Transport
Flight Attendant Shares Tips on Avoiding Overpriced Airport Purchases
A veteran flight attendant with 12 years of experience has identified 12 items travelers should avoid buying at airports due to excessive markups.
According to a report by Khaosod Online published on August 29, 2026, Carin Ryan, a flight attendant with 12 years of experience, has offered advice to travelers on how to save money by avoiding common, overpriced airport purchases. Ryan notes that while airport shops use effective marketing strategies to attract passengers during layovers or flight delays, many items are significantly marked up compared to standard retail prices.
Among the items she advises travelers to avoid are bottled water, snacks, and travel blankets. Instead of purchasing bottled water, Ryan suggests bringing a reusable bottle and utilizing airport water refill stations. For snacks, she recommends packing small containers of food from home rather than buying expensive airport alternatives. Regarding travel blankets, which passengers often purchase in a rush due to cold cabin temperatures, she suggests carrying a lightweight, compact travel wrap or blanket instead.
For travelers, these tips serve as a practical guide to reducing unnecessary travel expenses through better pre-trip planning. While these suggestions are based on Ryan’s professional experience, the specific pricing strategies and availability of amenities like water refill stations can vary significantly between different international airports. Travelers should verify the specific facilities available at their departure and arrival terminals to determine the feasibility of these cost-saving measures.