checkpoints! If journeying internationally bear in mind customs regulations may prohibit importing fresh produce from previous destinations so consume what’s left beforehand!
If You Have Liquids Over Three Ounces Freeze Them Before Traveling
If you possess essential liquid items beyond 3 ounces yet prefer not having baggage checked consider freezing them first; they navigate through security scanners perfectly intact since they’re now considered solids rather than liquids!
This method remains viable unless melting occurs en route but shouldn’t pose any issues given proper containment measures remain intact—so no need disposable containers either!