Why Your Cheap Flight Might Be a Pricey Mistake at the Airport
Ever booked a flight with a layover to save some money? Maybe you patted yourself on the back for scoring a deal that was $100 cheaper than the nonstop. But when all was said and done, did you really save that much—or anything at all?
Let’s break down why what seems like a savvy booking decision might end up costing you more once you're at the airport.
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The Sneaky Costs of Layovers
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Transportation
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The Real Cost of Your Time
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When a Layover Does Make Sense
- Pack snacks to avoid pricey airport food.
- Bring entertainment to resist shopping out of boredom.
- Check transit schedules to ensure a late arrival won’t require a pricey cab.
- Use lounge access if you have it—many offer food and drink for free or a flat fee.
Airport Dining: Sticker Shock
That layover means more time to kill—and that usually means food. You probably didn’t plan on dining out at the airport, but after trudging through security and waiting around with little else to do, your stomach (and vacation mindset) takes over.
That $25 burger becomes $50 after adding fries, a drink, and the airport’s infamous upcharge. Add a tip, and suddenly you’re looking at a $50 lunch for one. Oh, and you ordered a beer too—because why not? You’re on vacation.
If you’d flown direct, you would have waited until you got to your destination for your next meal (and you wouldn’t have been held hostage to airport restaurant prices). What started as a budget-saving move just took a bite out of your wallet.
Boredom Shopping
Waiting around during a layover isn’t just boring—it’s a temptation minefield. Airport shops are filled with overpriced snacks, magazines, neck pillows, and travel gadgets you didn't think you needed but now suddenly do.
You grab a bottle of water, a bag of candy, maybe even a pack of gum or a new charger for your phone. It adds up—fast. What felt like $5 here and there can easily reach $30–$40 by the time you’re boarding your connecting flight.
Timing is everything when it comes to arriving in a new city. If you had flown nonstop and arrived by 7 p.m., you’d probably feel fine navigating public transit. But now, your connecting itinerary gets you in after 10 p.m., and you don’t want to deal with the subway in an unfamiliar destination.
Suddenly, a $2 subway ride turns into a $50 taxi or rideshare. It’s late. You’re tired. You just want to get to the hotel.
That $100 you saved by choosing the layover? You’ve now spent it on lunch, snacks, and a ride.
Beyond dollars and cents, there’s the cost of your time. That longer travel day means less time at your destination. If you’re on a short trip, that can make a big difference.
What’s your time worth? For many travelers, a longer day of airport hopping simply isn’t worth the modest savings.
Layovers aren’t always the villain. Sometimes they can save hundreds, or are the only option to reach a destination. In those cases, planning is key: