The Best Way to Fly
Tips for Saving Money on Your Trip and at the Airport
Shop around to get the best flight or holiday deal. A flight comparison site will give you multiple flight options from a number of airlines. It is a good idea to check with at least five flight comparison sites as they won't all have access to the same airline price checkers. Expedia, Lastminute, Skyscanners and Travel Bag are just some of the flight comparison sites available. Another top tip is to then check your chosen flight with the airline's own website, you can sometimes save a few extra pounds by booking direct.
Credit vs debit Some airlines, especially the budget ones, are starting to charge high fees for using your credit card. While charges still may be payable for using your debit card they will usually be lower than the fees charged for credit cards. Using an electron card is generally free.
Beware of extra charges to your flight including check in fees, priority boarding and luggage allowance charges. If you're making a short trip you should be able to just take your carry on baggage, which can save you a bit of money.
Lounge around If you have a long wait or layover for your flight you could consider using one of the airport lounges for a fee. As you will be able to take advantage of complimentary snacks, drinks and other facilities it could save you money on purchasing food and beverages in the airport.
Have a snooze For travelers on a budget who want to save money sleeping in the airport may be for you. The Sleeping in Airport Guide offers tips and advice along with reviews on the best and worst airports to sleep in within the UK and across the globe.
Book by the hour Most airports will have airport hotels either on site or within easy reach, and some offer the option of booking just a few hours at a time. The Yotels at London Heathrow Airport and London Gatwick Airport provide rooms from four to twenty four hours at a time. If you need to travel in the early hours of the morning and don't want to have to travel to the airport in the middle of the night, or have a flight delay, then this could be a good option.
In your car If you're travelling as a group or with your family then driving your own car to the airport could save you money on taxi or public transportation costs. Pre-booking your airport parking is an excellent way to check prices and save on parking fees.
2 for 1 If airport parking is the cheaper option for you then you might want to check out airport parking hotel deals as you can often save money on both parking and accommodation by combining the two.
Packed lunch Most airports will have restaurant and snack facilities, however they usually charge a pretty penny. Bringing your own snacks and drinks can save you money at the airport, but remember you will only be able to take 100ml of liquid with you through customs.
Order your foreign currency at the Post Office or from your bank rather than using the airports bureaux de change as they will generally charge higher fees and offer less generous rates.