'I'm a frequent flier and you can bag freebies at the airport using these four tips'

Going on holiday or taking a plane to visit family can be expensive. Flights aren't always cheap unless you're able to get a good package deal, and then you have to factor in travelling to the airport itself. Even when you're at the airport waiting to board your flight, you can end up spending a small fortune on food, drink and any other bits of shopping you might do.

But what if we told you there is a way to save yourself some pennies on some of the most frequently bought airport items? One travel expert claims she always manages to bag free goodies at airports simply by following a few easy rules.

Carmen Roberts, a travel journalist and business owner who has visited more than 85 countries, shared a video on TikTok in which she explained the ways she saves money and makes her airport experience "more luxurious" for free.

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1. Free water

It's important to stay hydrated before and during a flight, and one of the easiest things to get for free at an airport is water. Carmen suggested taking a reusable water bottle to the airport, as many places will fill it with hot or cold water for free. There are also usually water fountains dotted around for you to fill your bottle yourself.

But it's not just regular drinking water you can get for free. Many cafes and airport lounges don't charge for cups of hot water, so if you bring your own tea bags, instant coffee, or even hot chocolate sachets, you can make yourself a delicious brew without having to spend the outrageous coffee shop prices.

Carmen said: "Hot water is usually free at cafés and airport lounges. Bring your own teabags or even instant coffee and enjoy a cuppa without the £4+ markup."

2. Free samples

For those wanting a quick refresh, airport beauty counters could be your saviour. Carmen stated if you "ask nicely", many of these counters are willing to hand over free samples of things like moisturiser, perfume, or serum.

This means you can refresh your skin or make sure you have a fresh spritz of perfume without breaking the bank or having to carry around a larger product that you don't really want.

Carmen said: "Airport beauty counters = free samples. Ask nicely to test a moisturiser, perfume, or serum. It's like a mini spa moment while you wait."

3. Charging ports

Carmen also claimed you can often charge your phone for free at an airport if you know where to look. The expert said airports tend to have charging ports near TV screens and vending machines, or in places where they don't expect crowds.

Finding one of these ports means you can give your phone some extra juice if it's running low, which can be a lifesaver for when you reach your destination and need to call someone to pick you up.

Bonus tip

As a final tip, Carmen shared a key piece of advice that could help you save money even though it's not entirely free. She said if you need toiletries or cosmetics from somewhere like Boots, you can often order them ahead of time and pick them up when you get to the airport.

Sometimes, these pharmacies will charge you regular market prices for these items when you buy them online, so you can save yourself some money by not paying inflated airport prices - even though you're collecting from an airport store.

Carmen said she's had success doing this with Boots in the UK, and Walgreens in the US.