Woman shares how she 'gets free stuff at airport without being weird'; here are her top 5 travel hacks

Published on: Jul 14, 2025, 18:02:31 IST

By Akanksha Agnihotri

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Travel journalist Carmen shares airport hacks to save money and enjoy complimentary services. (Freepik)

Woman shares simple, clever airport hacks to get free drinks, beauty samples and charging spots, making travel easier without feeling awkward or weird.

When it comes to air travel, every small saving and comfort counts, whether it's getting a complimentary snack or skipping those extra charges for essentials. From lounge access to hidden freebies, airports can actually offer more than most travellers realise.

Travel journalist and TV presenter Carmen shared some simple yet clever airport hacks in her July 8 Instagram post that help her score free stuff during flights without seeming awkward or weird. (Also read: Solo female traveller lists India among countries where she felt most unsafe: ‘When I was alone in the North…’ )

"Free stuff at airports? Yes, please! And no, you don't have to be weird about it. Here are a few ways I save money (and make airport life a little more luxe) without spending a thing," Carmen wrote in the caption. Let's take a look at her tips:

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A post shared by Carmen | Travel Journalist & TV Presenter (@carmenroberts_travels)

1. Bring your own tea bags or coffee

Hot water is usually free at cafés or airport lounges. Bring your own teabags or instant coffee and skip paying £4+ for a cuppa.

2. Reusable cup trick

Carry a reusable cup. Many cafés will fill it with hot water without questioning, and you can also use airport water fountains to refill your bottle.

3. Beauty counter samples

Visit airport beauty counters and politely ask to try moisturisers, perfumes, or serums. It's like a mini spa session while you wait.

(Also read: Travel vlogger shows India’s most luxurious train with fancy bar, spa, 5-star restaurant; tickets cost up to ₹4 lakh )

4. Hidden charging spots

Look behind TV screens or near vending machines, airports often have hidden plug points where crowds don't gather.

5. Click and collect tip

In airports like those in the UK and US, pharmacies such as Boots or Walgreens let you order online and pick up at regular prices, avoiding inflated airport rates.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Akanksha Agnihotri
Akanksha Agnihotri is a lifestyle journalist with over 3 years of experience. She is a psychology graduate and holds a postgraduate diploma in Radio and Television Journalism from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Delhi, where she graduated as a gold medalist. Originally from Bhopal, the beautiful capital of Madhya Pradesh, she draws inspiration from the city’s rich cultural heritage and layered storytelling traditions that subtly shape her narrative voice. She writes extensively about fashion, beauty, health, relationships, culture, and food, exploring everything from trending styles and runway moments to wellness routines and mindful living. Passionate about meaningful and candid conversations, she enjoys interviewing celebrities, doctors, designers, and film personalities, diving into discussions on fitness, beauty, mental health, and everything fun in between. With a keen eye for trends and a thoughtful understanding of human behaviour, she brings depth, sensitivity, and authenticity to her stories, ensuring they resonate with a wide and diverse audience. When she’s not working, you’ll usually find her lost in a book, planning her next mountain trek, or mapping out spontaneous travel escapes. She loves discovering new authors, revisiting old favourites, and spending quiet afternoons in museums soaking in art, history, and culture. An avid bird-watching enthusiast, she finds joy in early morning walks, spotting rare birds, and reconnecting with nature. Whether sipping coffee while journaling her thoughts or exploring hidden corners of a new city, she constantly seeks inspiration in everyday moments that often turn into compelling story ideas.Read More

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