Yesterday, I flew down to DC for work, and I’m flying home in a couple hours. But I was in such a rush in the morning that I forgot to bring anything to eat with me for the day.
So, at the airport, I was really tempted to grab a snack. But a sandwich was $10! And even a Diet Coke was $2.50. My first thought was, “I can’t afford that!”
Not because $2.50 is a lot of money. But because in a couple hours, I’d be out of the airport and everything would be half the price. With such a short flight, you’re usually shopping at the airport out of boredom, not hunger/thirst/need. If you need encouragement to wait, try thinking of what else you can buy with that money once you land. Even if you spend it all, you’ll be much happier.
How pleasantly surprised I was to find that Jet Blue still serves a free soda and a snack on even short flights. A whole can of Diet Coke and a bag of cookies? Love you, Jet Blue!
My general rule is just to never buy anything in an airport. I’ve violated this one or two times, but I try really hard to stick with it, because it’s a slippery slope. I’ve been in airports for 24 hours before and bought nothing. If you can just make a rule not to open your wallet in an airport, travel automatically gets cheaper.
You can always ask at restaurants for a cup (or bring an empty plastic bottle) and fill it at the water bubbler or soda fountain so that you stay hydrated at the airport. Or just bring a book and treat it like you’re at home — you don’t need a snack every hour at home, and you don’t on the road either.
Next step: get myself upgraded to the airport lounge. How can I make that happen?
