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(as of January 13, 2025 00:06 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)Are you one of those travelers who always seems to forget something important at home? Don’t worry, it happens to the best of us! But when it comes to buying comfort items at the airport, there’s one thing you should never, ever buy: a neck pillow.
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The Great Neck Pillow Scam
Unless you’re in desperate need of a neck pillow to prevent a tweaked neck, avoid buying one at the airport at all costs. These U-shaped travel pillows are usually made of memory foam or soft stuffing and are designed to prevent your head from falling to the side if you fall asleep. Any experienced traveler will tell you that a good neck pillow can make or break an international flight.
The Price is Wrong
The same neck pillow that costs less than $12 on Amazon or through another retailer might sell for two or three times that price at the airport. That’s right, folks, you could be paying triple the price for the same exact product! While we’re all familiar with the law of supply and demand, overpaying for a neck pillow when you know you can find it much cheaper elsewhere is just plain ridiculous.
Price at Airport | Price on Amazon |
---|---|
$36 | $12 |
The Hygiene Factor
Let’s talk about hygiene for a second. Think of all the sweaty necks and dirty fingers that touched that pillow before you purchased it. It’s enough to make any germaphobe shiver and reach for the hand sanitizer! Do you really want to risk getting sick just to get a good night’s sleep on a plane?
Sweater Hack to the Rescue
Instead of buying a neck pillow at the airport, try out this sweater hack that proves you don’t need to buy a travel pillow to sleep well on a plane. Simply fold your sweater in half and use it as a makeshift pillow. It’s genius, if you ask me!
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Other Airport Rip-Offs to Avoid
While we’re on the topic of airport rip-offs, let’s talk about some other items you should never buy at the airport.
Electronics
Lindsay Sakraida, the director of content marketing at DealNews, recently told Reader’s Digest that electronics are, on average, 34 percent more expensive at the airport than what they would be online. That’s right, folks, those headphones you’re eyeing might be 34 percent more expensive than they need to be!
Bottled Water
Not only is bottled water at the airport incredibly overpriced, but it also contributes to plastic waste. Instead, pack a reusable bottle and refill it in the terminal. Your wallet and the planet will thank you!
Souvenirs
Those kitschy T-shirts, magnets, and dog plushies might be tempting, but they’re likely much more expensive than their non-airport counterparts. Try to resist the urge to buy souvenirs at the airport, and instead, look for more affordable options online or at local shops.
Budget Travel Hacks
Want to save money in the terminal? Here are some budget travel hacks to keep in mind:
Bring Your Own Snacks
Instead of buying overpriced snacks at the airport, bring your own! Pack some nuts, dried fruit, or energy bars to keep you satisfied during your flight.
Avoid Currency Exchange
If you need to exchange currency, do it at a bank or currency exchange office instead of at the airport. You’ll get a better rate and avoid unnecessary fees.
Use Public Transportation
Instead of taking a taxi or Uber to the airport, use public transportation. It’s cheaper and often just as convenient!
By following these budget travel hacks and avoiding airport rip-offs, you’ll be well on your way to saving money and having a more enjoyable travel experience. Happy travels!
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