Discovering Free Perks at Airports: A Traveler’s Guide
Air travel can often be expensive, but airports also come with opportunities to save money and enjoy some amenities. If you want to cut costs while still being comfortable, just know that airports across the country offer multiple free services and goodies.
From Wi-Fi and entertainment to wellness options, this guide will help you find the best free perks available. We want to keep you informed and help you make the most of your journey without breaking the bank.
Whether you’re a frequent traveler or an occasional one, following these tips will bring a more pleasant and cost-effective experience when it comes to airports.
These are some free things that maybe you didn’t know you can get:
1. Water bottle
Hydration stations are located throughout terminals, and they are easy to access. They are the alternative to the old water fountains known to be the germiest places in airports. Travelers can now refill their bottles quickly and efficiently via an automatic hand-free sensor, replacing the need to buy overpriced water bottles.
Among the airports offering this perk are San Francisco International, London Heathrow, Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson, and Chicago O’Hare. This is an amazing and well-taken benefit, as clean water improves the overall travel experience. The value seems to be especially felt when rushing between connected flights, waiting at the gate, or passing security. These stations are going to help you stay hydrated, ensuring that at least this is one less thing to worry about.
2. Free books at the airport
If you’re looking for something good to read during the flight, we joyfully let you know that there are several airports where you can borrow a book. An airport library where you can borrow books can work in interesting ways when it comes to the book return policy.
Tallinn Airport Library operates with old, beautiful human trust, expecting the book on the return flight or “some other time.” Helsinki Airport offers a book swap point that refers to taking books free of charge and inviting you to send around the world your own used books.
Meanwhile, Amsterdam Schiphol has a library where you can read books in 40 languages, view photo books, and listen to music. They have iPads, a lot of activities for children, and cozy areas.
3. Luggage tags and stickers
For the amateurs of really free things that they can touch, put them in their pockets and leave with them, this is what we have. They may not be the most exciting things to get for free, but in case you didn’t know, they are free in almost all of the airports.
Luggage tags are extremely useful, and we advise you even to attach one to your carry-on. This is how the airline staff can identify your luggage easier in case it gets lost. You can find free luggage cards at the check-in counter, or maybe you will need to ask for them. However, if you are not a person who works well with standard things, this is where you can get pretty luggage tags that can fit your suitcase, outfit, or overall personality.
Another free item you can get is the “Fragile” sticker. You can always ask for one, or you may even find it by yourself at the check-in counters. It’s always a good idea to slap some on your luggage, but unfortunately, nobody can guarantee that the signs will be read or taken into consideration.
4. Fitness for free
The first airport to come with a yoga room was San Francisco International Airport, and for sure, it set a trend. They created a space dedicated to relaxation, self-reflection, and, of course, practicing yoga. With no charge for using the facility and a schedule from 4 a.m. to 11 p.m. every day, the initiative was taken by travelers with open arms.
Following this amenity, Miami, Dallas, and Burlington came up with the same idea, and now it is pretty common to see tourists giving up tension by folding in a yoga position. Moreover, Baltimore/Washington has a free-access cardio trail on an area of 2 km that passengers can hit anytime.
5. A tour of where you landed
It may be uncommon to think of an airport as a touristic destination. Well, we think it’s better to see something new than wait at the gate. Got you! An internal airport tour is not what I meant. This is why we’d like you to know that several airports offer complimentary tours for people passing through.
Seoul’s Incheon International Airport invites travelers to hop on a variety of tours where they can see markets, temples, or even caves. Singapore also offers to help you capture the spirit of their culture during your transit, with historical walks at Merlion Park or a buzz in the vibrant China Town. You can choose from a variety of tours, such as the Changi Precinct Tour, the City Sights Tour, or the Heritage Tour. And yes, they are all free and open to all travelers transiting at Changi Airport.
Istanbul is another place where you can get free tours from the airport, but the entity that is offering them is an actual airline, which means you must fly with them to be eligible.
6. Religious Services
Flying may be exhausting, and sometimes all you need is to reconnect with yourself and maybe with a higher source. You may just look for a quiet place or a meditation room. But if what you seek is a real ceremony, just know that airports offer various spiritual and religious services.
One of them is Atlanta Hartsfield Jackson, which comes with interfaith chapels. Chaplaincy services are available during the week for the following: Catholic, Christian, non-denominational, and Muslim. They also provide a prayer room that you can access 24/7, and the right location inside the airport appears on their website. There, you can find medical services, nursing stations, and animal relief areas.
Another example of an airport providing these services is Albuquerque International Sunport, which has a quiet meditation room, but it is also available in many terminals around the world. They are usually free, but if you feel the need to contribute in any way, donations are always welcome.
7. A hand when in need
There is special assistance for disabled travelers at airports around the world. But they’re not the only ones who need a little support and patience. Many airports are involved in programs that offer help to people who, for example, don’t speak the local language or to lost and confused passengers.
New York’s JFK, for example, has a non-profit initiative named Traveler’s Aid that assists and supports kids traveling alone, but also people losing their tickets or being in unpleasant situations such as getting separated from their companion. There are similar setups in other airports, such as Traveler Aid Chicago (at O’Hare Airport) or Customer Care Counters at Vancouver International Airport.
We hope knowing about these facilities is going to be helpful for you. Don’t forget to stay hydrated while you travel, always have your favorite gadgets or books to stay entertained, or find a moment to reconnect with yourself. Take care of your luggage, move as much as you can, and don’t hesitate to ask for help when you feel confused.
If you liked our article, this is another one on 10 Tips to Save Money on Transportation.
