By the lack of posting, you can probably tell that it has been a looong week. So long in fact that I am struggling to keep my eyes awake as I wait for my flight back to London. If it wasn’t for the fact that I was scared I would miss my flight, I would be taking a snooze right now.
So today I thought it would be fun to talk about three things that I think airports sting you on. Things that are relatively inexpensive to make and that have HUGE markups.
Foreign Plug Adapters
Plug adapters must cost a couple of dollars to make (note the use of American currency after living here for a week) yet airport stores can get away with charging $30 for a plug!! I mean seriously, what the actual ****?!?! Unfortunately, so many of us are willing to pay it too. If you have a couple of hours to kill in an airport and no charge on your phone / laptop / kindle you are going to get pretty bored. Considering that books and magazines can cost a small fortune (and we feel totally lost without our trusty electronic companions) you may just have to take the plunge. Oh and there is of course no guarantee that you can get the correct kind of adapter at your foreign destination. Better to be safe than sorry.
Thankfully, this is something that I have never had to splash out on as I have a trusty multi-plug adapter. I think it cost about $15 and works in almost any region of the world. Furthermore, it allows you to plug foreign devices in back home if the ever the need arises. You can always leave it in your carry on bag which will stop you forgetting it.
Sun Tan Lotion
Probably one of the things that is most often forgotten, where would the Brits be without their factor 30? Sun lotion is another thing that you can’t guarantee that you can get hold of abroad – especially a reputable brand. $30 for a factor 30 is not necessary! Be sure to grab a few bottles from your local supermarket.
While Tenerife and Malaga might have your British brands, it can be seriously difficult to find something decent in the not-so-popular tourist destinations.
For the especially frugal among us, consider buying sun lotion end of season; it is often still good for many months and you can grab an absolute steal. If I am honest, I quite often use it past the ‘use by date’ – not done me any harm so far.
Batteries
Ok so this item was the inspiration for writing this post. Another source of power (note our increasing dependencies on electronic devices!!), we cannot do without keeping kids entertained or our noise-cancelling headphones for the duration of the flight.
Unfortunately I am paying the price for forgetting a spare today. Probably just paid about 3 times the price I would back home in the supermarket, but all in all it is worth it. Well done airport shop – you win this time.
What do you hate paying extra for at the Airport?
Pauline says
I hate paying for wifi and a bottle of water when mine gets confiscated 10 meters earlier… I like UK airports as they usually have a M&S with normal prices.
Mike@WeOnlyDoThisOnce says
Paying for food at the airport is always awful, especially because it usually tastes terrible as well!
Canadian Budget Binder says
What airport in the UK has Marks and Sparks Pauline? I’ve never seen one either that or they’ve diversified since I’ve last been there. lol… I’m with Pauline with the water which costs a bleedin fortune. I hate paying for anything at the airport… it’s all overpriced no matter what way we look at it lol. Have a safe flight mate.
KK @ Student Debt Survivor says
Food and beverage. I hate paying $4.00 for a bottled water or $10 for a bad sandwich.
Shannon @ The Heavy Purse says
The inexpensive, bad food annoys me, but paying for overpriced water is what really frustrates me. Or when you forget some toiletries – whether you buy at the airport or hotel – you always pay a premium.
Jim says
Good post, yea for some reason when I go through the airport my pocketbook gets loose, I almost feel that necessity to buy an expensive magazine or candy bar. I think it is out of boredom, and maybe the airlines have it planned that way?