INSIDERINSIDER
A flight attendant on an airplane.
A flight attendant on an airplane.Matej Kastelic/500px/Getty Images
  • I picked up some tips for saving money while traveling when I worked as a flight attendant.

  • Don't spend your money on overpriced snacks or water at the airport.

  • If you book with the same airline and buy flights in the middle of the week, you will save more.

When I joined the airline industry as a flight attendant, I thought I would learn all the secrets for getting the cheapest tickets. I had to pick them up myself or through my colleagues.

I have learned a lot about saving money while flying.

If you fly business class, you can usually save by waiting to upgrade at the airport

I always advise people to purchase an economy ticket at home and then upgrade it at the airport.

The price of the ticket will be reduced if you upgrade.

If you purchase your economy seat, you may be able to get email deals to upgrade your ticket. Wait until you get to the airport and ask for an upgrade at the counter.

If the plane is empty or you have a loyalty program with the airline, the gate agent can upgrade you to business class at no additional cost. Even if you have to pay, it will still be cheaper than buying online.

Business seats are still available if you arrive early. Flight attendants don't usually have that much power, so don't wait until you get on the plane.

Never waste money on bottled water at the airport

Inside JFK airport.
Inside JFK airport.Sorbis/Shutterstock

Plane travel can cost a lot. You already paid for the ticket, taxi, and luggage, so don't waste your money on overpriced airport water.

You cannot take liquids through security, but you can take empty bottles.

Most airports have water fountains, and many have a special pump to refill bottles quickly.

Ask your flight attendant for a refill to keep your bottle full. They may put ice in it if you are lucky.

The same rule applies to airport food

Some people have a fear of going through security with food. It is a great way to save money if it is a good sandwich.

There are restaurants and shops that sell food approved for security.

Since some countries don't allow fresh foods through customs, it's best to finish your food from your first destination.

Freeze your liquids to avoid checking a bag

If you have an important liquid that is over 3 ounces, but you don't want to pay to check a bag, it's worth trying to freeze it.

Even if it does melt on the ride to the airport, it shouldn't be a problem as long as it's stored correctly.

You can find better deals online than at the duty-free shop

Duty Free
You can find better deals online.Shutterstock

The savings at the airport are not as good as they seem. There are duty-free catalogs onboard some airlines. The prices are even worse.

If you take the time to look, you can find better deals online.

Some days are cheaper to purchase tickets than others

Booking the cheapest flight is not a perfect recipe. Some tips can help you stick to your budget.

The best days to buy tickets are Tuesday and Wednesday.

It is better to check out different dates on the calendar instead of looking for one specific day to fly if you have some flexibility.

Onboard purchases are overpriced

airplane food
Eat before you get on the plane or bring your own food.Nicolas Economou/NurPhoto via Getty Images

Hot food is being suspended during flights due to the coronaviruses.

Before boarding, try to bring some food from home or the hotel. You will have to buy onboard snacks which are too small to be considered a meal.

Parking adds up, especially if you're away on a longer trip

If you live far from the airport and have a lot of luggage, driving yourself may be the easiest option. Some people don't realize how expensive parking can be.

Airport parking in New York City can cost as much as $70 a day. It adds up if you go on vacation for a week.

If you want to reach out to family or friends for a ride, it's the cheapest option, but a taxi is still cheaper than parking.

Booking cheaper parking near the airport and taking a shuttle to the terminal is a good option if you can spare the time.

It's almost never worth it to exchange money at the airport

Currency exchange
It's usually cheapest to exchange your money at a bank.Getty Images

Too many people land at an international airport and realize they don't have the right currency. If you want a good rate, the airport is the worst place to exchange.

If you remember before your flight, most banks and shopping malls have currency exchanges with better rates. Just get enough money for a taxi into the city and go to a local bank.

It pays to stay loyal to one airline

It is better to stick with one airline and open a bonus card with them.

You can collect miles on a later flight and get free checked bags, upgrades, and access to lounges with free food and drinks.

The original article can be found on Insider.

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