We’ve all had either a long layover or a delayed flight (how frustrating) with a lot of time to kill in the airport between flights. Checking your connecting flight to make sure it’s on time doesn’t take more than 20 minutes tops, so what do you do with the rest of the time? You could grab a bite to eat, but eating also doesn’t take much time whether you grab fast food or eat at an actual restaurant. What’s left? Shopping!
There’s no denying it- shopping in an airport can be pricey. Odds are if you’ve ever traveled then you’ve killed time between flights by browsing stores and noticed how steep airport prices can be. But why are they so high? The answer is simply convenience. Airport shops know you’re not likely to leave the airport and go back through security just to shop at a different location during layovers, so they charge more simply because they can.
Just because airport prices are high, that doesn’t mean you can’t find good deals or save money. Follow our tips below to shop smart at the airport during your next layover!
Shop Duty-free
Most airports have duty-free stores, especially those with international terminals. Duty-free means import taxes and fees don’t apply, which may save you some money on certain products depending on currency exchange rates and location. Most duty-free shops carry alcohol, fragrances and luxury goods, which can actually end up saving you quite a bit when it comes to purchasing these expensive products tax-free. However, that doesn’t mean just because a store is duty-free you’re getting a better deal than you would shopping outside of the airport, so be sure to do your research before making an expensive purchase. Browse online stores and local retailers either back home or near your destination to see how the prices on these luxury goods vary. You may be shocked at how much you can save!
Purchase electronics from a Best Buy Express Kiosk vs. a tech store
Forget to pack your headphones, cell phone or iPad charger? Nearly every airport has you covered with some form of a tech store that carries a wide range of electronics. Of course with the convenience of tech stores carrying these now necessary items comes a higher price tag, but that doesn’t mean you’ll be stuck paying high fees. Did you know that Best Buy has added over 200 kiosks throughout airports nationwide? These kiosks carry a variety of electronics like tech stores in the airport, but they can actually end up saving you money. How? Best Buy Express Kiosks offer a price match guarantee! As long as you keep your receipt and bring it to a Best Buy store within the refund period, they’ll price match cheaper in store prices or lower prices found on some major online retailer websites. While you’ll end up paying more money initially at the airport, you’ll actually end up saving money as opposed to if you purchased the same product at a tech store in the airport.
Don’t buy unnecessary items
When you have a lot of time to kill in between flights and decide upon shopping to pass the time, make sure you don’t go overboard. Just because there are a lot of shops to choose from, especially in major airports, doesn’t mean you have to purchase something from every store. Take a look at the airport directory to get a feel for which shops interest you. From there, decide if there are items you need versus items you want. Doing so will save you money, which can be easily wasted during long layovers.
While it can be tricky to get the best bang for your buck on purchases made at the airport, there are ways to save money and shop smart. By following the tips above, you’re bound to save money on your next airport shopping trip!
Shopping smart isn’t just for at the airport, though. Making smart decisions about your transportation to and from the airport, too, can save you time and a lot of stress. Consider choosing Overland Chauffeured Services for your airport car service needs in Kansas City. We offer safe, reliable and professional service to and from airports in the Greater Kansas City area, including MCI, MKC, IXD, and many more. Our chauffeurs will assist with your entry and exit from the vehicle as well as loading and unloading your luggage. We can also escort you to your terminal and carry your luggage within allowable security parameters.
Our airport transportation service doesn’t stop at just transportation to and from the airport and your home. We can also arrange and manage your ground transportation nationwide as well as 350 cities worldwide through our global transportation service! Whether you’re taking a family vacation or are responsible for coordinating business travel arrangements, contact Overland today by calling (800) 575-4845!