There’s nothing like literally being stuck in the airport as you wait for your next flight out. If it’s a layover, then you should’ve expected the long hours of waiting and, by now, should be ready for it. Airport shops are notoriously expensive (yes, even if they are tax-free). If you get a bottle of water in an airport, it will be priced at least 50% more than its usual cost outside. It’s the same with everything you might want to get once you’re inside. Somehow, the prices are steeper than you can imagine.
Don’t allow yourself to get robbed by the instance of needing to be in a particular airport at that particular time of the day. Retail experts will tell you that there are very few airports where shopping is worth it. You’ll find Singapore airport shopping on top of that very short list, but other than a handful of international portals, your best bet is to keep your money inside your wallet.
Be Thrifty When Hungry
Food in the plane is so bad that the moment you land at the airport, all you can think about is stuffing your face with good food. And good food sometimes means dining in those five-star restaurants in the airport. It is not worth it. Be practical when you find yourself hungry during a layover. You can dine in those five-star restaurants once you’re in the city. But in the airport, all you need is food that will take your mind off that horrible dish on the plane.
You can get sandwiches, nuts, granola bars, and pastries from any nearby cafe. That’s less expensive than dining in, say, a Japanese ramen house. You should choose healthier alternatives when it comes to your airport snacks.
Bring an Empty Water Bottle
You can’t bring water into the terminal, but you can have an empty water bottle with you and fill it up on the other side of security. Try to look for a collapsible water bottle or water container. A lot of those are trendy these days when space is an issue in every handbag and backpack. Remember that staying hydrated will make for a successful trip. You wouldn’t want to feel parched when you touch down at your airport of destination and realize you still have two hours of waiting at the immigration.
Get Basic Souvenirs
If you’ve forgotten to get souvenirs from the shops outside (or you can’t get out because you do not have a visa), then you can get those from airport souvenir shops. But as a word of caution, heed this advice: get only basic souvenirs such as ref magnets, key chains, and postcards. If you get the more expensive souvenirs such as the golden Buddha, for example, you’ll pay significantly more because it is already priced quite high outside.
Pack Your Essentials
If you know you’re going to have a long layover, why not pack a change of clothes? This way, if you want to freshen up, you won’t be forced to buy a new shirt or underpants. You’ll have those right in your carry-on luggage. You should have a toothbrush and toothpaste there, too, so you can brush your teeth after your meals.
Many people try to avoid having a large carry-on bag because they don’t want to check their bag for an additional cost. However, the cost of checked baggage has significantly decreased over the past decade. For $35, you can have a medium-sized bag checked in.
Look for Coupons
If you want to go shopping in the airport because that’s just your favorite pastime, then at the very least, look for discount coupons. You can check out the airport’s own app for discount codes. Airport magazines may also have coupon cutouts that you can use in the airport shops. By visiting the information shop, you will learn loads about the airport. You can even ask for the Wi-Fi password, which you can use for a day, so you don’t have to pay for using the internet.
There’s a way for you to enjoy your airport layover. You don’t have to spend thousands of dollars on meals, accommodations, and entertainment. Instead, you can save that money once you arrive in your country of destination or save that for your next travels. While layovers are always such a hassle, they are necessary if you want to buy a cheap ticket. Plus, look at it as an adventure. You’ll still get to explore a new place, albeit it’s only an airport.
