{This is a slighlty different version of our story that appeared on Fodor’s Travel}
Airport food is notoriously expensive. And telling travelers with no airline status or expensive branded credit card to “just go to the lounge” doesn’t cut it.
So here are some tips that will help the rest of us save some cash at the airport.
Pack snacks
You’re less likely to mindlessly spend on overpriced food or drink in the terminal if you’ve got some snacks in your carry-on. So bring fruit, nuts, protein bars, a sandwich, or even ast night’s leftovers. Instant soup, oatmel packets and packets of almond or peanut butter can come in handy too.
Water bottle refill stations at many airports now have hot water dispensers, so if you bring a wide mouth insulated tumbler you can cook your instant coffee, oatmeal or soup for free as well.
Join Club Avolta for discounts in over 90 airports
Download the Club Avolta loyalty app, sign up for a free account, then get a 5% discount by showing your QR code or entering your phone number when you shop or dine at the company’s airport locations, which include Hudsons and Hudsons-operated outlets and many restaurants
The discount increases for Gold and Platinum members and you can get complimentary 1-year gold status by submitting an airline or hotel loyalty membership card.
Join Thanks Again to earn cash back and gift cards
Thanks Again is another airport rewards program. Instead of immediate discounts, however, members earn points for shopping, dining and parking at participating airports that can then be redeemed for cash, gift cards or other rewards.
Save your Starbucks stars for the airport
If you’re a regular Starbucks patron, you probably know the exact cost of your regular order when you get it in town.
That same order will cost quite a bit more at the airport. But the number of Starbucks Rewards stars needed to get an extra shot, a free drink or a food item will be the same.
So, save your stars to use to at participating airport Starbucks branches.
Shop at the food court
You can often lower your airport food bill by building your meal out of appetizer-sized portions purchased from multiple food court vendors instead of one main dish purchased on its own at a sit-down restaurant.
And check for kid’s meals, which often come with chips and a soft drink.
Grab a meal or a snack before you go through security
Prices at pre-security outlets often have lower prices than post-security venues.
Our new pre (and sometimes post) flight stops are the 7-Eleven stores that can be found pre-security at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), Toronto International Airport (YYZ) and Vancouver International Airport (YVR).
DFW Airport has several post-security 7-Eleven outlets as well. Be sure to download the app for bonus discounts.
Vending machines
The lutefisk vending machine MSP airport announced one April Fools Day thankfully never materialized. But airport vending machines can save you money on meals and be lifesavers late in the evening or early in the morning when staffed dining venues are limited or closed.
One option, Farmer’s Fridge, offers a wide variety of healthy meals and snack items, and offers a discount if you order through the app. You can also earn rewards towards free items.
Have more tips on saving money on food at airports? Drop it in the comments.
