8 Ways to Save Money in Gatwick Airport
If you’ve flown recently, you’ll know just how expensive UK airport prices have become. From £8 pints to £6 sandwiches, it’s easy to spend £100+ for a family before you even board. Jump on some of these airport money saving tips to help you cut costs without feeling deprived.
Jesus wept the airport can be expensive – I’m noticing it even more as I travel with Ben and Reggie. They’ve pimped up some of the terminals in the UK, so they’ve become a whole experience but we’re having to pay for that. When I went to Tirana a few days ago from the South Terminal I saw Gail’s were doing bacon sandwiches for £9 each, and they were teeny tiny!
It’s way to easy to get drawn into spending more than you wanted, before you’ve even got to your destination so I’m here to help you avoid overspending at the airport.
How to save money in Gatwick Airport
1. Take a packed lunch through airport security
The cost of sandwiches at the airport is extortionate when you compare to making them at home. Last time I flew through Gatwick I made myself a ham, cheese and pickle sandwich with my favourite bread, and loads of filling. I used Marks and Spencer ham, Cathedral City cheese and the best Branston Pickle, with an estimated cost of about £1.20.
I also bought a packet of Skips, a banana, some Marmite protein snacks and some Japanese snacks we had in the cupboard. A full on feast.
Whereas even the cheapest airport meal at Boots would set you back around £4.75. This adds up for a family, and is not nearly as nice with soggy and / or dry bread, and stingy fillings.
Whenever I go to Pret at the airport, I spend a fortune so taking a packed lunch really saved a bit. Make your airport picnic really tasty, and indulge as soon as you get there. That way you’ll be satiated and less likely to be tempted by Wagas and Wethers.
Saved: £20
2. Or get a Boots Meal Deal at the airport
Boots airport meal deal price currently starts at around £5.50 – more than in normal shops. Boots is definitely cheaper than Pret, but nowhere near as tasty, and in my opinion it’s better than WHSmith but also cheaper.
To save the most money on eating at the airport, pack that picnic. But, if you don’t have the time or inclination, a Boots Meal Deal is the next cheapest option.
3. Take your own flask for free coffee
Did you know you can ask at Pret and Starbucks for free hot water? Then, just bring along some cappuccino sachets like these, and there you have it, a free coffee at Gatwick Airport, winner.
Saved: £4 x 2 = £8
4. Bring a reusable bottle, and fill it after security
Last time I went through Gatwick, you were allowed up to TWO LITRES of water. I took a plastic bottle of fizzy San Pelligrino through, and a bottle of my own water in a flask. Didn’t even have to take them out of my bag!
“There are water fountains available after security in both terminals and all the restaurants and bars will fill bottles for free,” says Gatwick Airport.
So there’s now absolutely no reason to pay for airport water at Gatwick – retailers must be gutted!
water refill stations at Gatwick
North Terminal:
- Two fountains on the right-hand side of the entrance to the World Duty Free store, after security.
- Near the toilets on the lower level by the Special Assistance area.
- On the upper level by the toilets nearest the escalator.
South Terminal:
- On the upper level by toilets nearest the Special Assistance area.
- On the lower lever at the entrance to the toilets.
- In the immigration halls outside the toilets before going through passport control.
If you like flavour to your water, either bring some double concentrate squash in a 100ml bottle or an On the Go squash bottle like this.
Saved: £1.40
5. Drink gin and tonics in Pret, instead of Wetherspoons
Spotted, when I was prowling for my free hot water, and taking pictures of baguette prices: Sipsmith gin and tonic cans for £3.99 in the fridge at Pret a Manger.
I did try to buy one to go, but you need to sit in and drink. That’s ok. Next time.
I did spot that a gin and tonic is a minimum of £6.99 at The Flying Horse Wetherspoons so you can save £3 a pop here. Not sure whether you get ice and a slice, I’ll find out – leave it with me.
Saved: £3
6. Download all your books and TV shows
Gawd, the books in WHSmith are sold at a premium, aren’t they? Make sure to bring your own entertainment so you’re not charmed by the covers and (not very good) offers beckoning you in.
Saved: £10
7. If you’re a regular traveller, get lounge access
I’ll pre empt this, by saying I’m not a huge lounge fan. I still haven’t found the value, but I think if you’re regularly travelling and can get one through another benefit (like a bank or credit card) then they can be.
8. Utilise your free WHSmith carrier bag
Pay 20p for a duty free carrier bag to take more on board!
Get a carrier bag from WHSmith or Boots, and the airline staff won’t blink an eye. Official rules say you’re allowed to take a duty free bag on board – just keep it subtle and don’t overdo it. On my way to Tirana mine had all my cosmetics and electricals in. No dramas.
This is a great way to add more hand luggage for free.
| Item | Airport Price | DIY Price | Saving |
|---|---|---|---|
| Meal deal | £5.50 | £1.50 | £4 |
| Coffee | £4 | 50p | £3.50 |
| Water | £1.80 | Free | £1.40 |
Just be prepared!
The key to all of this, as is life, is to be prepared. If you come with drinks, food, flasks and entertainment you can save a lot of money – especially for a family.
Remember, not every second of your holiday has to be super special, and so yes, I would rather have the Pret experience, but by bringing a great sandwich from home, I now have more money to spend while I’m on holiday. I know what a Pret sandwich tastes like, and now I have all the more for byrek and fërgesë in Tirana!