I'm queen of cheap family holidays – here are five ways I save money at airports from ‘free' sunscreen to food cashback
GETTING through the airport without spending more than you've paid for your flights can be a bit of a challenge when you've got a young family.
Here's my hacks for keeping costs down while not falling foul of security and airline restrictions.
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Grab a 'free suncream' at the airport
We all know suncream can cost a bomb abroad, but if you're only traveling with hand luggage, you might not be able to carry a big bottle with you.
When I went through Stansted at Easter, the liquid allowance was still 100ml per bottle, although it's due to be lifted at some airports this month after new scanners were installed.
But if you plan in advance, you could get a free suncream in the departure lounge once you're through the security checks.
Before you travel, get the Recycle at Boots app and find five empty health or beauty items that can't go in your kerbside recycling collection, like electric toothbrush heads or toothpaste tubes.
Take a quick snap of them and upload them to the app. Once they've been added, you can bag them up and drop them in the collection point at your nearest participating Boots, before scanning the QR code on the side of the box for a voucher to claim £5 worth of Advantage Card points when you spend £10.
If you store up your points until you get through airport security, you can spend them on suncream at Boots airside.
I got a bottle of Soltan at Stansted for £6.05, so you'll need more points than you get in one recycling transaction, but there's nothing to stop you doing it several times and getting lots of points on your card, ready to spend at the airport.
It's also handy if you need liquids like Calpol or you've forgotten any essentials like toothpaste.
Local drop-off prices or free
Residents who live near Stansted Airport can pay a reduced charge at the express set down at the terminal of either 50p or £1 for up to 15 minutes, depending on whether they live within five miles or 10 miles.
There are similar schemes at other regional airports like Edinburgh and Manchester, which means that if you live near an airport or have family and friends who do, you might be able to avoid paying for airport parking.
We used the free drop-off and pick-up point in one of the long-term car parks, hopping on the shuttle bus to get us to and from the airport.
Food on flight
It's worth giving a bit of thought to what you're going to eat and drink while you're at the airport and on your flight, as grabbing a quick bite can end up costing a fair bit otherwise.
I usually pack up a picnic of cut-price sarnies to dole out on the plane, but it would also be easy to bring a pot noodle and ask for some hot water from the cabin crew.
For just 70p a pop at Aldi compared to easyJet or Norse Atlantic Airways prices of £4.50 per pot, my family of five would save almost £20 with this easy hack.
We also like to bring reusable water pouches that pack flat and can be filled up once you're through security.
There's a water tap just inside the Wetherspoons at Stansted so you don't even need to ask at the bar to top up your drinks bottles.
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Cashback cards
If you want to eat something a bit more substantial before your flight, it's often the case that chains like Pizza Express exclude their airport branches from popular deals and discounts.
But there is a way you can enjoy a meal while saving a bit of money, if you use cashback sites like Quidco.
If you've got a bit of cashback saved up on your account, you can withdraw it in the form of an e-giftcard for various restaurants.
Cashing out as a gift card rather than straight into your bank account might mean you'll get an extra amount on top of what you're withdrawing.
You can get up to 15 per cent extra on some restaurant giftcards, so if you're cashing out £10, you'll end up with £11.50 to spend.
It can take a few days for the gift card to arrive in your inbox, so you'll need to plan in advance of your travel date.
Luggage which doubles up
I'm not alone in suffering airport anxiety when it comes to making sure I don't fall foul of luggage restrictions.
But there's a couple of little tricks you could use to help yourself out if you need just a bit more space for your holiday essentials.
If you have a neck pillow that you use to sleep on your flight, you can take the inner cushion out and stuff the case with a rolled up towel or nightwear to save space in your bag.
And if you're traveling with children, some airlines like easyJet allow you to check in extra equipment like booster seats free.
My sons have a booster seat that doubles as a backpack, so we put toys or books in there to make the most of the extra space.
You need to check what your airline says about checking in children's equipment before you try this though, as you don't want to end up paying extra once you arrive at the airport!
If you give some of these tips a go, you could end up with a bit more money to enjoy yourself at your destination, instead of splashing the cash before you've even set off.
Here are some other airport tips.
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